النهار

Amidst the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the MENA region has witnessed notable boycott movements alongside the Red Sea attacks. These events have contributed to the emergence of what is now recognized as ongoing economic warfare. This form of conflict has altered the narrative regarding regional dynamics and influenced international relations perceptions.

The boycott movements in the region have been characterized by concerted efforts to withhold economic support or engagement with entities perceived as detrimental to Arab interests, particularly concerning the Palestinian cause. On the other hand, the Red Sea attacks, which have disrupted trade routes and maritime activities in the region, have further escalated tensions, and have had severe economic impacts in the region. Consequently, the ongoing economic warfare, characterized by the boycott movement and trade disruptions through the Red Sea attacks has not only affected economic prosperity but also played a major role in questioning and reshaping diplomatic relations and alliances, influencing international dynamics as well.

On a different note, it is essential to highlight the current economic and political battle with the founding principles of the League of Arab States in 1945. The League was established to promote Arab unity and integration while addressing various challenges in the region, with a strong focus on resolving the Palestinian issue. The latter has long been a catalyst for common Arab action as the importance of the Palestinian cause was emphasized in 1964 through the establishment of the Palestinian Liberation Order (PLO) by the Arab League in 1964, which affirmed Palestine’s liberation as a common duty. Additionally, the League’s Khartoum resolution after the 1967 defeat outlined the ‘three nos” towards Israel. It is worth mentioning that the League has boycotted Israeli goods since 1948, with inconsistent enforcement due to territorial ambitions, Cold War dynamics, and intra-Arab rivalries. Yet, amidst the ongoing political and economic uncertainties in the region and the lack of proper action by the regional organization, it becomes important to question the role of the Arab League and Arab countries amidst the current war; could the Arab League recommit to its founding principles and actively advocate for the Palestinian cause once again?

As the region grapples with ongoing economic and political turmoil, the League's role in promoting Arab solidarity and addressing common concerns remains paramount, yet complex due to different factors. It has been evident that the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Jordan, prominent countries in the region have normalized ties with Israel even before the ongoing war. However, the October 7th attack in Gaza has changed the narratives and approach of political relations in the region. A prominent example is the situation in the Gulf, particularly the Saudi-Israel rapprochement where under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has shown a keen interest in monitoring and assessing the ongoing normalization process between Israel and the Arab Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia's public warming of ties with Israel has been a gradual process. In 2018, senior Israeli and Saudi officials met openly for the first time in Washington during a Counter-Violent Extremist Organizations Conference. Additionally, following the normalization of ties between Israel and the UAE, Saudi Arabia permitted Israeli flights traveling from Israel to the UAE to pass through its airspace. In a September 2023 interview, the Crown Prince stated his aspiration for Israelis to have a recognized role in Middle Eastern politics, contingent upon improvements in the lives of Palestinians. Additionally, the UAE and Bahrain, prominent countries in the Persian Gulf, had already moved forward with normalization under the "Abraham Accords" in September 2020. In fact, there is a major free trade agreement along with alliances and booming tourism of Israelis in the UAE, which has been signaling normalization in the region. Due to Gulf’s influential position in the Arab and Islamic spheres, U.S. officials have been focusing on achieving relations in the region, specifically, Israel-Saudi normalization to fully integrate Israel into the region. However, the October 7th massacre in Gaza disrupted the long-running U.S effort to ensure the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia and questioned the future relations between the two parties. So how will the war in Gaza alter relations and long-lasting normalization efforts?

On another note, it is essential to reiterate the importance of The Port of Cape Town amidst the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea, as ships are re-routing through it, providing the African region, particularly South Africa, with a unique economic opportunity. As trade shifts from the Suez Canal route to the Cape of Good Hope, the demand for bunkering and restocking services at certain African ports has increased drastically. However, inefficiencies, clogging, and power supply issues have prevented major African ports from fully exploiting the economic benefits of the increase in trade around the Cape of Good Hope. Consequently, this has altered the focus of African Policymakers to invest in port development strategies that will help build intra-African and international connectivity, resulting in increased efficiency and economic benefit during the upcoming years. However, it is important to note that, regardless of the economic benefits South Africa has been acquiring to the shift in Trade routes, it has shown great solidarity with the Palestinian community and advocated for a ceasefire. In fact, South Africa has filed an official case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

From a global perspective, The United States' position concerning a ceasefire agreement during the Gaza conflict has gradually changed, reflecting shifts in diplomatic priorities and global conditions. At first, the U.S. administration made a point of clearly endorsing Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas. However, as the number of civilian deaths in Gaza increased and international pressure for an end to hostilities grew, American policy started to change. Diplomatic efforts led by the United Nations and other relevant parties gathered steam, leading the United States to change its approach towards a ceasefire agreement. After using its veto power three times to block Security Council resolutions that pressure Israel and call for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the US has allowed the passage of the latest Security Council resolution by abstaining from the vote.