The United States has long portrayed itself as a neutral mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, a critical examination reveals a far more troubling reality. The U.S. foreign policy, particularly its unwavering support for Israel, has contributed significantly to the ongoing suffering in Gaza. This support, deeply entrenched in political, military, and economic ties, has not only perpetuated the occupation but also exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The recent proposal for a Gaza ceasefire, touted by President Biden, is a prime example of this duplicitous stance. Although presented as an Israeli proposal, the plan is strikingly similar to one put forward by Hamas weeks earlier, which Israel initially rejected. This sudden alignment raises questions about the genuine intentions behind the U.S. involvement. Is the U.S. truly striving for peace, or is it merely seeking to maintain the status quo that benefits its geopolitical interests and those of its ally, Israel?
The ceasefire proposal consists of three phases: a six-week ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza. On the surface, these steps appear to offer a path toward peace. However, the underlying conditions, particularly Israel’s right to resume military operations if Hamas “fails to fulfill its commitments,” suggest otherwise. This clause provides Israel with a convenient pretext to continue its military aggression under the guise of self-defense.
Israel’s approach to the proposal, focusing on aspects favorable to its narrative of victory, further complicates the situation. Netanyahu’s ultranationalist coalition partners have threatened to dismantle the government if the deal proceeds, while opposition leaders have pledged support to ensure its passage. This political maneuvering highlights the internal divisions within Israel but also underscores the broader issue: the lack of genuine commitment to peace and justice for Palestinians.
The U.S. Congress’s bipartisan support for the proposal signals a growing awareness of the detrimental impact of Israel’s actions on America’s global standing. Yet, this support is more about managing the fallout than addressing the root causes of the conflict. By framing the proposal as an Israeli initiative, the Biden administration seeks to placate pro-Israel factions while avoiding direct accountability for the ongoing crisis.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s ultimatum to Qatar to pressure Hamas into accepting the deal reflects the coercive tactics employed by the U.S. This strategy aims to isolate Hamas and force compliance through threats rather than genuine dialogue. Such actions reveal the extent to which the U.S. is willing to go to protect Israeli interests, even at the expense of Palestinian lives and rights.
The broader implications of this ceasefire proposal extend beyond the immediate context. Biden’s speech, promising a return to pre-October 7th stability, is an attempt to reset the Middle East to a state that favored U.S. and Israeli interests. However, this vision is increasingly untenable. The war in Gaza has galvanized anti-U.S. and anti-Israel sentiment across the region, undermining America’s credibility and influence.
Public opinion in the Middle East has hardened against both Israel and the U.S., driven by the visible devastation in Gaza and the perceived hypocrisy of Western policies. Political elites in the region are also growing wary of U.S. promises, recognizing the instability such alliances bring to their own countries. This growing disillusionment suggests that any attempt to revert to the old order will face significant resistance. The U.S. foreign policy of supporting Israel has played a critical role in perpetuating the conflict in Gaza. The recent ceasefire proposal, while ostensibly a step toward peace, is riddled with conditions that favor Israeli aggression and maintain the occupation.
