As Gaza faces yet another surge of violence, the international community stands at a critical juncture.
Recent developments in the conflict, alongside President Biden’s ceasefire proposal, underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective humanitarian intervention.
This time, however, it is imperative to focus not just on immediate peace, but on addressing the systemic and ongoing oppression faced by the Palestinians.
To achieve this, the global community must hold Israel accountable and take decisive actions to protect the rights and lives of the Palestinian people.
The conflict in Gaza is not an isolated incident but a manifestation of long-standing geopolitical dynamics that have perpetuated Palestinian suffering.
The blockade imposed by Israel, with the cooperation of Egypt, has created a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
This blockade has choked the economy, restricted access to essential goods, and left the population in dire conditions. These actions are not merely defensive measures; they constitute a systematic effort to undermine the basic human rights of Palestinians.
The international community's response has historically been characterised by a cycle of in-camera condemnations followed by political inaction.
Major donors suffice themselves in reconstruction projects, only to be completely destroyed by Israel.
Diplomatic efforts, such as the Oslo Accords and the several iterations of the Middle East Peace Process, have repeatedly failed to bring about a lasting peace or address the fundamental grievances of the Palestinian people.
The asymmetry of power between Israel and the Palestinians has led to a situation where the latter’s rights and aspirations are consistently marginalised.
President Biden’s recent ceasefire proposal, while a necessary step towards halting the immediate bloodshed, is far from sufficient.
Ceasefires, as history has shown, are temporary palliatives that do little to resolve the underlying issues.
Without addressing the root causes — such as political disenfranchisement, including the liberation of the Palestinian people, exercise of their right of self-determination, and enjoyment of right of return or compensation in lieu thereof; the ending of settlement expansion; the status of the Jerusalem — any ceasefire will be merely a pause before the next round of violence.
Furthermore, the US’s longstanding support for Israel, both financially and politically, has emboldened policies that contravene international law and human rights norms. This support has often translated into a lack of accountability for Israel’s actions, further entrenching the status quo.
The principle of humanitarian intervention, grounded in international law, posits that the international community has a duty to intervene when a state is unable or unwilling to protect its population from severe human rights abuses.
In the case of Gaza, this principle must guide our actions. The suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza — due to the blockade, military operations, and systemic deprivation —constitutes a humanitarian crisis of grave proportions.
The time has come for the international community to move beyond symbolic gestures and take real, concrete actions to alleviate the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza, and equally in the West Bank.
President Boden’s proposal, now a draft UN Security Council resolution, must address the following key element:
Lifting the Blockade: The blockade on Gaza must be lifted immediately and unconditionally. This will allow for the flow of essential goods, services, and humanitarian aid, and enable the reconstruction of Gaza’s devastated infrastructure.
International Protection Mechanism: An international protection mechanism, sanctioned by the United Nations, should be deployed to monitor the situation on the ground, ensure the safety of civilians, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Impartial Accountability: The international community must establish independent and impartial mechanisms to investigate and hold accountable all parties responsible for violations of international law. This includes scrutinizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and ensuring justice for the victims, as well as Hamas actions against civilian settlers.
Renewed Diplomatic Efforts: Diplomatic efforts must be reinvigorated with a focus on achieving a just and lasting peace. This involves addressing core issues such as the right of return for Palestinian refugees, the status of Jerusalem, and the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
It is equally imperative to emhpasise the need for a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, supported by a coalition of international actors, that should focus on rebuilding infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the economy. This plan must be designed to empower the Palestinian people and promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza is not just a humanitarian tragedy but a moral indictment of the international community’s failure to act decisively. It is also a geopolitical challenge that demands a reevaluation of longstanding policies and alliances.
The world must recognise that a stable and just Middle East is contingent upon addressing the legitimate aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people.
Inaction or half-measures are no longer acceptable. The international community, led by influential powers and regional actors, must rise to the occasion and demonstrate a commitment to justice, human rights, and international law.
The people of Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering for far too long. It is time for real humanitarian intervention — an intervention that not only stops the immediate violence but also lays the foundation for a future where Palestinians can live with dignity, security, and hope.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
