Priyanka Bhattacharya (Sub Editor)
The Gaza Strip, an element of territory on the Mediterranean Sea, has frequently been a source of dispute and debate. Since October 7, at least 10,812 Palestinians, including 4,412 children, have perished as a result of Israeli bombardment on Gaza. There are usually demonstrations and clashes because of the convergence of political unrest, economic difficulties, and past conflicts. Multiple violent clashes and protests have taken place in Gaza, with heavy casualties for all involved. This article aims to analyze the role played by international organizations, specifically the United Nations, in handling the current demonstrations in Gaza and determines whether UN involvement is necessary in restoring peace to the area as a whole.
The Threads Of Historical Context
More than two million Palestinians live in the 360 square kilometer Gaza Strip. Its turbulent past is filled with work, chaos, and evacuation. Protests in Gaza have their origins in the Arab-Israeli conflict, which is a protracted disagreement over territory, boundaries, and national sovereignty. Gaza’s population is caught in a vicious cycle of violence and hopelessness as there have been several wars and uprisings since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
How Have the Gaza Protests Evolved?
Known by many as the “Great March of Return,” the protests in Gaza started in March 2018 and have been going on intermittently ever since. To raise awareness of their political and humanitarian complaints, the Palestinians and their coalitions have been at the forefront of most of these protests. Demonstrators call for the release of Palestinian refugees from Israeli detention camps and an end to the Israeli blockade, which severely restricts the flow of goods and people into and out of Gaza. The protests have included nonviolent rallies, pelting of stones, tire-burning, and, occasionally, more aggressive clashes with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Many people have died because of the fighting on both sides, prompting stress about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis on an international scale.
International Organizations and Their Role
The United Nations and other international organizations are essential in resolving disputes and crises worldwide. Their participation is especially significant in light of the Gaza protests because they have historically been active in efforts to find peaceful solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Some of these are listed below.
- Conflict Resolution: The UN has frequently assisted in mediating and conducting peacekeeping missions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a number of its committees and agencies. Diplomats and UN envoys have tried to encourage communication and bring all sides to the bargaining Although these initiatives have frequently encountered obstacles and failures, they are nonetheless crucial to any sustained settlement of the dispute
- Assistance and Communication: International groups can increase public knowledge of the larger Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Gaza demonstrations. Through the dissemination of publications, the planning of conferences, and interactions with the international community, these groups can contribute to maintaining public awareness of the issue and increasing pressure for a diplomatic solution.
- Rescue efforts: A major supplier of aid to the Gaza population is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The UN and other organizations ease the suffering of the people in Gaza by providing vital support like as food, medical supplies, and education through its hospitals, schools, and humanitarian efforts.
Should the UN Intervene?
It is a perplexing topic as to whether UN action in the Gaza protest situation is necessary. UN engagement advocates argue that for several reasons, the international community—through the UN—should take a more proactive approach to resolving the current situation. However, UN intervention critics contend that there are several reasons why their approach might not be the best. Take a look at both.
For:
- International Affairs: There have been breaches of international law regarding the siege of Gaza and the continuous occupation of Palestinian territory. To promote a more equitable and stable environment in the area, the UN may assist in ensuring that international law is respected.
- Disaster Relief: There is a serious lack of necessities and amenities in Gaza, making the situation catastrophic. The economic damage caused by the blockade has resulted in widespread poverty. To alleviate the current humanitarian situation and enhance Gazans’ quality of life, UN assistance is required.
- Limiting Acceleration: The intermittent violence in Gaza can turn into major confrontations that would be extremely harmful to both Israelis and Palestinians. UN action can help stop these types of crises and prevent them from worsening.
- Discussion and Mediation: The UN can act as an impartial mediator to help the Palestinian and Israeli authorities have a conversation. To resolve the conflict’s fundamental problems, diplomacy, and nonviolent discussions are crucial.
Against:
- Political Objections: In the UN, where many member states have their interests and alliances, reaching a consensus is a difficult undertaking. This may impede the UN’s ability to effectively intervene in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Issues of Sovereignty: Since Israel and the Palestinian Authority are independent states, any action taken by the UN must uphold their independence while attempting to find a peaceful settlement. It might be challenging to balance these factors.
- Safety concerns: Israel’s security fears are well-founded, considering its long history of hostilities with different Palestinian factions. Israel’s security requirements must be considered and sufficiently addressed in any UN action.
- Ideological conflict: There are strong political differences, distrust, and firmly held beliefs on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. UN action might not be enough on its own to close these gaps and provide a long-term solution.
In a nutshell
Historical, political, and enduring issues are at the core of both the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Gaza demonstrations. The United Nations and other international institutions are essential in resolving this issue. Even if UN action is not an answer and has several difficulties, it is still an essential vehicle for providing emergency assistance, resolving disputes, and expanding attention. Everyone must be committed to having candid conversations if the Gaza demonstrations and the Israeli-Palestinian issue are to be resolved. To bring about change, the international community—including the UN—must support international law, encourage such discussions, and address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Gaza population. The pursuit of fair and enduring peace in the region essentially requires cooperation from every one, with international organizations playing a critical role.
