South Asia and the Israel-Hamas war The Excelsior 24 Jan 2025 Maj Gen Harsha Kakar

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South Asia and the Israel-Hamas war

South Asia and the Israel-Hamas war The Excelsior 24 Jan 2025
Islamist nations in the Middle East, less Iran, either maintained silence throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict, or commented only on the subject of civilian casualties. For them, ties with the US are more important. None displayed direct support for Hamas. Qatar, which funded Hamas for years, hosted its leadership on its soil, was behind the ceasefire deal, largely under pressure from the US. Iran, for whom Hamas and Hezbollah are frontline proxies continued to support them. Tehran praised the Palestinians on the ceasefire agreement and joined them in terming it a victory.
Support for the Hamas as also the Palestinians came from non-entity South Asian states, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives. The support was largely on religious grounds, a subject, Middle Eastern nations tended not to be impacted by.
An editorial in The Dawn mentioned, ‘This (ceasefire) shows that even the world’s best-equipped militaries, armed with advanced American weaponry, cannot break the will of an occupied people, who have sacrificed thousands of lives, but have refused to give up their land.’ Pak newspapers maintained a daily count of casualties in Gaza, accusing Israel of genocide. Pakistan had declared 07 Oct last year as ‘Palestine Solidarity Day.’
Pakistan’s PM, Shehbaz Sharif had stated during his address to the UN General Assembly, ‘This is not just a conflict, this is a systematic slaughter of innocent Palestinians.’ He also met the UN Secretary General and made similar statements. Pakistan has regularly compared Gaza with Kashmir and Indian forces to Israeli troops.
For once, Pakistan, the only Islamic country with nuclear weapons, made no illogical comment on employing them in support of Palestine. Simultaneously, there are reports of Pakistan’s spy agencies employing Israeli spyware. It is known that Pakistan officials have had secret meetings with Israelis but continue to support Hamas.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry responding to the ceasefire mentioned, ‘Israel’s expansionist designs have destabilized the entire region.’ Shehbaz Sharief tweeted post the announcement of the ceasefire, ‘Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and pays homage to the sacrifices of tens of thousands of innocent people who lost their lives as victims of Israeli atrocities over the past several decades.’
Bangladesh too backed Hamas, despite the fact that both nations emerged post a genocide, Jews at the hands of Hitler and Bangladeshis at the hands of Pakistan. Bangladesh does not recognize Israel nor permits its citizens from visiting the country, despite Israel being amongst the first countries to recognize it as also accuse Pak of genocide.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Mohammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the government of Bangladesh, mentioned, ‘The genocide in Gaza continues unabated despite global concerns and condemnation. The situation in Palestine just does not concern the Arabs or Muslims at large rather the entire humanity.’ Bangladesh backed South Africa’s claim on genocide at the International Criminal Court. It welcomed the ceasefire while accusing Israel of violating UN norms.
Maldives President, Mohamad Muizzu, addressing the UN General Assembly last year in Sept mentioned, ‘The ongoing massacre, the genocide by Israel in Gaza is a travesty of justice and the international system.’ He added, ‘Israel must be held accountable for these acts of terrorism, for these violations of international law and UN resolutions.’ In Jun last year, Maldives banned entry of Israeli passport holders as also Israelis with dual citizenship. It subsequently had a rethink as many Palestinians hold Israeli passports. The country does not have diplomatic ties with Israel.
The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan was partially muted. Its initial statement in Oct 2023 mentioned that the conflict was ‘the result of Israeli Zionists trampling on the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people and repeated insults and disrespect to Muslim holy places.’ However, it refused to term Hamas as freedom fighters. Their interior minister summed up Kabul’s views when he stated, ‘We do not interfere in others’ internal affairs…but we have faith-based sympathy with Muslims.’
On the contrary, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka criticized the Hamas attack terming it as a terrorist action and Hamas as terrorists, while backing a two-state solution. These three nations have diplomatic ties with Israel. At least ten Nepali students were killed in the Hamas assault in Oct 2023. Nepal, like India launched aircraft to bring back their residents/students from Israel, once hostilities commenced. Israel employs Indian workers to make up the shortfall caused by stopping entry of Palestinians, post the 07 Oct attack by Hamas.
Muslim majority nations in South Asia, who backed Hamas and criticized Israel did so largely on religious grounds. They organized formal solidarity marches, more as internal diversions from failing domestic economy, than conveying a global message of support. None of them have any global standing nor are capable of assisting Gaza in any way. Their aid to Gaza has been only in name, rather than substance. Their voices were ignored as mere ranting. In fact, Israel felt it useless to even comment on their criticism, while Hamas did convey gratitude for their support.
Israel’s subsequent attacks on the Hezbollah and Syria faced a similar response from South Asia. Pakistan termed this as expansion of the conflict, while others criticized Israel for targeting civilians. The ceasefire has largely been welcomed by all with many terming it as a victory for the Palestinians.
None of South Asia’s Muslim majority nations would contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza, while India, despite its criticism of Hamas, still may. These nations only possess the ability to criticize, while offering nothing much in return. Islamist movements in these countries have been the most vocal though their governments are aware that their voices mean nothing.
The is in contrast to Middle East nations which were muted in their criticism of Israel. None of them sponsored protest marches in support of Hamas. None backed Hamas nor were willing to accept Palestinian refugees. It is evident that Middle East nations seek peace, development and better ties with Israel as also the US. These are nations which would contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza and work towards a better future for the region. They would do so silently, without much fanfare.
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives are like empty drums making the most noise, while offering nothing substantial towards peace and reconstruction.

 

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