As the second year of the war begins, the scenario is grim. After accomplishing their task in Palestine and occupied Gaza, the Israeli forces have expanded the war zone to Lebanon, Syria and Iran, thereby turning the initial war with Palestinians into a much wider war in West Asian region which if not stopped now, has all the potential of turning into a much bigger war leading to huge loss of lives and destruction.

On October 7 last year, More than 1100 Israeli citizens were killed including a few defence personnel. Since then many more Israeli citizens and a few soldiers have been killed at the hands of Hamas, but the Israeli retaliatory attacks have led to the killings of more than 48,000 Palestinians out of whom 90 per cent are civilians, especially women and children.

The United Nations general assembly and other bodies adopted a number of resolutions asking Israel to agree to immediate ceasefire to stop massacre and destruction but the IDF did not care as they have full support of the U.S. government which despite talk of peace negotiations, is taking pro-Israel position even defending Israeli attacks against Lebanon and killing the top Hezbollah leader. In UN, the US has been consistently opposing the ceasefire resolutions defying the overwhelming support given by the other members.

As usual, the UN authorities are powerless in taming Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has even given the threat that the UN secretary general will not be allowed in his country. Israel has defied the order of the International Crimes Council (ICC) which asked Israel to stop the hostilities as early as possible. Instead of abiding by that, Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that his forces will pound Lebanon and if needed, other countries meaning Iran and Syria.

After Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel, US chief of central command is in Tel Aviv to discuss planned strikes on Iran. US President has given Netanyahu green signal to strike in Iran excepting nuclear facilities. One senior IDF commander has said that the IDF will strike out Lebanon from the map of West Asia if the Hezbollah militants operate from the country, especially from Beirut.

So what next? The US is expected to continue to back Israel in the Presidential election year. The Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has taken a harder position in favour of Israel against the Muslim nations. He has asked Netanyahu to attack the nuclear facilities in Iran. Trump is making all efforts to take away a part of Democratic Party’s strong Jew base in its favour during the polls. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has to say during poll campaign meetings that she supports Israel though she speaks with a rider that all efforts should be made to opt for ceasefire. Prime Minister Netanyahu knows this election compulsion of the Democratic Party. Also the US state secretary Antony Blinken is a Jew and he never hides his contempt for the Hamas and Hezbollah.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has good relations with Iran. He is in touch with Iranian President. Russians have given some assistance covertly to Iran and Hamas militants, but taking into account pressure of Ukraine war, Putin does not want any direct involvement in West Asian war excepting diplomatic engagements. China, however, is now active in having discussions with the Arab nations. China is interested in expanding its role in West Asia but with restraint. China is looking for the installation of a new government in Washington after November 5 and how its relationship shapes up under the new US administration.

As regards the western powers, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer facing massive protests against arms supply to Israel, ordered the embargo of some important shipments to Tel Aviv last month, but this is very limited. Similarly French President Emanuel Macron has just ordered an embargo on shipments and this led to immediate protests from Netanyahu. Germany is continuing supply but has scaled down. But Israel has enough high tech arms of its own and just US supply can take care of its requirements. It wants to ensure U.S. supply which is huge.

As regards India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tarnished the image of this nation of Gandhi, Tagore and Buddha by taking a position which virtually supports Israel. On a number of occasions, India abstained from the resolution calling for ceasefire. While all the members of global south, especially Brazil and South Africa are taking prime positions in accusing Israel of genocide in Palestine and Lebanon, Modi has always been timid in criticizing his friend Netanyahu. Even after brutal attacks by Israel on Lebanon, Prime Minister talked to Netanyahu on phone and said ‘Terrorism has no place’ without mentioning Israel. This is nothing but appeasement of Israeli barbarism by the Indian Prime Minister.

Last week end, massive protests were organized by thousands of people in different western capitals including London, Paris, Berlin, New York and Washington denouncing US support to Israel and demanding immediate ceasefire to stop destruction. This protest movement has to be stepped up to a higher scale in the coming days.. The Biden government has to be persuaded to compel Netanyahu to agree to ceasefire. That is the only alternative now. (IPA Service)