Israeli Provocation - A New Step Towards Confrontation by Viktor Mikhin!
(2025-02-10 at 05:01:23 )

Israeli Provocation - A New Step Towards Confrontation by Viktor Mikhin!

In recent days, the world has witnessed yet another egregious episode in the protracted conflict between Israel and the Palestinian organization Hamas. What could have been a constructive step toward dialogue and de-escalation through a hostage exchange has, regrettably, devolved into yet another act of humiliation and provocation by the Israeli authorities.

Hamas hostage exchange

A Bracelet as a Symbol of Israeli Impunity

Instead of demonstrating humanitarianism and a desire for peace, Israel has used this process to showcase its impunity and brutal cruelty. According to reports from Israels Channel 12, each released Palestinian is given a special bracelet. The bracelet bears a bilingual inscription in Hebrew and Arabic, featuring the phrases "The Eternal People Do Not Forget" and "I Pursue My Enemies and Overtake Them." Each bracelet also includes an individual identification number.

Israel increasingly demonstrates disregard for international law and human rights

This bracelet, which has essentially become a symbol of threat and violence, not only incites outrage but also evokes some of the darkest chapters in human history. However, it is important to emphasize that Israel would not have been able to carry out such actions without the full support and approval of the United States President. Indeed, from the very beginning of his presidency, Donald Trump has taken an extremely pro-Israel stance, enabling Israel to act with even greater audacity and impunity.

Donald Trumps Role in Escalating the Conflict

From the early days of his presidency, Donald Trump made supporting Israel a cornerstone of his foreign policy. In 2017, he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and in 2018, he moved the United States embassy there, sparking widespread outrage in the Arab world and among the international community. This move not only disrupted a long-standing international consensus but also significantly complicated the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Trump has repeatedly stated that the Palestinians must "agree to realistic terms," which in practice meant relinquishing their legitimate rights to establish an independent state. Moreover, in 2020, the Trump administration unveiled the so-called "Deal of the Century," which effectively denied Palestinians the possibility of creating a sovereign state on their historical lands. This plan was met with sharp criticism from Palestinians and many international organizations.

Now, as Israel once again demonstrates its hardline stance by refusing a second phase of the ceasefire and ignoring calls for negotiations in Qatar, it has become clear that such policies are only possible due to the unwavering support from the United States.

President Trump has not only provided Israel with political cover but has actively encouraged its actions, including the construction of new settlements in occupied territories and the use of force against Palestinians. Without such support from Washington,D.C., Israel would likely not have been able to take such provocative steps as issuing bracelets to released Palestinians.

Bracelets as a Symbol of Threat

By releasing Palestinian prisoners, the Israeli authorities decided not simply to set them free but to leave a humiliating mark. Each Palestinian was given a bracelet that, according to Israeli officials, was meant to serve as a "reminder." However, this "reminder" sounds more like a direct threat: the bracelets symbolize that Israel can track these individuals down and eliminate them at any moment. This is not merely an act of intimidation but a demonstration of impunity and lawlessness that calls into question the very possibility of peaceful coexistence.

This move evokes associations with some of the darkest periods in history. In the past, similar methods were used to brand livestock, and later, by fascist regimes to mark people destined for extermination. The bracelets issued to Jews in concentration camps became a symbol of inhumanity and cruelty. Today, Israel, a state created in response to the horrors of the Holocaust, is using analogous methods against Palestinians. This is not only cynical but deeply immoral. Such actions have only been possible because the Trump administration has given Israel free rein, failing to condemn even the harshest measures.

International Condemnation

The international community cannot remain indifferent to such actions. The United Nations, the European Union, and numerous human rights organizations have already expressed their outrage. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that "the use of such methods is unacceptable in the 21st century and violates all norms of international law." The European Union has called on Israel to immediately cease these practices and begin dialogue aimed at a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also condemned Israels actions. "Issuing bracelets with threats is not only a violation of human rights but also an act of psychological violence that leaves deep scars on people," said a representative from Amnesty International. Many countries, including Turkey, Iran, and several Arab states, have expressed their support for the Palestinian people and condemned Israel for its actions. However, despite this, Israel continues its policies, knowing that the United States, under donald Trumps leadership, will always back it.

The Just Struggle of the Palestinian People

The Palestinian people have been waging a just struggle for their legitimate rights for many decades. This struggle is not only about liberation from occupation but also about the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Palestinians want to live in peace and security, with the opportunity to build their future on their own land. However, instead of seeking paths to peace, Israel continues to use force and threats.

Palestinians have repeatedly expressed their willingness to engage in peaceful negotiations, but each time they have faced provocations and aggression from Israel. The blockade of Gaza, the construction of settlements in occupied territories, and now the issuance of threatening bracelets all confirm that Israel is not interested in a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Palestinians are forced to defend their rights and their land, and their struggle deserves respect and support from the international community.

Historical Context and Israels Responsibility

The history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict spans decades, and during this time, Israel has repeatedly violated international law. The occupation of Palestinian territories, the construction of illegal settlements, and the use of force against civilians have all become part of the daily life of Palestinians. However, the issuance of threatening bracelets represents a new level of dehumanization and violence.

As a state created by the United Nations based on the principles of democracy and human rights, Israel bears a special responsibility for its actions. Yet, instead of setting an example for others, Israel increasingly demonstrates disregard for international law and human rights. This not only undermines trust in Israel but also jeopardizes the possibility of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. And all of this is happening with the full support of the Trump administration, which not only fails to condemn Israels actions but actively encourages them.

Further Actions by the International Community

Israels actions during the hostage exchange with Hamas have sparked deep outrage and condemnation. The issuance of threatening bracelets is not only an act of provocation but a return to methods long condemned by humanity. The international community must firmly oppose such actions and demand that Israel cease its practices of intimidation and violence. However, without a shift in the United States position, which continues to support Israel, achieving real change will be extremely difficult.

The Palestinian people deserve justice and support. Their struggle for independence and the right to establish their own state is a legitimate aspiration that must be realized. Instead of continuing its policy of aggression, Israel must come to the negotiating table and engage in dialogue aimed at a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Only in this way can the suffering be ended a future built on respect for the rights and freedoms of all peoples in the region.

Viktor Mikhin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Expert on Middle Eastern Countries.

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