The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has indeed captured the attention of many Naga individuals. However, it appears that not everyone possesses a clear understanding of this complex conflict. This is understandable, given the intricacies involved, requiring a deep dive into extensive historical events. In essence, this conflict boils down to geopolitics. While it may sound like an oversimplification, it is the crux of the matter.
The modern nation-state of Israel was established in 1948 following the conclusion of World War 2 and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. It is essential to distinguish the modern Israel from the Israel of the Old Testament. This is a common misconception when discussing the ongoing conflict. In other words, we should approach history and facts with an open mind. Viewing the issue from a Biblical or theological perspective may hinder our understanding because, fundamentally, it is a geopolitical matter.
Israel is predominantly a Jewish state, with over 75% of its population being Jewish. While some may mistakenly perceive Israel as a Christian country, Christians make up only about 2% of the Israeli population. Approximately 18% of Israel’s population is Muslim or Arab, as per available online demographic data. It’s also worth noting that Israel, situated in Asia, holds the status of an ‘associated state’ within the European Union. Even the Israel national football team is a member of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), not the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Essentially, it all boils down to geopolitics.
The Palestinian territory is divided into two regions: the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, often referred to simply as Gaza. The West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Authority, alongside Israel, while Hamas governs Gaza. Hamas is an Islamist militant movement designated as a terrorist organization by most Western countries. It’s crucial to clarify that “Palestine” pertains to the territory, while the inhabitants are primarily Arabs and Muslims. Palestinians are not to be confused with the Philistines of the Old Testament.
Consider the historical context: India has historically supported the Palestinian cause, a stance still upheld by the Congress party. It’s worth noting that the Palestinian cause differs from supporting Hamas. However, India’s position shifted after Narendra Modi assumed the role of Indian Prime Minister. In 2015 and 2016, India abstained from a UN vote concerning whether Israel should face the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes during the 2014 crisis in Gaza. This once again underscores that the conflict is fundamentally rooted in geopolitics.