Peace in Gaza Will Not Last Unless the Special U.S.-Israel Relationship Ends

The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas came at a heavy global cost, but Israel’s violent and disproportionate response has severely damaged its international standing. Countries like the UK, France, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized the state of Palestine, a symbolic yet significant shift in global sentiment. Israel’s efforts to normalize relations with the Arab world have also stalled.

While the ceasefire has allowed for the exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The “peace plan” brokered by U.S. mediators, heavily biased in favor of Israel, has been criticized for being more of an ultimatum than a negotiated agreement. The plan demands that Hamas disarm, destroy all tunnels, and remove itself from politics, while offering no clear path to a two-state solution or addressing Israel’s ongoing annexation of the West Bank.

The ceasefire is overseen by an external “Peace Committee” led by U.S. President Donald Trump, but there is little optimism that this will lead to a lasting resolution. Historically, temporary ceasefires have been brokered, but without sustained international pressure, especially from the U.S., Israel has continued to expand its settlements and tighten its grip on Palestinian territories.

The U.S.-Israel relationship has long been a cornerstone of American foreign policy, but this “special relationship” has come under increasing scrutiny. Public opinion in the U.S. is shifting, with more Americans expressing sympathy for Palestinians than for Israel. A recent poll found that 41% of Americans believe Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to “genocide,” while only 22% see them as justified.

The U.S. provides Israel with billions in military aid annually, despite Israel being a wealthy country with a robust nuclear arsenal. This unconditional support has not only damaged America’s reputation in the Middle East but has also undermined its claims to moral superiority over countries like Russia and China.

The disproportionate influence of Israel on U.S. politics and media has also been a point of contention. Israel, with a population of less than 10 million, receives more attention from U.S. policymakers and media than larger, strategically important countries like India, Japan, or Brazil. This has led to a situation where U.S. presidents spend an inordinate amount of time and resources on Israel, often at the expense of addressing more pressing domestic and global issues.

In conclusion, for a lasting peace in Gaza, the U.S. must normalize its relationship with Israel, treating it as it would any other country, based on mutual interests rather than unconditional support. This would not only benefit the U.S. but could also lead to a more just and sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.