After months of anticipation and speculation, former United States President Donald Trump’s much-debated plan for the Gaza Strip finally went into effect. The plan, which aimed to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, was met with mixed reactions from the international community. While some hailed it as a step towards peace, others expressed concerns over its potential impact on the region.
However, what was perhaps most surprising was the reaction of governments around the world. Despite the mounting pressure to hold Israel accountable for its actions, many seemed eager to return to the status quo after Trump’s plan was implemented. This raises the question: what happened to the international pressure that was building to hold Israel accountable?
To understand this, we must first look at the context in which Trump’s plan was introduced. For decades, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a constant source of tension and violence in the Middle East. Despite numerous attempts at peace talks and interventions by the international community, a lasting solution has remained elusive.
In this context, Trump’s plan was seen by some as a potential game-changer. The plan proposed a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank, while also recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It also promised $50 billion in investments to boost the Palestinian economy.
On the surface, this may sound like a step in the right direction. However, upon closer examination, it became clear that the plan heavily favored Israel and disregarded the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. It allowed Israel to annex large parts of the West Bank, effectively leaving the Palestinians with a fragmented and non-contiguous state. It also failed to address the issue of Palestinian refugees and their right to return to their homeland.
Unsurprisingly, the plan was met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians and their supporters, who saw it as a betrayal of their cause. The international community also expressed concerns over the plan’s lack of viability and potential to further escalate the conflict.
In light of these criticisms, it is puzzling that many governments seemed eager to return to the status quo after the plan was implemented. One explanation could be the influence of the United States, which has long been a staunch ally of Israel. By backing Trump’s plan, these governments may have been trying to appease the US and maintain their relations with Israel.
Another factor could be the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has dominated the global agenda and diverted attention from other issues. With the world struggling to contain the virus and its economic fallout, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may have taken a backseat in the minds of many leaders.
However, this does not justify the lack of action and accountability towards Israel’s actions. The Israeli government has continued to carry out illegal settlements and human rights violations in the occupied territories, with little consequence. The recent violence in Gaza, which claimed the lives of over 200 Palestinians, including children, is yet another tragic reminder of the urgent need for international intervention.
It is heartening to see that some countries, such as Ireland and Sweden, have taken a stand and recognized Palestinian statehood. This is a step towards holding Israel accountable for its actions and giving the Palestinian people the recognition and rights they deserve. But more needs to be done.
The international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people. Pressure must continue to be exerted on Israel to end its occupation and human rights abuses. The US, in particular, must use its influence to push for a fair and just resolution to the conflict, rather than blindly supporting Israel’s actions.
Moreover, the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas should not be seen as a resolution to the conflict. It is merely a temporary pause in the violence. The root causes of the conflict, such as the illegal occupation and blockade of Gaza, must be addressed for a lasting peace to be achieved.
In conclusion, the lack of action and accountability towards Israel’s actions in the wake of Trump’s plan is a disappointing setback. However, it is not too late for the international community to come together and push for a just and equitable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The world cannot afford to let this issue continue to escalate and claim more innocent lives. It is time for governments to rise above political considerations and prioritize the well-being and rights of all people involved in this long-standing conflict.
