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IT was the massacre of unarmed Palestinians, and not the celebrations of the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem, that stood out this week. Over 60 Palestinians have been killed and 2,700 injured in Gaza as Israeli forces fired on protesters, killing mostly teenagers.
In fact, the Israelis not only used live bullets but also fighter jets and a tank to prevent protesters from breaking the barricade. According to one report quoting doctors, some of the exit wounds caused by Israeli ammunition were ‘fist-size’. This kind of brutality has not been seen since the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict.
It all happened a mere 90 to 100 kilometres from the site of celebrations at the newly built American embassy in the occupied land. The bloodbath continued as participants from both Israel and the United States sang ‘Hallelujah’ and the Israeli prime minister declared it a “glorious day”.
May 14 was also the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Israel. Palestinians refer to the day after as Nakba, or the catastrophe, when, in 1948, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to flee or were expelled from their homes and became refugees.
Donald Trump’s decision to shift the US embassy to Jerusalem has given a bloodier turn to the Palestinian issue and has led to diminishing hopes of any solution to the conflict. The move is a manifestation of the close alliance between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The use of brute force has failed to deter the Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation.
Despite the US support to Israel, the previous administrations in Washington had refrained from taking the controversial step. There had been some effort to understand and respond to the Palestinian narrative. But Trump’s blatant support for Israeli expansionism has made the peace negotiations more difficult.
Read: Israel’s man in the White House
In his recorded message at the Jerusalem ceremony, Trump declared that his greatest hope is to achieve peace. Amusingly, he has also claimed that he has an interest in solving the “toughest deal of all”. While condoning the carnage of unarmed Palestinians, Trump says he still intends to present a detailed peace initiative.
His move has plunged the region into greater turmoil and effectively brought to an end any arbitration role for the US in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. While fully endorsing the Israeli narrative, the Trump administration has crossed a red line.
As one analyst put it, “it is an unravelling of the peace process framework which for the past 25 years has led to neither peace nor all-out war”. Not surprisingly, the Israeli prime minister sounded more triumphant and defiant in his celebratory speech. “We are in Jerusalem and we are here to stay,” he declared.
Most shamefully, the American and Israeli officials put the blame for the violence on the protesters. The use of brute force, however, has failed to deter the Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation. Hundreds of casualties in Gaza are likely to trigger an uprising or intifada spreading to the West Bank.
It is evident that the Trump administration is complicit in the Israeli violence against the hapless Palestinian population. Washington has also blocked the call for a UN investigation into the incident. The move has further emboldened Israeli expansionism and rendered the Middle East situation more explosive.
While the US moves and the carnage in Gaza have evoked strong condemnation by the international community, there is no effective voice for the support of the Palestinians’ right to their homeland despite several UN resolutions. The silence of Saudi Arabia and some other Arab countries over the plight of the Palestinian people is particularly disturbing.
It reflects the realignment of forces in the Middle East. It is true that key Arab countries seem more willing to sanction a settlement less favourable to the Palestinians than before because they want Israel as an ally against Iran.
The Jerusalem ceremony took place days after Trump announced the US would unilaterally pull out from the Iranian nuclear deal. Not surprisingly, the controversial decision to reimpose US sanctions on Tehran has been welcomed by Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Both countries have been opposed to the treaty signed by Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China besides the United States. Opposition to Iran has brought the two countries on the same side of the Middle East civil war. That has also led to Saudi Arabia’s increasing tilt towards Israel on the Palestinian issue.
The comments made by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, during his recent visit to the United States illustrate the shift in the kingdom’s position on the Palestinian issue. He reportedly scolded the Palestinian leadership for what he described as a decades-long history of “rejecting peace with Israel”, adding they should either begin to accept peace proposals or “shut up”.
A leaked Israeli foreign ministry cable sent by a diplomat from the Israeli consulate in New York said that the crown prince’s comments, made during the closed meetings, apparently caused people to “literally fall off their chairs”.
He made it clear that the Palestinian cause was not a priority for the makers of foreign policy in Riyadh and that the kingdom has to face much wider threats in the region, such as Iran. Although the king tried to exercise damage control because of his son’s outrageous remarks, it does not signify very much as the crown prince is effectively in charge.
Not surprisingly, the US move to shift its embassy to Jerusalem did not evoke much opposition from the kingdom and other Gulf countries. It has indeed emboldened Israel. There is a clear indication that the cooperation between Riyadh and Israel could further increase with the rising tensions in the Middle East following the US withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear deal.
That may also allow Israel to continue using brute force to suppress the Palestinian resistance movement. Undoubtedly, there have been mass protests in some Muslim countries, but is this enough to draw the attention of the international community to Israel’s expansionist objectives under the patronage of the United States?
The writer is an author and journalist.
Twitter: @hidhussain
Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2018
Comments (94) Closed
Palestinians were using catapults, strings & were pelting stones.
