Palestinians inspect the damage following an Israeli airstrike on the El-Remal aera in Gaza City on October 9, 2023. Israel continued to battle Hamas fighters on October 10 and massed tens of thousands of troops and heavy armour around the Gaza Strip after vowing a massive blow over the Palestinian militants' surprise attack. Photo by Naaman Omar apaimages
While writing my master’s thesis based on the Palestine issue back in 2022, it seemed like the issue was at its peak. Today when one looks at the turn that it has taken, one cannot deny the fact that worse has happened and it still isn’t a red line for the rest of the world. Especially, the turn of events since October 7, 2023, has been horrifying, unnerving, and deadly. No amount of condemnatory words can adequately encapsulate the situation in Palestine during this period of occupation and apartheid. What is more shocking is the silence and inaction of organizations and countries that were known for their humanitarian ‘operations and chants’. By the end of May 2024 for a hundred thousandth time, another red line was crossed when an 18-month-old child named Ahmad Al-Najar was left beheaded when Israel struck the tents of displaced Palestinians in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. The video was watched by millions of people all around the world sending chills down their spine. However, it was not the first child who was killed brutally in Palestine but, he was the first child to have been beheaded in this episode of killings by Israel.
Points to Ponder
In October 2023, right after the October 7 episode when the operation against Palestinian civilians started, countries like Algeria, the African Union, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Reland, Kuwait, Morocco, Malaysia, Maldives, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Syria, South Africa and Venezuela did raise eyebrows at Israel and condemned what was happening. However, did Israel stop, or were condemnations enough, or were they the only option? These are questions that every human around the world has in mind today, but no one has answers to give.
“When an Israeli soldier sees a Palestinian baby, he does not see an infant he sees the enemy. In Israel, since 1948, ethnic cleansing is not just a policy, it is a way of life, and its constant practice criminalizes the state, not just its policies.” Ilan Pappe. The irony is, that more than 38,000 innocent civilians were killed, 13,800 among them being children and 20,000 of them being adults, and the world only raised eyebrows, stood in protest in some Parliaments and the rest blinked twice if that even matters. The question is, why was there not a single UNSC Resolution passed against the occupation and killing of innocent civilians in Palestine? The answer is there will not be any such resolutions passed when the ones responsible for it will hold the power to veto the resolution right there and then. Another question is, why was the UN so powerless in front of an offensive state such as Israel despite having the rest of the 192 countries as its members and them being proponents of peace and humanity? the response to this question is likely to be extensive and multifaceted. But the conclusion to it is as evident as the day, and that is, not even the UN could stop all of this from happening, nor will it be able to do so in the future. Because, Israel is the US’s favorite child in the region, and with the US’s support it is almost untouchable by anyone.
However, the video of the beheaded baby did cause an uproar among the masses like nothing before. Social media hashtags were shared regarding the incident more than 46.5 million times. The world once again looked up to the stakeholders and all they could hear was, ‘The red line was not crossed by Israel’. It made people implore the question of the time which was ‘What is Israel’s red line?’ after all. Children of Palestine at this time appeared in videos asking their Muslim brotherhood countries especially ‘Ahl al Arab’ (referred to as the Arabic countries in Arabic language) to wake up and take a stand for them. However, it is profoundly disheartening and distressing to witness their silence and hear their euphemistic remarks. It is understandable historically, that the Arab world has had no emotional connection to the issue, but has used this only as a tool for their interests, which in this case are majorly economic in terms of Israel.
What needs to be done?
Nonetheless, a resolution to this issue is imperative. The situation has reached a critical juncture where an entire ethnicity is at risk, posing a significant threat to the Palestinian nation as a whole. And, if anyone thinks that this extremist state’s actions would not boost other aggressive-natured states’ confidence, they’re wrong. All individuals globally need to recognize that continued silence on the issue of Israel’s occupation of Palestine may lead to a similar disregard when such conflicts affect them directly. The normalization and lack of accountability for such ruthless and sadistic behavior at this juncture will set a dangerous precedent. This can be supported by Noam Chomsky’s words saying, “I have often written since the 1970s that the people who call themselves supporters of Israel are supporters of its moral degeneration and probably ultimate destruction.”
For an unbiased and effective resolution, one should consult the solutions given by non-Muslim writers and thinkers first. In this regard, US-based intellectual, a Zionist, and political scientist, Noam Chomsky with his partner Ilan Pappe who is a former soldier of the Israeli Defense Force, Middle-eastern historian, and political scientist in their book ‘On Palestine’ explain the historical, religious and strategic context of the Palestinian issue. They both have been criticizing Israel’s aggressive and apartheid nature.
Both Chomsky and Pappe advocate for a one-state solution which would require dismantling the existing discriminatory structures and ensuring equal rights for all. Second, ending occupation and settlements. Third, acknowledging historical injustices like the Nakba (the displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation in 1948). Fourth, they call for international pressure on Israel to comply with international law and UN resolutions. This would be possible through Civil society movements, boycotts, and divestment campaigns that play a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for change. They call for a just solution that must address security while ensuring coexistence and equality. This, they recommend is possible through education and dialogue. They emphasize the role of education in promoting understanding and empathy, also dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians is essential for building trust and finding common ground.
The book, ‘On Palestine’ was published in 2015, and both Chomsky and Pappe’s recommendations might take time to come to life. However, if they don’t, the eventual solution will be for all states to come together under the umbrella of an organization or authority of one strong responsible actor. This could be anyone. This should comprise all kinds of power equipment and its use at times of need. This should include countries that are not in any way willing to be pressured by Israel’s role in the world’s market. At times of need, this umbrella should have the ability to protect any of its members be it economically or strategically. This will give the members a sense of security and a feeling of cooperation would lead them to stand together with their weak brothers today and at any time in the future as well. The point is to pressurize an occupant state and not create war. The focus is to convey the message of justice and fair play, a permanent solution, and an end to this ethnic cleansing.
