The Hindu Editorial Analysis
17 June 2025
The war on Gaza, exposing Israel’s hidden ambition
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 08)
Topic: GS 2: International Relations – India and its neighborhood- relations; Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests
Context:
The Gaza conflict, now in its 262nd day, has revealed deep contradictions between Israel’s stated aims and its real actions. The humanitarian crisis and mass civilian casualties indicate a broader agenda beyond self-defense, with regional and geopolitical ramifications.
Introduction:
While Israel frames its Gaza offensive in terms of hostages, dismantling Hamas, and disarmament, the scope and scale of destruction suggest a deeper ambition. This war fits into a longer strategic plan to reduce or eliminate the Palestinian population, as reflected in past Israeli policies. These include territorial occupation, demographic engineering, and forced displacement – all under the cover of national security.
Key Issues and Impact:
1. Propaganda vs. Reality
- Details: Israel justifies the war as self-defense and counter-terrorism. However, the magnitude of destruction — over 54,000 deaths, starvation tactics, and urban flattening — tells a different story.
- Impact: Creates global skepticism, erodes legitimacy, and leads to increased criticism from human rights organizations and the UN.
2. Historical Strategy of Expulsion
- Details: The campaign to depopulate Gaza and reduce Palestinian claims echoes the Nakba of 1948 and Ben-Gurion’s “finish the job” doctrine.
- Impact: Undermines the two-state solution and deepens the Israeli-Palestinian divide.
3. Demographic Engineering
- Details: Israeli policies and statements, along with data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, reflect efforts to reduce the Arab share of the population through displacement and denial of return rights.
- Impact: Violates international humanitarian law and potentially meets the criteria of ethnic cleansing.
4. Regional and International Implications
- Details: Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and African states like Uganda and Rwanda are being considered for forced relocations under the pretext of development.
- Impact: Sets dangerous precedents, strains regional stability, and undermines refugee protections under the Geneva Convention.
5. Western Complicity and Double Standards
- Details: The U.S. and allies have failed to condemn Israel strongly or act decisively through the UN Security Council.
- Impact: Weakens the moral credibility of global governance institutions and highlights the politicization of international law.
6. Humanitarian Crisis
- Details: Over 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced; infrastructure, hospitals, and schools targeted. Starvation used as a weapon.
- Impact: Constitutes war crimes and potentially genocide, according to UN experts.
Conclusion:
The Gaza war is not just a military operation; it reflects Israel’s long-term ambition of reshaping demographics in its favor. With global outrage rising and humanitarian law flouted, there is a growing call for genuine international intervention and legal accountability. For India, which supports a two-state solution and abides by international law, this moment underscores the importance of a consistent, rights-based foreign policy. The crisis also reinforces the need to uphold multilateral institutions and human dignity amidst geopolitical turbulence.