The humanitarian crisis is getting worse with each passing day in Gaza. The clamour for ceasefire grows as civilians bear the brunt
The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began with a sudden attack on October 7 by Hamas resulting in the death of 1,200 Israeli civilians, the Israeli army continues its bombardment of civilian areas, including refugee camps in Gaza. This has led to 85% of the 2.3 million Gazans leaving their homes. Despite this, the Israeli Prime Minister has pledged to prolong the war until Hamas is eliminated. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the conflict has resulted in approximately 21,507 deaths and 55,915 injuries since October 7.
Hamas, identified as an Islamic terrorist group supported by Iran and other regional actors, is the target of Israel's military action. However, critics argue that Israel's approach is causing significant harm to the Palestinian civilian population, infrastructure, environment, and biodiversity, even as it claims to be targeting only Hamas.
The Israeli army and political leadership are directing their anger towards those they believe allowed Hamas to operate in Gaza after the initial attack on October 9. While Palestinians may or may not sympathize with Hamas, it is argued that they should not be held accountable for the attack. The UN Secretary-General contextualizes the situation, stating that the Palestinian people have endured 56 years of occupation, with their land consumed by settlements and marred by violence.
The involvement of the Palestinian population in the conflict is largely involuntary, and they find themselves caught in the crossfire. The Israeli forces show no discrimination in their attacks, impacting permanent Palestinian residents who had to flee to Southern Gaza for refuge. The ongoing war sees the Israeli army targeting hostages, assaulting journalists and photographers, and obstructing UN humanitarian aid, exacerbating shortages of food, water, medicines, and electricity in the region. The indiscriminate approach to targeting both terrorists and civilians has led to deaths, disease, and displacement among the Palestinian population.
Israel's confidence and unyielding stance are attributed to unwavering support from the US, which has vetoed UN resolutions for an immediate ceasefire and provided military assistance without congressional approval. The US administration justifies these actions by citing the urgency of Israel's defensive needs.
Accusations of "genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza" have prompted South Africa to approach the International Court of Justice. The British ambassador to the UN warns of a humanitarian catastrophe if the conflict continues, despite the UK joining the US in vetoing a UN ceasefire resolution. Most other countries, including India, advocate for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Israel rejects them, with Prime Minister Netanyahu asserting that the war will continue until its conclusion. The US remains firm in its support, emphasiing its commitment to Israel's security.
Critics argue that the US's steadfast support for Israel stems more from geopolitical interests and the arms trade than a genuine commitment to Israel's well-being or a two-state solution. Concerns are raised about the potential escalation of the conflict into a regional, multi-front war involving proxy forces supported by Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. To prevent further escalation, advocates for humanistic values and peace call for the cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire, and a commitment to the two-state solution as the only path to sustainable peace. The UN Secretary-General emphasises that the grievances of the Palestinian people should not justify the horrific attacks by Hamas, and these attacks should not result in the collective punishment of the Palestinian population.
(The writer is a retired professor from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and a member, of the governing council, INTACH; views are personal)
