The term “intifada” refers to the Palestinian uprising and resistance against Israeli aggression and occupation over the years. The first intifada took place from 1987 to 1993, and the second intifada occurred from 2000 to 2005. However, there are different opinions regarding the timing of the third intifada. Some authors suggest that it took place from 2015 to 2021, but others believe that it is happening now in the aftermath of the October 2023 attacks. This article will mainly focus on the causes and consequences of the third intifada, as well as analysing the different perspectives, approaches, and roles of various stakeholders.
The term “Third Intifada” refers to various conflicts and uprisings, such as the Jerusalem unrest or Jerusalem intifada in 2014. It is also known as the “silent intifada”. Many believe that it was a result of various social, political, and diplomatic unrest since 2011. However, some leaders have called for a more severe third intifada. Additionally, the ongoing Israel-Palestine war is considered the most prominent and devastating third intifada due to the number of casualties, destruction, and severity of attacks since October 7, 2023. According to Oxfam’s report, “the Palestine-Israel war was the most destructive conflict of the 21st century”.
Causes behind the Third Intifada
The discussions about the Third Intifada began in 2022 because of the rise of the various militant groups. According to Israeli intelligence officer Amit Saar, it was predicted in November 2022 that the West Bank would present a significant challenge and instability to Israel in 2023, following Iran. And this prediction appears to be unfolding in the region. The underlying reason is Palestinians’ frustration and anger at the transgressor Israel for occupying his homeland illegally and unjustly in the 1940s.
However, the Palestinians’ hope of achieving independence and peace was shattered too which began to arise in the late 1990s and then in 2022, further worsening the situation. The second intifada caused thousands of deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure, deepening the divide between both sides still haunts both Palestinians and Israelis. After that, the clashes between 2015 to 2021 were violent and destructive, leading some to believe they would trigger a third intifada.
The year 2022 saw a high number of clashes and conflicts between Israel and Palestine, leading to the third intifada due to the problems and causes that emerged in early 2023. On 27 January 2023, the synagogue in Jerusalem was attacked resulting in seven casualties. Later, the Jenin refugee camp was assaulted by Israeli forces with nine Palestinian deaths and after that, it was predicted that the Third Intifada would be inevitable. Previously, hundreds of people died too both in Israel and Palestine in numerous deadliest clashes between the two forces.
Above all, the full-scale war was initiated by Israel on 7th October, 2023 after Hamas launched an attack on Israel killing its 800 citizens. Consequently, Israel deployed its troops along the Gaza border, causing more than 500 Palestinian casualties, blocking its food, internet, and energy supply leaving Palestine paralysed to make both ends meet.
According to the sources, the failure of peace talks caused anger in the US. US Secretary of State John Kerry criticized Israel’s policy towards Palestine and warned them of isolation and global sanctions if a third intifada were to occur. However, the situation has changed now. The USA failed to play an unbiased role in the ongoing war and has been continuously supporting Israeli ambitions against Palestinian sovereignty and independence, directly or indirectly.
Consequences of the Third Intifada
Although the outcome of the third intifada is yet to be determined, there are some developments and situations that are worth mentioning to understand the lethal and brutal consequences of the war. The death toll is more than 28,337 in four months of war since October 7, 2023. The outrage involves deaths of thousands of infants and children, attacks on hospitals such as Al-Shifa hospital, rape cases and so on. The war period also went through a small pause from 22 to 26 November 2023 resulting in prisoners’ swap deal with the help of Qatar. Amnesty International also probed the war for humanitarian rights violations and investigated the war crimes. According to their report, Israel committed severe war crimes against civilian lives. Gaza underwent the blockade of food, water, electricity and medicine. They also declared some attacks as against international law such as an attack on civilian residential places, hospitals, refugee camps, markets and houses by declaring it an open-air prison. They urged the world to stop the mass killings and its Secretary General asserted that the international community must play its role to prevent it from becoming a “giant graveyard”.
Overall, it not only impacted regional and global politics and stability but also influenced the Palestinian economy and social status severely. Meanwhile, Israel is facing tense diplomatic ties with various countries as well. Additionally, the situation is raising concerns regarding the US role and its attacks on Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea and Iran amid war.
The current situations require a holistic strategy and rational road map for the future. The leaders of both the warring parties need to come together to sign a ceasefire or armistice. Additionally, efforts should be put on the table for independence and reunification of Palestinian territory for peaceful and stable regional order and geopolitical status. All the key players need to play their decisive role in this regard.
Since the war broke out, the Israeli prime minister’s language has shown brutality in Israeli ambitions. The aim of Israel is not just to conquer Palestinian territory but the whole of the Arabian Peninsula. Regarding ongoing war, his ambitions are revengeful. Hamas on the other hand is on the weaker side although it is supported by Iran’s axis of resistance but still, its powers are less than Israeli powers. Israel is also supported by Canada, India, the USA, and France with weapons and warships.
Meanwhile, Israel is blocking the aid to Gaza. Yemen Houthis are playing an influential role in targeting the weakest point of world politics, its economy. They did raids, targeted the ships and blocked the trade at the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. In return, they are facing assaults by the USA forces, being declared as terrorist groups disrupting the world’s critical trade route. Furthermore, Qatar has mediated the four-day truce between both states. Yet, the conflict requires a powerful role by the Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Jordan etc.
Likewise, China and Russia have declared their verbal support for Palestine against the USA. In addition, where major Arab states failed to play an important role in support of Palestine, South Africa took the case of Palestine and Israeli war crimes and violation of international humanitarian rights to the International Court of Justice.
Conclusion
All, in all, the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory has resulted in severe brutality, casualties, and destruction. Despite facing political, territorial, and social oppression, Palestinians persist in their cause and continue to resist the violence of Israel. The third intifada serves as a reminder to the global powers including the USA, neighbouring Arab states and the UN to maintain their leadership in upholding global order, ensuring credibility and promoting global peace, justice, and sovereignty. This intifada must be the last, or else it will leave a permanent question mark on international norms, justice, morals, humanitarian rights, territorial integrity, and political autonomy of states.
