The violence against Palestine by Israel had exacerbated in recent days. Israel had put up blockades preventing Palestinians from gathering in the Damascus Gate— the most famous space during the month of Ramadan. Israeli police forces had launched attack inside the Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third-holiest site in Islam where the Palestinian worshippers gathered for prayers of Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny) and police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades on them. Also at Palestine neighbourhood, Sheikh Jarrah, Israel ordered six Palestinian families to leave their homes on May 2 to replace it entirely for Jewish settlers. Palestinian families have been living in there for generations. The hostilities have killed at least 56 Palestinians in Gaza – including 14 children – and six Israelis died, and hundreds wounded, This is the most intense ebullition since the seven-week 2014 Israeli war on Gaza.
Since 1967, in which the occupation of Palestinian lands began, Israeli forces have been using excessive and pestilent force against Palestine civilians including women and children by brutally retaliating the protestors and stifling dissent and forcing them to off their lands, confiscating and illegally using it to establish settlements which is exclusively for accommodating Israeli Jewish settlers. This has inflicted terrific sufferings on Palestinians, depriving basic human rights. Their homes and livelihoods have been desolated, they’ve had constraints enforced on their mobility, access to their own water, land, electricity and other natural resources. They have also been ruthlessly attacked by the Israeli military and settlers. Palestinians are forced to live with daily disruption, humiliation, fear and oppression from Israel. People’s entire lives are completely held under them.
Human Rights Watch, a US-based NGO, reported five categories of “major violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law” which disadvantage Palestinians. The violations included are unlawful killings, abusive detention, blockade of the Gaza Strip and restrictions on Palestinian movement, the development of settlements, and discriminatory policies.
Historical events that lead to the establishment of Jewish state in Palestine
• The period from 1917-1948, the mandate of British for Palestine was carried out which laid the real groundwork for a Jewish state in Palestine.
• The historical Balfour Declaration(1917)was held in response to Britain’s World War I commitment to support the establishment of a “Jewish national home” in Palestine by displacing Palestinians away. In the words of eminent Palestinian scholar Edward Said, this was a declaration “made by a European power.. About a non-European territory.
• In 1948, nearly three-quarters of a million Palestinians extruded from their homes and demolished many villages and towns. Palestinians call this event as” Nakba”, the word means catastrophe in Arabic.
• In 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip which resulted in systematic human rights violations against Palestinians living there.
• In 1987, after 20 years of brutal military occupation, the First Intifada launched in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
• In 1993 Palestinian Liberation Organization and Israel signed the declaration of principles on interim self government arrangements(OSLO)which heralded a new chapter of modern Palestinian history.
• In 2008, Israel attacks the Gaza Strip which is called as “Operation Cast Lead”
• In 2014, Israel inflicted its biggest assault on Gaza since 1967, which is known as “Operation Protective Edge”.
Palestine in the International sphere
As Palestinians are being the victims of grave human rights violations and abuse, the need for solidarity and support from domestic and international arenas is important. But, unfortunately, many of the countries are tongue tied to condemn the acts of Israel. They have their own paraphernalia to denounce the abuses as simply as a “clash” between Israel and Palestine.
The Abraham Accord between Israel, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which is mediated by the United States of America is the first Arab-Israeli peace accord which are aimed at normalizing Israel’s relations with the two Arab countries. The Accord shows how the Arab countries are gradually sundering themselves from the Palestinian question. Palestinian Authority has responded to the deal by asserting that a comprehensive and perpetual peace is unachievable “as long as the United States and the Israeli occupation authority do not recognize the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state. They called the UAE’s decision a “treason”. U.S. President Joe Biden has said that his new administration will be committed to human rights and would be at the centre of his Foreign Policy. So, Palestine will be a reality check of his statements.
India and Israel had nurtured diplomatic and trade relations. Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu share an inclination for majoritarianism, neoliberalism and religious conservatism. Also, the authoritarian decision of Indian government to abrogate the autonomy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the violence unleashed by Indian forces towards Kashmiris resonates with Israel’s behavior towards Palestinians.
Way forward
Israel will continue to scorn the international law and violate the human rights of the Palestinian people until the whole oppressed sections are united. NGOs, Civil Society Organisations, Concerned International bodies and the people should unite and pressurise the International Organisations and fight for justice. Our commitment to human rights and justice should transcend the boundaries. The fight against occupation and oppression is a strong and resilient battle towards equality and justice.
