Palestinians have been living under Israeli oppression for almost a century. This is a fact that cannot be denied or ignored. While there have been deliberate massacres in the past, the situation has escalated into an unprecedented level of violence since Oct. 7. The Palestinian people have endured unimaginable suffering and injustice, yet they continue to resist and fight for their rights and freedom.
The history of Palestinian oppression dates back to the early 20th century when the British Empire, with the support of the international community, promised to establish a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine through the Balfour Declaration. This promise was made without consulting the indigenous Palestinian population, who were the majority in the land at the time. This marked the beginning of the systematic displacement and dispossession of the Palestinian people.
In 1948, the state of Israel was established, and with it came the Nakba, or catastrophe, for the Palestinian people. More than 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes and lands, and their villages and towns were destroyed. This was followed by decades of military occupation, illegal settlements, and discriminatory policies that have deprived Palestinians of their basic human rights.
Since Oct. 7, the situation has reached a boiling point. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has intensified its oppressive measures against the Palestinian people. This includes the demolition of Palestinian homes, the revocation of residency permits, and the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied territories. These actions are in direct violation of international law and have been condemned by the international community.
The most alarming development has been the increase in violence against Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has launched several airstrikes on the besieged territory, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The recent bombing of a residential building that housed international media offices, including the Associated Press and Al Jazeera, is a clear example of the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force by the Israeli military.
The situation in East Jerusalem has also been a cause for concern. The Israeli government has been attempting to forcibly evict Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, claiming that the land belongs to Jewish settlers. This has sparked widespread protests and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, resulting in the injury and arrest of hundreds of Palestinians.
The Palestinian people have shown incredible resilience and determination in the face of such oppression. They have taken to the streets in peaceful protests, demanding an end to the occupation and the recognition of their rights. However, their peaceful demonstrations have been met with brutal force by the Israeli military, resulting in the death of innocent civilians, including children.
The international community has a moral obligation to stand with the Palestinian people and condemn the Israeli government’s actions. The United Nations and other international organizations must take concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and human rights abuses. The ongoing violence and oppression against Palestinians must be brought to an end, and a just and lasting solution must be reached.
It is also crucial for individuals and governments around the world to educate themselves about the Palestinian struggle and show solidarity with the Palestinian people. This can be done through supporting Palestinian businesses, boycotting companies that profit from the occupation, and advocating for the recognition of Palestinian rights.
Despite the decades of oppression and suffering, the Palestinian people remain steadfast in their determination to achieve justice and freedom. They deserve to live in peace and dignity, just like any other people in the world. It is time for the international community to take a stand and support the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination and human rights. The time for action is now.
