The complex issues surrounding the Israeli-Gaza conflict quickly attracted international attention over the weekend. With over 800 killed in Israel, including nine Americans, the unprecedented invasion has turned all eyes toward the middle east. Hundreds of civilians have been abducted and taken into the Gaza Strip by terrorist.
On Sunday, Hamas spokesman Ghazi Hamad publicly stated that Iran supported the Palestinian terror group’s surprise attack. Planned by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the go-ahead was given at a meeting in Beirut, Lebanon. It is well known that Tehran is a key backer of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as Lebanese terror group Hezbollah.
Over the weekend, the White House pledged “full support” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid “unprecedented” terror attacks on Israel carried out by Hamas. By Monday, some analysts were stating that the U.S. will likely provide military assistance in Israel with air and naval power if Syria or Iran become actively involved. As support for Hamas terror operations at anti-Israel rallies across U.S. cities over the weekend, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran blamed Israel for its escalating the invasion by the terrorist group.
China’s Involvement
As with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China’s uncomfortable relationship with Iran is making for strained relationships. China has traditionally used a cautious approach in international conflicts, but those days may be coming to an end. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China’s public role was that of peacemaker. This past summer, China imposed “global” restrictions on exports of long-range civilian drones, citing Russia’s war in Ukraine and concern that drones might be converted to military use.
However, it became apparent that China was helping Russia evade sanctions by supplying technology to Moscow, shipping navigation equipment and fighter jet parts to Russian defense companies. Iranian made drones used by Russia in Ukraine have had Chinese parts identified.
Like the Ukrainian situation, China publicly has publicly taken a non-interference role in the middle east. In March, as China continued its growth as a political power, Beijing brokered a deal restoring diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The brokered agreement demonstrated Beijing’s and Tehran’s interdependency, as Iran became increasingly dependent on China to survive diplomatic isolation, regional tensions, and a rocky economy. However, with Iran’s continued support of Hamas and Hezbollah, it is increasingly difficult for China to maintain the persona of peaceful ambivalence.
In an emergency United Nations session on Sunday, Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun stated that China “condemned all violence and attacks against civilians” and that “all parties should refrain from attacks on and destruction of civilians and civilian facilities.” China is expected to continue supporting a two-state solution, but its credentials as a peace broker are continuing to come under scrutiny.
As Beijing communicated respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Israel and the Palestinian territories, the massive escalation Israeli-Gaza conflict is causing outcry from the U.S., India, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Unlike most of the world, China has not condemned Hamas or offered any backing to Israel. What is clear is that China’s response is consistent with their long-held policy of steering clear of foreign conflicts.
China’s response to the latest attacks has been criticized by Israel, which has called for Beijing to take a stronger position. According to Tuvia Gering, a researcher with the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, “There is no such thing as a neutral position at times like these.”
On Monday, 600 warplanes pummeled the Gaza Strip, with 300,000 Israeli reserve troops, tanks and jets preparing for an assault on Gaza within the next 24 hours. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced to the world that Israel has no choice but to unleash a ground offensive in Gaza. The Israeli leader told the White House later in the day that, “We have to go in. We can’t negotiate now.”
