Veteran journalist critiques Arab countries weakness and warns of escalating regional instability

New Delhi: Senior journalist and Middle East affairs expert Qamar Agha said, “Hamas political chief Sheikh Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination is not just an attack on an individual but a calculated move to destabilise the entire region.”

Speaking at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) weekly ijtema on Saturday, Agha delivered an insightful talk on the recent assassination of Sheikh Ismail Haniyeh and its far-reaching impact on the Gaza crisis and the Palestinian struggle.

Qamar Agha began with the background in history—from the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the details of geo-political maneuvering that led up to the establishment of the State of Israel. He underscored the strategic importance of the region, as well as international interests dating back many decades of dispute.

The veteran journalist pointed out the direct results of Haniyeh’s killing, which include increased casualties and the razing of critical infrastructure in Gaza. He went ahead to mention, “The humanitarian catastrophe is deepened by every targeted killing. More homes demolished, more families displaced and hope for peace ever more elusive.”

The talk pointed to the broader strategic implications of the assassination. According to Agha, actions like these are part of the much larger strategy of weakening the Palestinian resistance movements. “The Israeli policy of targeted assassinations is aimed at dismantling the leadership of movements like Hamas. However, this policy is leading towards further resistance and resentment,” he added.

While responding to the international response, Agha said that public opinion had started running against the Israeli actions in Europe and America. “We are seeing a huge change in global attitudes. Mass protests and rallies in the West show increased craving for justice and accountability. Youth is taking a lead and raising its voice against the massacre being perpetrated in Gaza for a long time.”

Furthermore, Agha criticized the role that powerful nations like the United States played in fanning the conflict. “Continued support to Israel in spite of its aggressive policies undermines the possibility of a just resolution,” he said. “A balanced approach that ensures human rights and justice is urgently needed.”

The general dynamics of the Arab world were also discussed, such as the weakness of the Arab countries despite having immense wealth; many Arab countries throughout history have been characterised by weak military strength. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar are heavily dependent on American security dispositions, which, of course, include the ‘Oil for Security’ agreement to guarantee protection. This has also created a toll on their bargaining and negotiation capacity in world affairs.

Agha, in conclusion, called for an inclusive peace solution that touches on the root causes of the conflict. “Ceasefire cannot achieve lasting peace. There should be a genuine commitment to justice and genuine dialogue, protection of human rights,” he said.

The speaker cautioned amidst prevailing tensions in the Middle East, there is a rising fear that the conflict might spill over into a broader regional war. With the growing influence of Iran and Hezbollah, the U.S. has begun increasing its military presence. The situation is still very precarious, as both sides are preparing for any eventuality.