Life in the West Bank Amid Israeli Strikes and Raids: “This Is The Worst It’s Ever Been”
Introduction:
In 2022, Yara Asi traveled to the West Bank to conduct research and visit her family in Nablus. Little did she know that she would witness Israel’s military besieging the city, leading to a devastating three-week siege. Asi’s hope for international intervention quickly faded as the attacks continued, resulting in the deadliest year for the West Bank since 2006. The situation has only worsened since then, with Israeli military attacks on the West Bank causing numerous casualties. The lack of intervention and accountability has raised concerns about the future of Palestine and the possibility of continued ethnic cleansing. This article explores the recent escalation of Israeli strikes and raids in the West Bank, the motivations behind them, and the implications for the region.
Escalation of Israeli Strikes and Raids:
Israel recently expanded its military campaign in the West Bank, conducting raids and airstrikes on the cities of Tulkarem, Jenin, and Tubas. This marked the largest attack in the occupied territory since 2002. The Israeli military’s preemptive strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians in just three days. Disturbing footage showed bulldozers destroying roads and civilian infrastructure, causing further devastation. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, called for the military to handle the threat in the same way as Gaza, raising concerns among Palestinians about the potential destruction in the West Bank.
The Fear of Permanent Displacement:
The United Nations human rights office condemned the strikes, stating that they violate international law. However, the U.S. reiterated Israel’s right to counter terrorist activity in the West Bank, further fueling the fear of permanent displacement among Palestinians. Yara Asi, a professor at the University of Central Florida, expressed her concern about the future of Palestine, questioning whether there will be a place called Palestine for her children and grandchildren. The escalating attacks and lack of intervention have intensified these fears.
Israel’s Motivation for Control:
According to Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Israel’s strikes in the West Bank reveal its long-term plan for total control of the region. Parsi argues that Israel’s goal is to annex as much Palestinian territory as possible, using moments of little international accountability to advance its agenda. The U.S.’s continued support for Israel, including the provision of weapons, has allowed Israel to act with impunity. This level of support not only harms the U.S.’s standing within the international community but also enables Israel’s expansionist ambitions.
The Two-State Solution and U.S. Policy:
Despite rhetoric supporting a two-state solution, the U.S. has shown little effort in getting Israel to end its illegal occupation. Khaled Elgindy, an adviser to Palestinian leadership, believes that a two-state solution is further away than ever. He sees the recent strikes in the West Bank as part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempt to prolong his stay in power and appease his far-right coalition. The lack of progress towards a two-state solution and the U.S.’s disjointed policy towards Israel have further eroded America’s international standing.
Human Rights Violations and International Accountability:
Israel’s operations in Gaza have been marred by evidence of human rights violations, including the bombing of civilians and civilian infrastructure, blocking aid, and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees. Israel’s leaders face potential war crime charges from the International Criminal Court and an ongoing genocide case within the U.N. International Court of Justice. Growing calls from Democrats to adhere to U.S. law, which prohibits the transfer of military aid in the presence of human rights violations, have put pressure on President Joe Biden. However, Israel continues to receive support from the U.S.
The Deteriorating Living Conditions:
Living conditions in the West Bank have been deteriorating under the tightening grip of Israeli forces. Military raids have become more frequent, limiting freedom of movement, and settler violence, often facilitated by Israeli forces, is on the rise. Even the elders who have lived through previous conflicts describe the current situation as the worst it has ever been. The fear of leaving one’s house, especially for those with sons, is palpable, as there is little hope for justice or accountability in case of harm or death.
Conclusion:
The recent escalation of Israeli strikes and raids in the West Bank has raised concerns about the future of Palestine and the possibility of continued ethnic cleansing. The lack of international intervention and accountability has allowed Israel to act with impunity, furthering its goal of total control in the region. The U.S.’s disjointed policy towards Israel and its continued support have damaged its standing within the international community. The deteriorating living conditions in the West Bank have instilled fear and uncertainty among Palestinians, who question whether there will be a place called Palestine for future generations.
