The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been characterized by severe humanitarian crises, leading to international scrutiny of Israel's actions.
The historian's perspective underscores a growing concern among some scholars regarding the implications of prolonged military actions on regional stability.
If international intervention does not occur, the situation in the West Bank may deteriorate further, leading to increased violence and civilian casualties.
The call for regional powers to engage could shift the dynamics of the conflict, potentially leading to new diplomatic efforts.
Jewish Historian Warns of Potential Genocide in West Bank
Ilan Pappe, a Jewish historian and director of the Center for European Palestinian Studies at the University of Exeter, has raised alarming concerns about the potential for genocide in the occupied West Bank following the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Speaking in Brussels, Pappe emphasized that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide by legal, academic, and political standards. He warned that if Western powers continue their 'pro-Zionist' policies, the situation could escalate further, with Israel potentially applying similar tactics to the West Bank.
Pappe noted that the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has lasted for 385 days, began long before the recent escalations, highlighting the siege that has restricted access to essential needs such as food and medicine. The historian expressed his fear that without intervention from the international community, Israel may escalate its military actions in the West Bank, as evidenced by the rising number of Palestinian casualties and arrests since October 7, 2023. Official Palestinian sources report that 760 Palestinians have been killed, approximately 6,300 injured, and 11,400 arrested during this period.
He criticized the current version of Zionism, suggesting it leads to genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank. Pappe argues that resolving anti-Semitism in Europe by dispossessing Palestinians is both problematic and immoral. He urged for a shift in the role of regional powers, advocating for countries like Turkey and Iran to take a more active role in addressing the Palestinian issue, rather than relying solely on Western influence.