Why was an 8 month girl was taken near to a violent border, who died of suffocation?
Palestinians were carrying cutters to cut the barbed wires, some were seen trying to cut.
Sometimes the Prince seems to be the only sensible person around. He has rightly pointed out that all that the Palestenians want is more violence and nothing else. If they were serious about the peace deals, they needed give back something to gain something. All Israel asked was for security, and even that is not something the Palestenians would give. All that comes from them is to take and take some more. The world gets tired after a while. I have met so many Palestinians, working in jobs in Africa, they were all absolutely disgusted with the so called Palestinian leader's. And of their impractical stance to everything. They said they had to take jobs in Africa because they were not allowed in any part of Arab. And mind you, these were well educated professionals, not IT, but engineering.
The original demonstrations were planned by ordinary Palestianians and were therefore going to be peaceful. Hasmas got involved and infiltrated and finally took over these demonstrations and orchestrated the stone throwing, knowing full well that Israel would respond with lethan and non-symmetrical force. Hamas wanted this bloodshed to occur, Hamas needed this blood shed to occur - they need to shoulder equal responsibility for this, for playing a part in killing their own people.
If you protest violently, the reaction would be violent too!
Unfortunate enough.... Muslim world was always made to dance at the tunes of worldly big powers.The leadership of any Muslim country is confined to saving his chair and enjoying the power. Also least stress on education and literacy is second problem thus reducing them to dependence on other countries for even any household article. Muslim world is abundant in natural resources but is exploited by the countries who are opposed to very existence of the Muslim ummah . Again one by one are devastated for the reason known to none. Muslim world should condemn the act of US in one voice and should move international court of justice for this criminal act otherwise every country will face the same fate
An excellent article, as usual. I think in this whole episode, the most condemnable aspect is criminal silence of powerful Muslim/Arab countries. KSA, Gulf states have failed to fight case of Muslims on international scene time and again.
Absolutely no justification to murder 60 Palestinians by the IdF and absolutely no reason to offer a fatal resistance against the expected brutal response by IDF. All Palestinian activists must read and learn from Sun Tzu famous book titled, "Art of War". Sacrificing your life is the least and the last (definitely not the first) decision in devising a strategy for a long drawn out war.
The brutality meted out to Palestinians can be correctly compared with jews holocaust in Germany. Israel is doing the same thing that Hitler did with the addition of Trump's help.
Excellent analysis as usual. Shame on OIC and islamic countries esp KSA, Egypt and UAE for their criminal silence on the issue. Well done Turkey.
Also mention Black September.
Next is turn of those who are silent now, this is there miss understanding that they will be apared in future, their future isn't away.
@Riz Arabs don't care other non-Arabs, that's why you can't attain citizenship in those countries.
Where are the human rights champions of the liberal world? where is all enlightenment of modern and developed societies? Innocent men, women, boys and girls deprived of and made refugees in their own homeland are being killed and injured ruthlessly but the so called defenders of peace and humanity are celeberating with Israel.
How can world peace and stability could be brought without justice and fairness?
MBS has to take care of his seat. Also other Gulf countries who are quite on the deaths of Palestinians are because of same reason.
Israelis are occupied forces into Palestine by all definitions (UN) - therefore Palestinians have all rights to move away the encroaches.
To be fair the photos shown in the same newspaper does not prove that protesters are peaceful and unarmed, bu i still condemn the hard handling by Israel.
Muslim Ummah is sleeping ,
Palestinians are being used by Hamas for their own financial goals to remain relevant; reminds us of the aliens using strategic assets.
The silence of muslim world especially arab countries on such massacre is deplorable.The unprovoked hatred between iran and KSA is disgraceful.KSA and iran must parley in their broader interest
i dont like trump but this move i truly support trump and israel
Why you are surprised about silence of KSA, when Prince Salman has already talked about cooperation with Israel against their common enemy!
the author uses the word disturbing, regarding the saudi response. I would use another word cowardice. Let the muslim world see this royal family for what it is.
It is a tug of war . The mighty will win.
@Mishti Oh were they, what about Israel's illegal blockade of the Gaza strip which is continuing to cause this disruption?. And does that sanction the use of live fire, what kind of developed country is Israel?
Why Saudi Arabia n some other Muslim countries will condemn when they are killing innocent Muslim people in Yemen? Morally they do not have the right.
All Islamic countries play role against brutal action by Israel upon the instruction of U.S.
Silence of Saudi Arab and UAE is hurting me.
For the 70 lives that were lost there would be customary condemnation in UNHRC and the whole thing would be forgotten. Life would go on.
The truth is Palestinians and Kashmiris are fighting a lone battle, which is neither understood nor appreciated by the rest of the Muslim world. It is time they change the tactics or face annihilation.
