Biden's unwavering stance alongside Israel throughout the conflict was nothing short of astounding, particularly in light of trends within the Democratic Party. His speech on October 10th deeply moved Israelis, demonstrating the United States and its government's commitment to Israel, and possibly even deterring Iran and Hezbollah from fully joining Hamas.
However, American patience is not limitless, and US interests do not always align with those of Israel. It's gently noted that the current Israeli government is not always the ideal partner.
The U.S Contradictory Policy in the Middle East
The inherent tension between providing humanitarian aid, facilitating a prisoner release agreement, and a ceasefire is magnified by the contradictory American stance. The unprecedented decision to directly airdrop supplies to Gazans, along with the fact that Hamas militants are stealing a significant portion of this aid for their armed forces, undermines Hamas's incentive to negotiate a hostage deal. More crucially, Hamas faces increasing resistance from within the Palestinian population, exposing a decline in its support. However, the current form of American intervention provides Hamas with an opportunity to successfully address the civil unrest against it.
That is why the American policy regarding humanitarian aid and its public confrontations with Israel distance the hostage deal and the cease fire rather than bring it closer.
So, What Should Be Done?
We certainly do not advocate for the starvation of Gaza. Yet, Israel and the USA could collaborate to promote one of a few options that would facilitate humanitarian aid delivery in a way that weakens Hamas's position and could expedite an agreement on a ceasefire and a hostage deal. Here are a couple of them:
Pressuring Egypt to temporarily host Palestinian refugees, with American guarantees for their return to Gaza, is one approach. Why hasn't this happened yet? Often, the international community perceives Palestinian displacement as a political issue rather than a humanitarian crisis. The USA, not Israel, is better positioned to advocate for this alternative. The evacuation to Egypt would be entirely voluntary, and Gazans who choose to stay would do so knowing that the humanitarian aid they can receive is limited. Should Egypt refuse, other countries might serve as temporary hosts.
Establish Humanitarian Enclaves Under Full Israeli Control. This would require the following measures:
An official Israeli announcement clarifying that its presence in Gaza is temporary and not intended for occupation
Israel would assume responsibility for distributing humanitarian aid within these enclaves, in collaboration with local Palestinian leadership
American leadership in mobilizing international efforts to provide unprecedented humanitarian aid to these enclaves, accessible to every Palestinian not involved in terrorism.
Those opting not to enter the enclaves would understand that their access to aid would be significantly restricted.
Though these alternatives are complex, their advancement by Israel and the US could offer opportunities for urgent humanitarian aid delivery, push Hamas towards a hostage deal, and prevent a clash between the two allies.
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