Eyeless in Gaza.

Byline: M A Niazi

The most striking thing about the latest attack by Israel on the Gaza Strip is that it has come after Israel has had casualties inflicted on it. Previous attacks came after missile attacks were launched, but even though there were few or no casualties, Israel would retaliate with air strikes. While the pretext was missile launchers, the strikes would include hitting residential buildings, schools and hospitals. There is no reason to believe that Israel will behave any differently.

There is a loud international clamour for a ceasefire, but the head of the Israeli government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has an overwhelming need to be seen as strong, and able to exact revenge. Netanyahu has also been on the right of Israeli politics, and his dependence on extreme-right parties for support makes it all the more important for him to show that he is a strong and effective guardian of the Israeli people.

Behind Netanyahu's needs are the Holocaust. Though World War II has been over for almost 80 years, Jews still recall how Hitler tried to wipe them out. In fact, it was that cataclysmic event that contributed to the creation of Israel. The position of Israel, as an American enclave in the Middle East, has made the Israel is even more worried about their security. That is why, very patiently, going back to the 1978 Camp David Accord, Israel has been making peace with Arab countries.

That may be the reason for the attack by the Palestinians: Saudi Arabia is heading a list of about six nations that are about to recognise Israel. Saudi Arabia is at the head of the list. That has created a vibe that Pakistan is also going to recognize. There has been a shift in opinion, not in favour of recognition, as what the real reason for not recognizing.

There is a general feeling that Pakistan is withholding recognition because Saudi Arabia is not recognising, and therefore if Saudi Arabia recognizes, there will be no reason for Pakistan not to. Saudi goodwill is necessary because of the financial help it has given over the years. In fact, that is one reason why Israel would like Saudi Arabia to recognize it, because of the clout it has not just among Arab countries, but in the entire Muslim world. A lot of countries are probably holding back from recognition because they do not wish to offend the Saudis.

Against that is balanced not love for Israel, but a wish to please the USA. The USA has long been the primary supporter of Israel, and...