Being a paper presented at the Online Conference Tragedy of the Centaury: A Year of the Zionist Regime’s Crimes, Brutality and Global Silenc...
Being a paper presented at the Online Conference
Tragedy of the Centaury: A Year of the Zionist Regime’s Crimes, Brutality and Global Silence. Organized by The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria
7th October, 2024
1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The word Palestine comes from Philistine and originally denoted the coastal region north and south of Gaza which was occupied and settled by the Philistine invaders from across the sea.
Palestinian liberation is the concept of Palestinian nationalism, the movement of Palestinian people for self-determination and sovereignty over Palestine. Palestine's special place in history derives from its spiritual significance for the three great monotheistic faiths. Palestine thus should be a land of peace, but, in fact, historical forces, sometimes religious, sometimes political, have brought conflict and conquest.
The struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian people has become a symbol of the broader quest for justice, freedom, and human dignity worldwide. It transcends the borders of the Middle East and resonates as a moral imperative for all of humanity. This clarion call urges mankind to recognize and act on the collective responsibility to seek justice for a people who have been subjected to decades of displacement, occupation, and denial of fundamental rights.
The roots of the Palestinian conflict are deeply embedded in the colonial history of the region. The establishment of the illegal state of Israel in 1948, following the end of British mandate rule, led to the Nakba, or "catastrophe," during which more than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes. The displacement, along with subsequent wars and occupations, created a legacy of statelessness and dispossession that continues to impact millions of Palestinians today, both those living in the occupied territories and the diaspora.
This historical context reminds the global community of its past failures to address the rights of colonized people and the continued struggle for self-determination in the post-colonial world. The Palestinian liberation movement echoes the struggles of many other oppressed peoples across history, including those who fought against apartheid in South Africa, racial segregation in the United States, and colonialism in Africa and Asia.
For over five decades, Palestinians have lived under Israeli occupation, facing systemic violations of human rights. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israeli settlements have expanded, creating a fragmented landscape where Palestinians are restricted from free movement, access to resources, and land ownership. The separation barrier, military checkpoints, and ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes further entrench the physical and psychological barriers to peace.
In Gaza, the situation is even most dire. Under an Israeli blockade since 2007, the densely populated strip has experienced repeated military conflicts, leaving it in a perpetual state of crisis. With limited access to clean water, healthcare, electricity, and employment, life in Gaza is often described as living in an "open-air prison." The international community, despite widespread condemnation of the conditions, has largely failed to secure lasting relief for the people of Gaza.
The Palestinian cause has long been framed within the context of international law. The United Nations and numerous human rights organizations have condemned the Israeli occupation as illegal under international law, citing violations of the Geneva Conventions. Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank has been declared illegal by the UN and other bodies, and the continued occupation has been deemed a form of colonialism.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2004 that the construction of the Israeli separation wall violated international law, as it was built on Palestinian land and led to the destruction of homes, agriculture, and livelihoods. Despite these rulings, little meaningful action has been taken by the international community to enforce compliance with international legal norms, highlighting a disconnect between global legal frameworks and the political will to uphold them.
The Palestinian population, particularly in Gaza, has endured unimaginable suffering due to the ongoing conflict. Blockades, sanctions, and military actions have led to widespread poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare. The destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and homes, during conflicts has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
Palestinian children, many of whom have grown up knowing only conflict, face immense psychological trauma. The UN has frequently described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as one of the direst in the world. Yet, the international community's response has often been limited to providing humanitarian aid rather than addressing the root causes of the crisis.
2. LIBERATION OF PALESTINE
The liberation of Palestine has become a rallying cry for activists, intellectuals, and human rights advocates around the world. Movements such as Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) have sought to pressure governments, corporations, and cultural institutions to take a stand against Israeli policies. Many compare the global response to apartheid South Africa, where international pressure was instrumental in ending racial segregation and oppression.
However, the Palestinian cause has also become deeply polarizing in global politics. While many nations and organizations support the recognition of Palestinian statehood, others have taken a firm stance in defense of illegal Israel's right to self-defense. The challenge for the global community lies in finding a balance between supporting the legitimate security concerns of Israel while addressing the equally legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom and sovereignty.
