The ugly face of the “civilized world”

  The ugly face of the “civilized world”

Credit: AFP - Getty Images

 The Ongoing Struggle in Palestine

 A Tale of Injustice and International Apathy

 

Introduction

 

The conflict in the Middle East, particularly the struggle between Israel and Palestine, has been a point of contention for decades. The international community has closely observed this ongoing conflict, characterized by deep-rooted historical, political, and religious complexities. While many have called for a peaceful resolution, the recent events have once again highlighted the dire situation in Gaza and the troubling silence of some major Western powers, raising questions about their commitment to human rights and justice.

 

The Human Rights Crisis in Gaza

 

In recent years, the world has witnessed the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, a tiny strip of land densely populated with over two million inhabitants. The situation has reached a critical point, with escalating violence and a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention.

 

Mass Killings and Destruction

 

The conflict in Gaza has recently witnessed mass killings and the widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The Israeli military's actions, supported by the United States, Britain, and Europe, have led to the loss of nearly 2,000 Palestinian lives, including many innocent children and women. Thousands more have been left injured, and vast areas of Gaza have been turned into rubble.

 

These events raise troubling questions about the proportionality and necessity of the use of force, as well as the respect for international law in conflict situations. The lack of a decisive international response to such tragedies casts a shadow on the world's commitment to preventing mass atrocities and protecting civilian lives.

People assess the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Beit Hanun, in the northern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images

 

Unconditional Western Support

 

One of the most disheartening aspects of the ongoing conflict in Gaza is the unconditional support that Israel receives from Western powers, primarily the United States, Britain, and European countries. The American President and Secretary of State have been unequivocal in their endorsement of Israel, providing military aid without strings attached, despite the overwhelming evidence of human rights abuses and war crimes.

 

This unwavering support has stirred widespread outrage and led to accusations of complicity in the actions of the Israeli military. Critics argue that such support emboldens Israel and allows it to continue its devastating campaigns in Gaza without the fear of accountability.

 

Gaza Under Siege

 

Beyond the immediate violence, the situation in Gaza is marked by a severe humanitarian crisis. The Gaza Strip has been subjected to a protracted blockade, with restrictions on the movement of people and goods, leading to severe shortages of essential resources. Israel has cut off supplies of electricity, water, and medical aid, making life unbearable for the people of Gaza.

 

Gaza's hospitals have been overwhelmed, with shortages of medical supplies and the wounded pouring in. The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, and the United Nations Secretary-General has called for urgent aid and medical treatment for Palestinians in Gaza.

 

These conditions are a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which obligates all parties in a conflict to ensure the welfare of civilians and grant access to humanitarian aid. The ongoing blockade and restrictions are not only inhumane but also constitute a grave breach of these obligations.

 

The Struggle for Survival

 

The people of Gaza are enduring unthinkable hardships. Beyond the physical destruction and loss of life, the blockade has left thousands of Palestinians without homes, and access to basic necessities is a daily struggle. The population of Gaza has been deprived of water, electricity, and food supplies, creating a dire humanitarian situation that demands urgent attention.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concerns over the withholding of treatment and aid to thousands of untreated injured Palestinians in Gaza hospitals by Israel. This is tantamount to a death sentence and a clear violation of the fundamental principles of medical ethics and human rights.

 

International Response: The Lack of Action

 

The ongoing crisis in Gaza raises troubling questions about the international community's commitment to justice and human rights. While there has been a chorus of condemnation from various countries and international organizations, practical actions have fallen short of addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring the well-being of the Palestinian people.

 

The United Nations, as the world's preeminent international organization for peace and security, has called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance. Still, its role remains limited in the absence of consensus among its member states. The Security Council, in particular, has struggled to take meaningful action due to longstanding political divisions.

 

Western Powers and Their Influence

 

One of the most concerning aspects of the international response to the situation in Gaza is the influence of the Jewish lobby in Western countries, particularly the United States, on their governments and media. This influence has seemingly resulted in muted criticism of Israel's actions and a reluctance to hold it accountable for human rights violations.

 

It is a complex and sensitive issue, but the undue influence of any lobby on the foreign policy of a democratic nation poses questions about the transparency and fairness of international relations. The fact that Israel's actions are not met with the same level of condemnation as similar actions by other nations in different contexts is a matter of concern.

 

The Role of International Law

 

The conflict in Gaza raises important questions about the application of international law in addressing such conflicts. International law, particularly humanitarian law and human rights law, establishes clear principles that should guide the actions of states and non-state actors during armed conflicts.

 

The indiscriminate use of force, targeting of civilian populations, and attacks on civilian infrastructure are grave violations of international law. The disproportionate use of force, as reported in Gaza, raises questions about whether the principles of proportionality and necessity are being observed.

 

Furthermore, the Geneva Conventions and other international instruments require states to ensure that civilians have access to essential services, including medical care and humanitarian assistance. The blockade of Gaza and the restrictions on the flow of goods and people violate these obligations.

The Israeli Air Force said it had dropped 6,000 bombs on Gaza in six days, hitting 3,600 targets (AFP)

International Human Rights Law

 

International human rights law is clear about the protection of fundamental rights, even in times of conflict. The right to life, liberty, and security of person, as well as freedom from torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, must be upheld under all circumstances. This includes times of armed conflict, where additional protections are afforded to civilians.

 

The continued loss of innocent lives in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people raise questions about the adherence to these fundamental human rights principles by all parties involved.

 

The Way Forward

 

The conflict in Gaza is a poignant reminder of the enduring suffering of the Palestinian people and the lack of a lasting, peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community must reflect on its role in perpetuating the conflict and take decisive steps toward achieving a just and lasting resolution.

 

Immediate Humanitarian Assistance

 

The first step should be to ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The United Nations, in collaboration with relevant international organizations, should coordinate efforts to provide essential supplies, including food, water, medical equipment, and medical personnel to address the immediate needs of the population.

 

Accountability and Justice

 

In the longer term, there must be accountability for violations of international law and human rights in Gaza. Those responsible for war crimes and other grave violations must be held accountable through legal mechanisms, including international tribunals. The International Criminal Court (ICC) should play a crucial role in ensuring justice for the victims of the conflict.

 

A Comprehensive Peace Process

 

To prevent the cycle of violence from repeating, a comprehensive peace process that addresses the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential. This process should be based on the principles of international law, including the recognition of the right to self-determination and the need for secure borders for both Israel and a future Palestinian state.

 

Dialogue and Negotiation

 

Dialogue and negotiation must be central to this process. The international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and regional actors, should facilitate and support meaningful discussions between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. The resolution should be based on the two-state solution, which recognizes the legitimate rights and aspirations of both parties.

 

Empower Civil Society

 

Civil society organizations, both in Israel and Palestine, should be encouraged and supported in their efforts to foster understanding, cooperation, and peace between the two communities. Grassroots initiatives and people-to-people interactions can play a vital role in building trust and lasting peace.

 

Conclusion

 

The ongoing conflict in Gaza is a stark reminder of the suffering of the Palestinian people and the challenges of achieving a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The world has a moral and legal obligation to address the humanitarian crisis, hold those responsible for violations of international law accountable, and work toward a comprehensive peace process based on the principles of justice and human rights.

 

The international community must not allow the ongoing injustice in Gaza to persist. It is a test of our collective commitment to human rights, peace, and justice. To achieve a lasting resolution to this enduring conflict, the world must act decisively, support the rights of all parties involved, and work toward a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East.