Gaza to Iran: Israel’s illegal wars grow with U.S. support, Pg7

Context: 

• This article analyses the escalation of Israeli military operations beyond Gaza into a broader West Asian conflict, highlighting U.S. support, international legal responses, and India's diplomatic stance.

Key Highlights:

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister for alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a warfare tactic.
• Less than 1,000 food trucks entered Gaza in the past two months; food aid dropped from 2 lakh tonnes in February 2025 to under 20,000 tonnes in June.
• Israel launched over 42,000 attacks in the region since October 7, 2023, including nearly 25,000 on Palestine.
• Around 60,000 deaths reported, including 55,000 Palestinians and over 17,000 children.
• The U.S. opposed most UN ceasefire resolutions, backing only UNSC Resolution 2735 (2024).
• India abstained from the June 12, 2025 UN resolution on ceasefire — the fourth abstention in three years.
• The U.S. approved $12 billion in military sales to Israel and carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites (Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan).

Detailed Insights:

• Escalation Beyond Gaza: What started as retaliation for the Hamas attacks has widened to include strikes on other West Asian nations indicating a shift towards a regional war.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza continues to face severe starvation and civilian deaths, with Israel accused of using blockades and targeting aid routes as part of its war strategy.
• ICC Charges: The ICC’s intervention highlights international recognition of possible violations of humanitarian law by Israel.
• India’s Diplomatic Balancing: India's abstentions reflect a strategic hedging approach, balancing ties with both the West and Arab world.
• Public Opinion in the U.S.: Surveys (YouGov) show majority of Americans oppose military involvement in Israel-Iran conflict, revealing a disconnect between public sentiment and state policy.

Key Concepts Involved:

• International Criminal Court (ICC): A court established to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.
• War Crimes: Grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, including targeting civilians, starvation, and indiscriminate bombings.