Some Arab and Muslim countries have played significant roles in the Palestinian struggle against Israel, driven by religious, political, and historical motivations. Their involvement can be divided into several phases, reflecting changing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and beyond:
While the role of Arab and Muslim countries in the Palestinian struggle has evolved over the decades, these nations remain central players. Their support, whether financial, diplomatic, or military, continues to shape the Palestinian quest for self-determination, though shifting regional alliances and geopolitical realities present new challenges to the traditional solidarity of the Arab and Muslim world in the Palestinian cause.
The advocates of a two-state solution, as envisioned in numerous international agreements or alternative models such as a bi-national state are surely being economical with justice. The liberation of Palestine certainly means the dismantling of Israel, who came and illegally usurped the Palestinian land and forcefully displaced its right and legal owners. What is crucial is that the voices of Palestinians, long marginalized in the peace process, are heard and respected.
The path to peace requires the dismantling of systemic oppression, the recognition of historical grievances, and a commitment to justice and equality for all. The international community must not remain complacent but should instead actively engage in efforts to mediate a fair and lasting solution.
At its core, the call for Palestinian liberation is not just about politics; it is about humanity’s shared commitment to justice. In the words of Desmond Tutu, "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." The Palestinian struggle reminds mankind of the importance of standing against oppression, discrimination, and inequality in all its forms.
This clarion call is a reminder that peace can only be achieved when justice is pursued. The liberation of Palestine is part of the larger global movement for the rights of oppressed people everywhere, and it is incumbent on humanity to rise to this challenge and ensure a just future for all.
3. GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
Global responsibility in the liberation of the Palestinian people involves more than just political intervention. It includes:
Humanitarian aid: Addressing the dire living conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Educational initiatives: Raising awareness about the conflict's complexities.
Promoting dialogue: Facilitating conversations across borders and ideologies for a peaceful resolution.
Economic and political pressure: Holding parties accountable through sanctions, economic boycotts, and international diplomacy
Use of force to flush out the illegal occupiers of the land of Palestine.
The role of international communities like Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Syria can be seen where armed struggle is involved in checkmating the criminal activities of the murderous Israeli government against the innocent people of Palestine. The Hizbullah, Hamas Jihadil Islamiy and Houthis have openly acknowledged the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran in helping them in their struggle against the illegal state of Israel.
Some Arab nations like Qatar, Egypt, Oman Saudi Arabia are shying away from openly supporting the Palestinian cause may be due to fear of America the Godfather of Israel. Meanwhile countries like Russia, North Korea and China have identified with Iran and the Palestinians and are already warning America and its allies against attacking Iran. It is equally inspiring to see countries like France, Germany, Canada, and Britain calling for arms embargo against the illegal state of Israel for the crimes against humanity being perpetuated by the illegal state of Israel. The global response to the call of liberation of Palestine as seen in the processions by all people across the globe is a clear testament to how the people are in support of the Palestinian cause. It also shows a clear disconnect between the people and their governments most of whom are stooges of the Zionist blood suckers controlling the illegal state of Israel and Unites State of America.
The manner in which many countries representatives at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly walked out of blood thirsty Netanyahu when he was to deliver his speech is a clear testament to how the world is gradually turning against the illegal state of Israel. Indeed South Africa stands to be commended for championing the African stand on the issue of Palestine. How they dragged the illegal state of Israel to the International Court for crime against humanity and killing of innocent youth, elderly and children in Palestine must be commended.
The Nigerian delegation led by the country’s vice president gallantly stood before the UNG and declared the support for the cause of Palestine which is the stand of majority of African countries. It is on record how the Islamic Movement under the revered leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has been holding demonstration for the past forty (40) years in support of the Palestinian cause as ordered by Imam Khomeini (QS).
The Dufan operation of 7th October, 2023 by the Hamas has succeeded in awakening the attention of the world towards the bellicosity of the illegal state of Israel and its masters that has been going on since 1948. It is obvious the world is now divided in to two: those with the truth and those against the truth and the end of the aggression is around the corner with the emergence of the long awaited savior of mankind Imam Mahdi (AF).
No comments