@Mohsin wow, and that justifies response by bullits and missiles. Same justification Indians use when Kashmiris in IOK are killed.
@Darsh Because the feelings are so high, the entire family came to struggle for freedom from occupiers, like in IOK.
@Mishti pathetic statement. Be ashamed.
@Mohsin so are we saying that if Israel illegally usurps the land of Palestine then Palestinians have no right to defend their land.
@Mishti so are we saying that if Israel illegally usurps the land of Palestine then Palestinians have no right to defend their land.
@Darsh just to take sympathy from rest of the world. These people least care about ladies and childrens.
@uchak Do you not know the stance of MBS regarding Isarel and Israels various shout out to KSA on condemning Iran since this is one of the common beneficial point between them. You still feel that he will take any principal stance.
@david enough of using this Hamas scarecrow. Israel does this and unless you agree with them it is a pity that any person other than Isarel would use this at this instance. these demonstrations have been going on for some days now and are called by civil society and not Hamas. Were rockets or gunshots being fired by the protestors that they were met with such brut response.
It is strange that similar outrage is not seen when huge bloodshed occurs as a result of terrorism in Afghanistan.
They celebrated the opening of embassy with Palestinian blood.
What I do not understand is why the protests were happening at the Border? And further, why these protestors are invoking Israely Army by stone pelting and by trying to cross the border? Do you think you can fight any army in the world with stones. Who are the people inciting these protestors to get hurt and killed by these foolish actions? If you need to protest, why not protest well within Gaza and be safe!!! Let media be there to showcase your protest to the world.
KSA is complicit. Mr tRump is a bully who trumples only the weak. KSA has sold out to Israel.
Every country has its own interests, country comes first, charity later: New World Order
the arab country which has been most to blame for this is Egypt which can give access to the outside world to Gaza but has chosen instead to fill its own pockets with American aid whilst Gaza starves. The military dictatorship of Sisi has chosen to be subservient to US/Israeli interests, Gamal Abdel Nasser must be turning in his grave.
What Israel has been doing in Palestine is beyond words. Claiming that they owned this land 2000 years ago when there was no trace of Palestine. If this theory is accepted then 99% of USA, Australia, New Zealand and South Africans of European Origin, South American of European and African orgins should be sent to their actual country of origin and reigns of power should be handed over to indigenous people. Benjamin Nentanyahu should ask Mr. Donald Trump (being he champion of Israeli cause) to take lead & relocate himself to Europe .
By the way India is also now replicating Israel's actions in Kashmir. Thats why Modi is so fond of Netenyahu. Saudis and most of the Arab countries are only interested in preserving their own rule come what may.
@Darsh Its the classical propaganda. in peaceful protest everybody participates.
Most of the muslims are not aware of the history of Palestine, they should ready belford declaration then only muslims understand why Arabs are silent. All Saudi Rulers have accepted Israel as nation in 1937 and signed the treaty with British and US.
@Zafar Ahmed The war between Yemen ( including Iran) with Saudi Arabia & other Gulf States, is not coming to a halt , besides Syria, Libya are fighting among themselves.
Saudi Arabia Would be next to move their Embassy.
Seemingly the writer does not get himself updated as King Salman himself elaborated on the root cause. His tweets and news item appeared in leading local and international newspapers
So has other Muslim countries protested Saudi stand on the Palestinian issue? Eventually Palestinians will not weigh much in the grander scheme of geo-political maneuvering in the Middle East. Sad!
A people without a voice, without a government, without freedom and lacking basic services such as electricity, water and healthcare. Does Nicky Haley care about any of this? We need a president who wont turn a blind eye towards apartheid Israel. There is no two state option,that's a distraction. Lets be honest, Palestinians are not welcome to be part of a one state solution because they way outnumber Israelis. Even the conversation in the U.S. is on perpetual ice because just bringing up the topic or supporting Palestinians can be seen as antisemitic in the west. There is no help coming to those behind the fence, and the Arabs could care less at this point. Guantanamo is a summer camp compared to the west bank. Is Jared going to solve this?
KSA and gulf states are partners of USA and perhaps Israel. They are afraid to antagonize their partners.
People with guns are afraid of people with stones.
@uchak great perpective to the conflict. The Paalestanian people were among the most educated and professional in the entire Arab world. The reason the other Arabian nations feared them for their intellect and progressive outlook was because the rich Gulf Arab leaders did not want an educated Class of their own that would question their legitimacy and be a thorn always.
The article says, "The silence of Saudi Arabia and some other Arab countries over the plight of the Palestinian people is particularly disturbing." As if this is unexpected. I think even the blind could now see through the dark what these so-called Muslim leaders are up to.
@Mishti We haven;t heard voice of United Nations regarding US support to Israel? US president openly supporting Israel and we haven't saw any comments against them. Shame
@Mohsin Israeli are doing life fire. shame
Israel has a right to defend its territory. It's that simple. Don't charge the fence, especially when some of the perpetrators were armed.
