The Israeli-Hamas conflict is deeply rooted in historical, political, and territorial factors, with contentious issues including the Palestinian refugee problem, Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem, and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel
Arab foreign ministers have issued a call for Israel to fulfill its international obligations as an occupying power and resume negotiations for a two-state solution during an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo. They stressed the importance of restarting the peace process, emphasizing serious negotiations between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel. This move is part of an initiative, primarily led by Saudi Arabia, aimed at de-escalating the crisis and compelling Israel to acknowledge that its refusal to engage in negotiations has contributed to the deterioration of its relations with Hamas.
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The Biden administration has privately expressed disappointment with Saudi Arabia for not condemning the recent brutal attacks by Hamas. Instead, Saudi Arabia has suggested that the violence may have been prevented if Palestinians had been granted the independent state they have long sought. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been more explicit in denouncing Hamas’s actions, having fully normalized ties with Israel through the 2019 Abraham Accords, in contrast to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Initiatives
Saudi Arabia, in the wake of the Hamas onslaught on Saturday, has engaged with various leaders, including the UK foreign secretary, in efforts to de-escalate the crisis and protect unarmed civilians. The Saudi government initially attributed the escalation to the continued occupation and the denial of legitimate rights to the Palestinian people.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assured the Palestinian Authority president of Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to engage with international and regional parties to halt the escalation and protect civilians. While Saudi Arabia has not openly endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state, it remains steadfast in supporting the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.
Saudi Arabia has been working on its version of the Abraham Accords with the US, prioritizing the preservation of its authority. Although the country maintains contact with Hamas’s political wing through Qatar, it has no affinity with its leadership. Saudi newspapers have increasingly asserted that regional peace is unattainable without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The current crisis poses a significant challenge to efforts to secure a three-way peace deal involving Saudi Arabia, the US, and Israel. The situation is complicated by Israel’s right-wing government and Hamas’s long-standing resistance to negotiations. The hope for a breakthrough that would meet Saudi security needs, enhance Joe Biden’s foreign policy legacy, and resolve the Palestinian conflict now faces setbacks and uncertainties.
Historical Context of the Israeli-Hamas conflict
The Israeli-Hamas conflict is a protracted and multifaceted struggle with historical roots dating back to the late 19th century. It has seen significant developments, including the establishment of Israel in 1948, the occupation of Palestinian territories following the Six-Day War in 1967, the emergence of Hamas as a resistance group in the late 1980s, and various attempts at peace negotiations, such as the Oslo Accords. The conflict has led to recurring clashes, a blockade of Gaza, and international mediation efforts. This complex issue remains deeply ingrained and involves a multitude of political, territorial, and security challenges, exacerbated by historical grievances and regional dynamics.
Unresolved Contentious Matters
There are several contentious matters over which the two parties are unable to reach a consensus. These encompass:
- The resolution of the Palestinian refugee issue
- The fate of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including whether they should remain or be dismantled
- The potential sharing of Jerusalem by both sides and
- Quite possibly the most challenging question of all, the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel
Recent Conflict of Hamas-Israelis
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the Palestinian armed group Hamas initiated an unprecedented attack on Israel, with hundreds of gunmen infiltrating communities near the Gaza Strip.
At least 1,500 Israelis have lost their lives, and there are hostages in Gaza, including both soldiers and civilians, including women and children.
In response, Israel’s military has conducted numerous air strikes on Gaza, resulting at least 1,537 Palestinian casualties. Additionally, Israel has imposed a complete blockade on the territory, depriving its inhabitants of food, fuel, and other essential supplies.
Furthermore, Israel has amassed its forces along the Gaza border, raising concerns among Palestinians about an imminent ground operation that could lead to further loss of life.
Who supports Israel in the current conflict, and who does not?
| Countries Supporting Israel | Countries Supporting Hamas |
| The USA | Iran |
| The UK | Qatar |
| Australia | Turkey |
| France | Lebanon |
| Norway | Syria |
| Austria | Yemen |
| Germany | Arab League |
| India | Jordan |
| Canada | Saudi Arabia |
| Poland | |
| UAE |
Conclusion
The recent emergency meeting of the Arab League underscores the Arab foreign ministers’ call for Israel to fulfill its international obligations as an occupying power and resume negotiations for a two-state solution. This initiative, primarily led by Saudi Arabia, aims to de-escalate the crisis and push for meaningful peace talks.
The Israeli-Hamas conflict is deeply rooted in historical, political, and territorial factors, with contentious issues including the Palestinian refugee problem, Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem, and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. The recent conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in a significant loss of life and an escalating crisis, further complicating the pursuit of peace.
