International politics and the future of Gaza: Will international pressure force Trump to revise his Gaza plan and prioritize rebuilding without forced displacement? Commentary by Farrukh Dhondy.
In the heart of the Middle East, the region continues to grapple with a complex and longstanding conflict: the Israel-Palestine issue. Today, Gaza stands as a testament to the devastation of war, with an estimated 80,000 dead and millions displaced, homeless, and struggling to survive without adequate food, medicines, and water.
Meanwhile, the world watches as the situation unfolds, with experts and commentators offering their insights. Sunanda K. Datta-Ray, a renowned journalist, has recently discussed President Trump's Ukraine gambit and its potential impact on Europe. In a thought-provoking twist, Datta-Ray has also drawn parallels between the Philistines and Israel, and Israel and Palestine, implying a change in roles over time.
The conflict's historical roots run deep, and many have reflected on the events that led to the current state of affairs. Dilip Cherian, a Parsi familiar with the Hakamanyush ("Achaemenid") and Sassanian dynasties, has been one such individual. Cherian, who grew up with Jewish classmates in Pune, was initially unaware of the connection between Israel's establishment and British statesman Arthur Balfour's 1917 declaration.
Cherian's perspective shifted dramatically after reading a poem called "From The Alchemy of Tin Turn, by Bachchoo." The poem describes an empty shell with crumbled walls, hollows, and no chance of an echo—a poignant metaphor for the plight of the Palestinian people. This book changed Cherian's perspective, leading to arguments and estrangements from his Jewish friends.
The poem also carries a sense of loss and longing, with the shell once being a place where prayers aimed for heaven. This resonates with the story of Moses and the Israelites, a comparison that Sunanda K. Datta-Ray has made in reference to the current conflict between Israel and Palestine. Datta-Ray expresses hope that Palestinian Dawood can be equipped to face Israel, a reference to the David and Goliath story.
In recent years, the violence in Gaza has escalated, with both Israel and Palestine suffering heavy losses. In 2023, a group of Israelis were attacked by Hamas, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken into Gaza. The ongoing conflict has also displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians, turning the Gaza Strip into a vast refugee camp.
The world has witnessed the tragedy of Palestine, with the relentless erosion of land, life, and liberty. Despite this, some have proposed solutions that raise ethical questions. For instance, Donald Trump has suggested rebuilding Gaza and turning it into the "Riviera of the Middle East," potentially displacing the entire Palestinian population to other countries. This proposal has been met with resistance from both the affected countries and a majority of the displaced Palestinians, who argue that such a displacement cannot be justified.
As the conflict continues, it is crucial to remember the human cost and to strive for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all involved. It is our hope that one day, the shell that is Gaza will once again echo with the prayers and laughter of its people, and that the Middle East will know peace and prosperity.
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