Welcome to the blog. Today, we’re discussing the role of international diplomacy in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, and whether there has been a shift in the US position.

The Current Situation

Despite UN-led appeals for a ceasefire, diplomatic pressure has had little impact on Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. More Palestinians are killed every day, raising questions about the effectiveness of international diplomacy in ending this war.

The US, UK, and a majority of European countries back Israel’s military offensive. However, cracks are starting to emerge. Ireland’s prime minister recently stated that Israel’s attacks on Gaza are starting to look like revenge. Among the superpowers, China wants the bombing campaign to end, while Russia has said that Israeli strikes break international law.

The United Nations General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution last week calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas. This non-binding motion passed with overwhelming support and has pressured some governments to act. Bahrain, which normalized ties with Israel in 2020, has recalled its ambassador. Jordan, a longtime Western ally, has done the same.

There’s a widening diplomatic rift between some Latin American nations and Israel. Bolivia has cut all ties, accusing Israeli forces of committing crimes against humanity. Colombia and Chile have recalled their ambassadors. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been unequivocal in her support for Israel, but some countries like Spain and Ireland have been critical of Israel.

The US Position

As the Palestinian death toll nears 10,000, the U.S. sent its most senior diplomat to Tel Aviv for a third time since the Hamas attack on October 7. The US has consistently stressed the need for Israel to operate according to international humanitarian law. However, there is a debate on whether there has been a significant shift in the US position.

The Role of Diplomacy

There’s always a role for international diplomacy. The reason diplomacy has failed so far is because there hasn’t been a significant shift in the US position. The US continues to support Israel’s actions, and it’s not even in favor of any kind of a humanitarian truce.

Conclusion

The current conflict between Israel and Gaza has put the effectiveness of international diplomacy to the test. While some countries have started to voice their concerns, others continue to support Israel’s actions. The role of diplomacy in resolving this conflict remains uncertain, but it’s clear that a shift in the stance of influential countries like the US could significantly impact the course of events.

Thank you for reading. Please join the conversation and share your thoughts on this issue.