Anyone think it was ironic that Erdogan was spewing insults towards Jerusalem from a city his own ancestors have conquered by force (Istanbul/Constantinople) and kicked out the native population (Greeks) by force? Seems very duplicitous to argue for indigenous rights on one hand and argue that might makes right in another.
@Mishti That does not give the Jews the right to shoot them dead. Gaza is not a sovereign country, its an occupied land surrounded by Israel from all sides. Shame on you to trying to justify massacre.
@Mishti Yes they want to go back to their homeland.
Sad day. If only this entire thing could have been done carefully and without violence. However, am not surprised why saudi n rest stayed away - its called statecraft..
Islamic nations need to nudge Palestinians towards a 2-state solution, instead of stoking Palestinian anger for advancing their own narrow political goals. Any solution should start with an acknowledgement of Israel's right to exist in peace and harmony with its neighbors. Too many lives have been lost in these never ending conflicts.
What the Saudis are doing in Yemen is 10 times worse
There is an Arab saying, rage of the weak ends in humiliation. Only a nuclear power can counter a nuclear power.
@Darsh;
'Why was an 8 month girl was taken near to a violent border, who died of suffocation?'
The entire Gaza strip is near the Israeli border, why do you think it is called a strip.
They see Iran as the biggest problem bigger than Israel. So surely Palestinian will have no place on their priority list. Grossly mistaken.
They are not innocent protester but throwing rocks and home made bombs supported by terrorist outfit Hamas. They will never achieve peace through these kind of violent protests. Palestinian corrupt and greedy leadership must sit on negotiating table to free their land.
@uchak ... Very Well Said!!!
Any good done by Trump is wiped out by this infamy.
Arabs are always dishonest even to each other.
Mr. Zahid Hussain, please take time to write something about Pakistan human right problems, attacks on Christian churches and Shia mosques, forceful conversion of poor Hindu and Christian girls to Islam. Did you ever write anything about Asia Bibi, the Christian Pakistani woman who has been imprisoned in solitary confinement for the last 10 years for the supposed crime of blasphemy. What happened to Patras Masih and Sajjid Masih in hands of FIA inspectors? What happened to Sunil Saleem in Lahore hospital? You are more sympathetic about Palestinian cause but completely ignoring your own people, minorities in Pakistan.
Thanks Dawn News for your fair and balance coverage... You are the best news outlet in Pakistan... Just love it!!!
They also remain silent on Chinese Muslims and Yemen Muslims and even Bangladeshi Muslims.
@vin yes very true. And we don't see any one talking about them even
@Awaz....
If it is revealed that most issues are addressed by media then every author is not bound to write about every issue. It would be like every editorial writing about Eid!
I am pretty sure the scarcity of alluding to the issues you bring forth by this particular author is because others have addressed it simultaneously and we have been reading them all along!
@vin So true.
Disturbing to YOU. They have their compelling reasons.
@Awaz....
Mr. Awaz,
Correct.
You have mentioned the realities.
And all your questions are valid.
@Awaz.... Rightly said.
Israel is perhaps doing the justified thing. Let's reflect on this from the Indo-Pak perspective. Would a rogue entity, a military Industrial complex be able to blackmail the region and the world at large, had the correct steps been undertaken by the dominant power/s? Never, it is taking so long today to put the genie back in the bottle to ease so much suffering due to blind policies.
@Awaz.... On the same injustices and persecution of minorities no one is silent voice is being raised, matters are highlighted, we have been on the roads and in Courts with them. Besides that dear, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" so we being human cannot sit silent and see the humans are being butchered for nothing. Mr Zahid Hussain has appropriately wrote the article and tried to dig out the true facts.
Palestinians were not that innocent as the writer would like to make us believe.
Palestinians invited the trouble in their doorstep. They knew very well Israel would retaliate and they wanted it. But they should know the world has changed and Saudis have accepted the right of Israel to exist.
@Zak violent protest will get a violent response only. the protestors should be prepared for the repercussions.
Reading the three posts, one can blame Palestinians. Probably the best for Palestinians is to surrender to Israel; they are weak with no one to support.
At least American media is criticizing Isreal, apart from right wing media.
@Dr. Doctor ... Can you show me any news piece from other writers or leaders or politicians... I will deeply appreciate it.
@Nawaz I’ve noticed that you’ve conveniently forgotten about the mass killings of the Kurdish people by the Turks.
@Fawad it is also bordering Egypt which is sealed by Egypt.
@Zak Enough of this fight may this world leave all religion and believe in only one religion that is humanity which consider everyone as equal all conflict would end.It is because of religion we are getting in to all this.
The barbaric act by Jews.
@Ali Kazmi
Stop making excuses. Have you ever been there? I have. There is no excuse!