© David Wallace/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK + © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(New York, NY) – There have been fits and starts in the “push for peace” as bloody conflicts rage across the globe. For the war-torn populaces of Ukraine and Russia it’s been years of mortar and drone attacks, air raid sirens, and body bags continuing to pile up — claiming the lives of both nation’s young men in horrifying numbers.
All the while, war continues between Israel and Palestine — in Gaza — where residents continue to face unyielding hunger as well as the threat of bombs, bullets, and fire.
But in the past week there have been new developments that have renewed hope that a lasting ceasefire could be achieved in both conflicts. In the Middle East, where IDF forces have been battling Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed a Gaza takeover plan. Proposed by the US, the occupation plan is described by some as “revolutionary” — to involve the relocation of Palestinian civilians.
Netanyahu says the plan’s goal is simple in its aim: to defeat Hamas, secure the release of hostages, and make sure the threat of future terrorism from Gaza is eliminated. At its successful conclusion, Gaza would be demilitarized, Hamas leadership would be sent into exile, and a civilian administration would be established for Palestine. That group would specifically be unaffiliated with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, or PA.
Naturally, the plan has been received as controversial and worthy of criticism. Arab nations such as Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have objected to the relocation of Palestinians. Some have compared it to ethnic cleansing, such as in genocide. Turkey, China, as well as European nations including France, Germany and the UK have spoken out in opposition.
Human rights groups have been among the critics, describing the occupation plan as a potential violation of international law. Still, many others have said — this is the only option. A “two state solution” lives largely in fantasy land — or in the minds of people who would rather see Israel cease to exist. But many who consider themselves supporters of Israel have noted concerns. There’s been comparisons made to Afghanistan, and even Vietnam — suggesting Israel could be staring down the abyss of a decades-long quagmire that remains unsettled, violent, and destructive.
Under the plan, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would take control of Gaza City while also providing humanitarian aid outside active combat zones. The Security Cabinet must ok any plan.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have not yielded any concrete results — despite President Donald Trump making a peace agreement one of the stated goals of his second term in office. At times, Trump has taken a more harsh tone toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but more recently has singled out Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports say that Putin has told the US he will end the war in exchange for Eastern Ukraine — which has been under Russian occupation since the early part of the war. Also, the majority of the population there speak Russian, identify themselves as Russian, and practice the predominant Eastern Orthodox religion. Still, there are likely to be many who wonder what the point was for the entire, bloody war — when the terms of change have seemingly be in place for months, if not years.
Criticism has been laid at the feet of President Biden as well as members of the US Congress — given their combined efforts funded the Ukrainian war effort. If not for US dollars and weaponry, the war would have reached its impending conclusion far earlier.
Regardless of the Monday morning quarterbacking and historic record that will follow, there are numerous things to be gained by achieving peace in both the Middle East, and between Russia and Ukraine. Hostages remain held in Gaza, incomprehensibly — coming up on two years since they were kidnapped. Gaza health authorities maintain that 48,000 Palestinians have been killed — also arguing a severe hunger crisis endures. Netanyahu has denied claims of a famine. Trump has made mention of the crisis and announced US food distribution centers in Gaza. In the fog of war, numerous questions remain as to what really happens to airdropped food supplies.
The meeting between Trump and Putin is scheduled for August 15, Friday, at an undisclosed location in Alaska. The president’s foreign policy emphasizes deal-making and “America First” priorities, as seen in his Middle East initiatives. A potential meeting with Putin in Alaska would align with his stated goal of negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, focusing on energy security and US economic interests.
Of course it’s worth noting that while so many hope for an end to the bloodshed, there are numerous obstacles blocking a potential peace deal — in both war arenas. Hardline factions on all sides are pushing for the fighting to continue for various reasons — but the push for peace continues.
