Photo by [The Times of India]
Palestine – In Gaza, the Palestinian people continue to endure collective punishment and relentless missile strikes from an unyielding and ruthless Israeli regime. So far, thousands of men, women, and children have been murdered, with thousands more suffering critical injuries.
As the global community watches, the besieged Gaza Strip is teetering on starvation as essential resources like food, water, and medicine steadily dwindle. Some individuals in Gaza have taken to social media to depict scenes of people searching for food and sharing their depleting water supplies.
The current events are reminiscent of a dystopian movie, and considering the extensive destruction caused by the Israelis, it could very well be one.
To make matters worse, it has been almost a week since Israel severed the supply of essential resources to Gaza. Reports indicate a lack of interest from Israeli authorities in collaborating with aid organisations to deliver much-needed supplies to the besieged enclave, even in the face of international pressure.
Mohamed Sha’aban, a Palestinian journalist and activist, has revealed there are currently truckloads of humanitarian aid stranded just outside the border between Egypt and Gaza, prevented from entering.
Despite the damage to the Rafah Crossing on the Palestinian side, which is inoperable due to airstrikes, Israel deliberately obstructs any attempts or efforts to access Gaza, much to the dismay of Egyptian officials.
“There are over two million Palestinians in Gaza that don’t have any source of food or water. The Israeli occupation is still preventing any humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, which is a violation of humanitarian laws and international laws.”
Not Hamas, But All Palestinians
Following the initial attack by Hamas on October 7, we have witnessed world leaders, news agencies, and pro-Israeli observers assert the more powerful occupying force has a right to defend itself.
However, the language employed by Israeli officials has been more hostile, genocidal, and sadistic compared to their international partners. Despite their statements about wanting to eliminate Hamas, the reality is quite different.
Sha’aban pointed out the significant number of innocent civilians killed, subjected to bombings, and starvation indicates Israel’s intentions go beyond self-defence or targeting Hamas. Instead, it suggests a desire to eliminate the Palestinian people.
This is evident because their bombs and missiles are not solely directed at Hamas but have also struck densely populated areas, civilian convoys on highways and locations in so-called safe zones.
“The Israeli occupation unfortunately targets all categories of Palestinian people without any discrimination.”
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The Resilience of Palestinian Hope
In the face of Israel’s war crimes and breaches of international law, the Palestinians remain resolute in their hope for liberation. Ultimately, no one wishes for conflict, turmoil, and loss of life. Their collective aspiration is for peace and prosperity.
This sentiment is shared by Sha’ban, who grieves the loss of life on both sides of the conflict. The Palestinians yearn for a future where they can finally enjoy a peaceful existence in their homeland.
“[In the] end, the picture will be for the Palestinian people who resisted many times to be free. To live a normal, natural and peaceful life like other people in this world.”
Nevertheless, as long as Israel persists in oppressing, murdering, and disregarding the human rights of the Palestinians, achieving this longed-for peace will be a difficult and challenging journey.
