Israel-Gaza crisis: Seeking diplomacy and peace – By K K S Perera

Eugene Burdick’s The Ugly American, -1958 is a political novel with a plot based on American foreign policy; it offers a pointed critique of US actions inSoutheast Asia.
It was adapted into a film with the legendary Marlon Brando in the lead role. Another best seller, Ugly American, authored by Ben Mezrich unveils the true story of Ivy League American cowboys who, obsessed with wealth, embark on a mission to exploit the Asian markets.   

The pejorative title has been used in various literary and artistic works. Collins defines it as a “stereotypical representation of an American tourist as a brash and insensitive philistine.”   
Our focus here is not to make opinions on literature or art, but rather to address the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza, where, Israel has imposed a communications blackout and deployed troops across the border: the US conducted airstrikes in Syria, targeting what it referred to as Iranian “proxies.”   

This tragic situation is considered one of the most serious incidents related to war crimes since the end of World War II. The ‘Ugly’ Western leaders admit that civilian casualties are part of conflicts. They justify war crimes in Gaza referring to Hitler’s atrocities committed against Jews eight decades ago. While the US is considered the guardian of HR, this explanation is seen as deceitful and raises doubts about its commitment to its principles.

The Israeli Prime Minister, in a televised address, stated that Israel’s “hellfire” had “already eliminated thousands of terrorists”: however, his military actions had targeted over ten thousand and, eliminated more civilian children than what he referred to as terrorists.   
He further asserted that these actions were just the beginning. He did not specify the timing of any further operations, indicating that the decision would be made by him, the war cabinet, and the Israel Defense Forces. Maybe he anticipated more of Biden’s ‘ugly’ troops arriving in the coming days.   

One of the greatest American Statesmen, President Jimmy Carter, the 39th [1977-81, who was ahead of his time by installing solar panels on the White House roof 45 years ago, as part of his energy policy], emphasized Human Rights diplomacy in Latin America; engaged in negotiations with the Soviet Union for nuclear arms reduction; and made significant contributions to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One of his notable achievements was that the U.S. did not engage in any conflicts during his presidency. The fact that the Carter administration did not engage in war with any country makes it a unique period in American history. Both preceding and following his presidency, severe losses of lives occurred in Vietnam, Korea, Arab-Israeli, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the only exception to this non-combat status was the loss of eight lives during a hostage rescue mission in the Iranian Revolution.   

Carter, the 2002 Nobel Prize awardee speaking on the Israel–Palestine conflict in 2013, emphasized that the international community was awakening to the fact that the establishment of a single State between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River was rapidly unfolding, and unless this process was halted through disapproval from the global community, it could have disastrous consequences for Israel, Palestine and neighbouring countries. He had extensively studied the situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza for over three decades and highlighted that all previous presidents advocated a two-state solution as the best path for Israel and its neighbours, including the Palestinians, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.   

However, during Netanyahu’s tenure as Prime Minister, a shift towards a one-state solution had been made, which, Carter considered counterproductive. He noted that Israel was rapidly expanding into Palestinian territories, constructing illegal settlements, and creating obstacles to peace. This development raised significant concerns among people in Israel, Palestinians, the Arab nations, the European community, and the United Nations.   

This crisis shows signs of backing and escalation from the US and Western nations. The conflicts that persist in both Gaza and Ukraine are essential components of a growing Third World War, a global struggle whose scale and consequences could rival the colossal conflicts of the past.

This crisis has raised serious concerns on the global stage, inspiring a dire need for resolution, mediation, and joint global efforts to avert further escalation and bring about peace. It is essential that the world community recognizes the significance of these events and works unitedly to address the root causes and ensure a peaceful and secure future for all.   
This situation could surpass the scale and intensity of both World War I (1914-1918) and WW II (1939-1945) unless an apolitical global anti-war movement intervenes. The United States has deployed a significant military force in the Mediterranean, comprising two aircraft carriers. The Biden administration has issued warnings regarding potential intervention if the situation between Israel and Hamas escalates, raising the possibility of a conflict involving the United States and Iran.   

Albert Einstein, when questioned about the potential weapons for a Third World War, famously remarked:    “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”    This statement implies that the destructive power of World War III would be so devastating that it would reduce human civilization to a primitive state, where survivors would have to begin anew with very basic tools and technology.

In a recent speech following his return from Israel, President Biden explicitly linked the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Referring to the global geopolitical interests of American imperialism, he called for an additional $105 billion in military expenditure for 2023 as essential for the “national security” of America.   

The Israeli military campaign in Gaza is perceived by some as part of the broader global conflict, particularly with the looming confrontation with Iran. It is seen as an attempt to crush Palestinian resistance to the Zionist regime and has reached a devastating scale. 

Some observers argue that the Israeli approach in Gaza, characterized by harsh tactics, can be likened to an attempt to resolve the Palestinian question through what is referred to as the “Final Solution.”   

The campaign of extinction in this war has reaped support from the leading powers. Despite the ongoing violence in Gaza, these leaders express their solidarity with Israel. It has become a customary political practice for leaders such as US President Biden, German Chancellor Scholz, and British Prime Minister Sunak to make visits to Israel in what can be seen as a symbolic demonstration of this backing. Continuing this trend French President Macron also visited Israel last week.   

At the age of 99, James Earl Carter born in October 1924, the politician, humanitarian, and former peanut farmer turned billionaire agriculturist resides in a modest one-story house in a small Georgian town of 790 inhabitants.   

He occasionally teaches at Sunday school in a nearby church, which holds a special place as it’s where both his and his wife’s families have lived for generations.   
The world community, not just America, could benefit from more individuals like Jimmy Carter, who embody the values of peace and diplomacy.   

The writer can be contacted at kksperera1@gmail.com