The relentless aggression by Israeli forces in Rafah, southern Gaza, represents a harrowing chapter in the ongoing conflict. Despite a proposed roadmap towards a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insistence on continuing the offensive reflects a blatant disrespect for principles of humanity and rulings of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, which have repeatedly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The impact of Israeli aggression on Palestinian lives is devastating. With infrastructure obliterated, including hospitals, the death toll in Gaza has reached an alarming thirty-seven thousand, encompassing men, women, and children. The incessant shelling and sniper fire in neighbourhoods like Tal al-Sultan have rendered daily existence perilous and desperate. President Biden’s outline of a three-stage plan offers a glimmer of hope for a ceasefire and release of hostages. He has rightly emphasised the necessity of ending war, asserting that negotiations for a lasting truce should proceed concurrently with ongoing talks. Thousands of Israelis themselves have rallied in Tel Aviv to demand acceptance of the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The Israeli opposition leader has also urged Netanyahu to heed President Joe Biden’s call for truce. However, the blood thirsty PM is listening to nobody, not even its own people. His declaration that Israel’s war aims remain unchanged, focusing on complete destruction of Hamas’s capabilities and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel, suggests an unyielding approach that jeopardises the prospects for peace.
The international community must now stand with the oppressed rather than the oppressor. It is imperative for key global capitals, especially Washington, to exert their influence on Israel to halt this devastating war. The Israeli PM and others in his cabinet need to be held accountable for their deadly war crimes against humanity.
The urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach innocent Palestinian population cannot be overstated. The spokesperson for UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said that children in Gaza are starving due to persisting obstacles to aid access. The Palestinians have endured immense suffering, and the world has a moral obligation to help heal their wounds. It is time for a collective and resolute stand against continuation of this conflict.
The preservation of human life and dignity must take precedence over military objectives. Only through a genuine commitment to peace and justice can the cycle of violence be broken. Responsibility also rests with the Muslim countries to more forcefully raise their voice in support of Palestinians.
