Today, we are witnessing suffering around the world, not because of the actions of evil, but due to the silence of good people. We can clearly observe terrorism against innocent people in Palestine on one hand, while on the other side, the superpowers that we see promoting human rights are at the forefront in support of Israel. When the conflict was triggered, the Biden Administration sought emergency assistance of $14.3 billion for Israel on October 20. However, some aid was also sent to Palestine, but it seems more like an attempt to balance the situation and maintain a softer image towards others. One of Biden’s statements denies the death toll declared by Palestine, declaring it as a sympathy-gaining drama. Likewise, a tweet from Biden was, “Israel will do everything possible to keep civilians from harm.”
Israel has cut down electricity, water supply, and food, while roads have been blocked due to air strikes, which has prevented most aid from reaching Gaza. Israel possesses nuclear capabilities and is strongly backed by superpower states, while Palestinians are alone, having only stones to defend themselves. Misleading information has been spread on social media through AI-generated images, portraying bombed schools, hospitals, and civilian buildings as Israel’s areas. The media is providing controlled coverage and not presenting the helpless innocent victims of Israel’s attacks. This whole situation can’t be considered a war; as it is evident, we could call it terrorism, genocide, or ethnic cleansing.
Our global community always values civility, but in the ongoing situation, their actions are far from civilized. While talking about freedom, courage, and justice, their behavior toward Palestine is entirely different. The silence of the international community gives the impression that not the Palestinians, but they are helpless and controlled by others. Israel has always labeled Palestinians as terrorists, but the situation tells us a different story. In a live broadcast, the anchor questioned the commander of Israel: “On one side, Palestine with a piece of stone, and on the other side, advanced weapons, isn’t it discrimination?” He replied, “Don’t be stupid; even a piece of rock can cause death if it hits the head.”
The massacre happening in Palestine should be condemned and stopped as soon as possible because innocent civilians are brutally killed there. And we can’t leave it as a war because “This isn’t a conflict, and it’s not a war.”
Gaza is ‘running out of time,’ UN experts warn, demanding a ceasefire to prevent genocide. GENEVA (2 November 2023) – Time is running out to prevent genocide and a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, UN experts warned, expressing deep frustration with Israel’s refusal to halt plans to decimate the besieged Gaza strip.
“We remain convinced that the Palestinian people are at grave risk of genocide,” the experts said. “The time for action is now. Israel’s allies also bear responsibility and must act now to prevent its disastrous course of action,” they said. The experts expressed “deepening horror” about Israeli airstrikes against the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza since Tuesday (31 October) night, which have reportedly killed and injured hundreds of Palestinians, calling it a brazen breach of international law. “The Israeli airstrike on a residential complex in the Jabalia refugee camp is a brazen violation of international law – and a war crime.
Attacking a camp sheltering civilians, including women and children, is a complete breach of the rules of proportionality and distinction between combatants and civilians,” the experts said. The experts welcomed the General Assembly resolution on protecting civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations, approved by an overwhelming majority of member states on 27 October. “We received the resolution with hope, but the need for action is now,” they said.
“All signs are that we have reached a breaking point,” the experts warned, pointing to images of people desperately grabbing flour and other essentials from a UN warehouse on Sunday (29 October), alarming news of children being forced to drink seawater in the absence of clean water, distressing reports of patients, including children, undergoing surgery without anesthetics, and persons with disabilities and older persons displaced and living in tents because houses have been turned to rubble.
“The situation in Gaza has reached a catastrophic crisis point,” they said, warning of the urgent need for food, water, medicine, fuel, and essential supplies, as well as the risk of impending health problems. Fuel shortages and disruption to water infrastructure from three weeks of continuous bombardment have destroyed Gaza residents’ access to drinking water, experts say. “Water is essential for human life, and today, 2 million Gazans struggle to find clean drinking water,” they said. Experts strongly support the United Nations Secretary-General’s efforts to allow humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip. They also called for the immediate release of all civilians detained since Hamas militants attacked Israeli settlements on Oct. 7.
All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. We demand a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. The ceasefire also means communication channels can be opened to ensure the release of hostages, experts said. They expressed deep concern for the safety of humanitarian and United Nations personnel, as well as the hospitals and schools that provide shelter and vital medical services to the people of Gaza.
They also sounded the alarm about the safety of journalists, media workers, and their family members, noting that internet and communications had been cut, disrupting communications. Essential communications and reports on the situation in Gaza. “We want to remind all parties that humanitarian and medical personnel and facilities are protected by international law. Countries have an obligation to ensure security and protect themselves in times of war,” experts said.
As the Secretary-General has repeatedly said, “Israeli and Palestinian armed groups must remember that even war has rules.”
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.