__________________

OPINION

By Ahmed Hadji

On Saturday, April 13, the already volatile Middle East saw heightened tensions as Iran retaliated against Israel for a deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, earlier in the month.

The response came in the form of hundreds of drones and missiles launched towards Israeli territory. Israel’s air defence system, aided by the United States military, intercepted the majority of the projectiles and minimal damage was inflicted.

Iran, having delivered its retaliation, declared the matter concluded. However, Israel’s history suggests that the confrontation might not end here.

The western world swiftly condemned Iran’s actions. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denounced the attack as “reckless aggression”, echoing sentiments expressed by leaders across Europe and North America.

Such condemnations, while expected, raised eyebrows given the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Remarkably absent from these condemnations was substantial criticism of Israel’s own actions in Gaza. For over six months, Israel has been engaged in a campaign that has resulted in the deaths of nearly 34,000 Palestinians, including some 13,800 children.

These horrifying statistics, likely underestimated due to the thousands of missing persons presumed buried under rubble, underscore the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 76,000 people have been wounded as the Israeli military flattens entire neighbourhoods, destroys schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, all while condemning the territory’s inhabitants to famine and starvation.

Despite the staggering toll in Gaza, western leaders have been quick to vilify Iran while largely ignoring Israel’s actions. The hypocrisy is glaring, with statements about peace and stability ringing hollow in the face of the continued violence against Palestinians. Moreover, the timing of Iran’s attack raises suspicions about its potential use as a distraction from the ongoing Gaza crisis.

The US, a major supporter of Israel, has a vested interest in shifting the focus from its complicity in the genocide. Iran, long portrayed as a threat by the U.S., conveniently serves as a scapegoat to justify policies in the region.

In a compelling twist, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seized on the Iranian attack as a strategic disruption to deflect attention from mounting criticism at home.

Netanyahu faces calls for his resignation due to the high death toll in Gaza and his failure to secure the release of Israeli captives. By amplifying the threat posed by Iran, Netanyahu aims to reassert his leadership and rally support amidst domestic turmoil.

In the aftermath of the recent attack, it’s essential to refocus attention on the root causes of conflict in the Middle East. Rather than demonising Iran, the international community should address the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians, including Israel’s ongoing occupation and blockade of Gaza.

Calls for solidarity with Israel must be accompanied by a recognition of the harm inflicted upon the Palestinians. As leaders reaffirm their support for Israel’s “right to self-defence”, it’s crucial to remember that genuine peace can only be achieved through justice and accountability for all parties involved.

In conclusion, while Iran’s actions have sparked international condemnation, they also serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address the underlying issues driving conflict in the Middle East. As the world watches events unfold, it’s essential to resist simplistic narratives and confront the complexities of the region’s geopolitical landscape. Only then can meaningful progress towards peace and stability be achieved.

The writer is a foreign affairs analyst, an adjunct senior fellow with the Center for Policy and Strategic Studies (CPSS) Africa and the provost at the Lincoln Institute for Diplomacy and International Relations (LIDIR), Kampala, Uganda