Western countries, including the United States, have largely supported Israel’s actions, casting doubt on the fairness of international diplomacy in addressing the situation.
Ume Rubab
The ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in massive loss of life and widespread suffering, is a grave humanitarian crisis. It has been triggered by a complex web of historical and recent events, which reflects the continuing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories, especially the Gaza Strip. The consequences of this conflict extend far beyond the immediate loss of life and infrastructure damage; they reverberate throughout the region and test the principles of justice and compassion.
The immediate cause of the recent bloodshed can be traced back to the hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with each side blaming the other for initiating the conflict. These hostilities have a long history, deeply rooted in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The prolonged human rights violations and the deprivation of Palestinians’ right to life have fueled this ongoing confrontation.
One of the most distressing events that escalated tensions was the desecration of holy sites, notably the Al-Aqsa mosque, which holds immense significance for the global Muslim community. This act deeply saddened Muslims worldwide, leading to solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The retaliatory actions from both sides have resulted in substantial casualties, including innocent women and children. This tragic loss of life, along with the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, illustrates the gravity of the situation. The ongoing violence and the destruction of infrastructure, including the disruption of basic necessities like food, water, and power, have created a dire humanitarian crisis.
The Gaza Strip, home to over 2.2 million Palestinians, has been under siege since 2007, with both Israel and Egypt blockading the territory. This has transformed Gaza into an open-air concentration camp, where inhabitants have long endured isolation and deprivation. The recent escalation has further exacerbated their plight, with the little support that did reach the territory being severed.
Moreover, the inflammatory rhetoric from some Israeli officials, such as referring to their adversaries as “human animals,” highlights the deeply rooted animosity that fuels this conflict and raises concerns about the potential for further violence.
Also read: Gaza has become a moonscape in war. When the battles stop, many fear it will remain uninhabitable
The international response to this ongoing crisis has revealed some unsettling dynamics. Western countries, including the United States, have largely supported Israel’s actions, casting doubt on the fairness of international diplomacy in addressing the situation. This inconsistency in applying principles of justice has been disheartening for many.
The Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, have borne the brunt of Israeli actions over the past five decades, and the situation has become unbearable. The UN secretary general has described Gaza as a “hell on earth,” with its population living under constant blockade and humanitarian crises.
The implications of this conflict extend beyond the immediate region. It has the potential to derail efforts for reconciliation between Israel and Saudi Arabia, thus reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The suffering of the Palestinian people, who have endured decades of displacement, imprisonment, and brutality, cannot be overlooked. The endless Nakba, a term used to describe their ongoing tragedy, must come to an end.
To achieve a lasting peace in the region, a comprehensive plan for Palestinian statehood must be considered. This would require international cooperation and support for a fair and sustainable resolution.
In these challenging times, Muslims worldwide should rekindle the concept of the ummah, the collective Muslim community. This means standing in solidarity with their Palestinian brethren, prioritizing the principles of justice and compassion over political interests.
The words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasize the duty of Muslims to support and care for one another. The silence of organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in the face of injustice is concerning. The 41-member Muslim alliance of Saudi Arabia, among others, should play a crucial role in resolving these injustices and promoting unity within the ummah.
The situation in Gaza is a profound humanitarian crisis rooted in historical grievances and recent escalations. Achieving a resolution requires international cooperation, a commitment to justice, and a united response from the Muslim community, guided by the principles of compassion and solidarity. It is hoped that Allah guides and unites all Muslims in their efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian Muslims and protect the sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque.
___________________
Ume Rubab is a postgraduate in political science based in Larkana, Sindh.
