Are Gulf Nations Ready to Recognize Israel Amidst Rising Tensions?
The recent recognition of Israel by certain Gulf nations, such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has raised significant questions and concerns about the future of peace and stability in the Middle East. For Palestinians, the absence from discussions on this topic is deeply concerning, as it mirrors the historical struggles they face.
Historical Context and the Palestinian Narrative
The narrative surrounding the recognition of Israel by Gulf nations is often intertwined with the history of the Zionist colonial project. Critics argue that this recognition is part of a broader plan to serve US imperialism and fulfill Israel's colonial ambitions, rather than fostering genuine peace and stability. The notion that 'a land without people for a people without land' has been used to justify the dispossession and marginalization of the Palestinian people.
This approach treats Palestinians as subhuman, irrelevant, and a nuisance, perpetuating a world of fantasy where their rights and well-being are disregarded. What is described as a 'peace agreement' is more accurately portrayed as a plan to erase Palestinian voices from the equation, replacing them with proxies willing to comply—despite these proxies' own histories of non-participation in conflicts against Israel.
The Gulf Nations Regime Perspective
Many Arab leaders see a secure Israel as essential to their own security and stability. This is not limited to Bahrain and the UAE but extends to other Gulf nations and Arab monarchies. For them, the security of Israel is intertwined with their own, creating a skewed geopolitical landscape where the occupation and oppression of Palestinians are tacitly condoned.
The "Peace Deal" and Future Projections
What is often termed the "peace deal" and the "dawn of a new Middle East" is, in reality, about normalization and the formation of an alliance between Israel and the UAE, primarily against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is not a peaceful agreement but a strategic move to bolster US interests and ensure regional stability, at the cost of ongoing Palestinian suffering.
Alastair Crooke, a prominent analyst from Beirut’s Conflicts Forum, elucidates that this agreement includes Israeli military presence in the Gulf and a joint intelligence base on Socotra Island, overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This new era promises wars and instability rather than peace and prosperity, and it leaves the Palestinian question unresolved, with significant portions of their land taken 'off the table.'
The agreement legitimizes Israeli control over Palestinian territories, allowing for continued detention, expansion of settlements, and the use of checkpoints to harass, detain, and sometimes kill Palestinians. This normalization of conditions under occupation does not bring peace but perpetuates a cycle of injustice and tyranny.
It is crucial to recognize that the international community, including countries like South Africa, have long-standing support for the rights of Palestinians. The dream of a 'new Middle East' free of conflict and secure for all peoples cannot be achieved while the Palestinian question remains unresolved.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, it is essential for all nations to consider the impact of their actions on global peace and justice. The recognition of Israel by Gulf nations, while serves short-term interests, must be weighed against the long-term consequences for the Middle East and the world.