ISRAEL continues to operate with complete impunity in the occupied Palestinian territories. In the latest act of aggression, Israeli forces killed nine Palestinians in a large scale operation on Monday in Jenin, West Bank. It is being dubbed as one of the biggest in the area in years, featuring armoured vehicles, army bulldozers and unmanned aerial vehicles. Approximately 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly fled the Jenin refugee camp since Israeli forces began the military operation in the area.
Instead of condemning the Israeli belligerence, the US is backing the operation by saying that Israel has the right to defend itself. Such statements will only embolden the Israeli government to further perpetuate all sorts of atrocities against the Palestinian people. The right to self-defence is a fundamental principle universally acknowledged. However when applied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the perspective becomes imbalanced, favouring the occupying power over the occupied. The Palestinian people whose rights have been marginalized and their land seized, deserve equal consideration and a just resolution to their plight. The loss of any life is a tragedy and the death of nine Palestinians in the Israeli raid on Jenin is no exception. It is disheartening to witness the perpetuation of violence and the disregard for human life, particularly in the context of an already fraught situation. This latest incident adds to the long list of casualties. The use of disproportionate force by the Israeli military is an issue that has plagued the region for far too long. The raid on Jenin exemplifies this concerning pattern, where a heavy handed approach is often employed resulting in unnecessary civilian casualties. The international community must play a proactive role in putting an end to the recurring violence and aggression in the region. It is essential for world leaders to condemn Israeli acts of violence in clear terms and push for a renewed commitment to finding a just and equitable solution. The US needs to pursue a more balanced approach that also recognizes the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. It should seriously work towards a two state solution for peace and stability in the region.
