COP28: Israel’s Greenwashing of Gaza War Should Not Be Permitted : Analysis

Israel’s Participation in COP28 Amid War on Gaza Raises Questions of Greenwashing

Israel has faced criticism for its participation in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) taking place in Dubai amidst its ongoing war on Gaza. While Israel sees this as an opportunity to engage in “green diplomacy” and promote its climate technologies, critics argue that it is an attempt to divert attention from its illegal occupation and war crimes against the Palestinians. The presence of an Israeli delegation at the conference, despite being scaled down, has raised concerns about the credibility of Israel’s image as an environmental leader. The dissonance between Israel’s actions in Gaza and its claims of promoting clean and sustainable energy is difficult for global audiences to reconcile.

The repercussions of Israel’s war on Gaza have already been seen, with Jordan pulling out of an energy and water deal with Israel due to the “barbarism in Gaza.” The public relations fallout from the war makes it challenging for Israel to sell its climate tech solutions, as global audiences question its supposed concern for the environment. Israel’s war on Gaza has caused extensive damage, leaving civilians on the brink of dehydration and starvation. The indiscriminate bombings and blockade have triggered an ecocide in Gaza, which will take years to recover from.

Israel’s attempt to greenwash its occupation and oppression of Palestinians is not a new strategy. The Jewish National Fund has been evicting Palestinians and destroying their villages under the guise of protecting forests and natural reserves. Additionally, Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, has created a water apartheid in the occupied West Bank, where Jewish settlers consume significantly more water than the Palestinian population. Despite these apartheid policies, Mekorot has positioned itself as a leading contributor to UN sustainability goals. The lack of consideration or mention of water apartheid in its reports is concerning.

Israel’s environmental policy has been described as “Janus-faced,” promoting environmental reform and technological development while depriving Palestinians of their land and resources. This contradiction will be further highlighted at COP28. The conference is already under scrutiny for its connections to big oil companies while claiming to transition away from fossil fuels. The presence of an Israeli delegation at COP28 amidst the humanitarian and environmental damage inflicted on Gaza raises questions about the reputation and credibility of the conference.

Overall, the article presents the events surrounding Israel’s participation in COP28 and its implications for Israel’s greenwashing efforts. The sources referenced in the article are not explicitly stated, which raises concerns about their credibility. Additionally, the tone of the article is biased against Israel, portraying its actions in Gaza as genocidal and claiming it disregards UN resolutions and institutions. The article does not provide a balanced perspective or acknowledge any potential positive impacts of Israel’s climate technologies. The political landscape and prevalence of fake news can influence public perception by reinforcing existing biases and further polarizing opinions on this issue.

Source: Aljazeera news: COP28: Israel should not be allowed to greenwash its war on Gaza