Opinion | Editorials
A deliberate and dangerous act
Starving Palestinians into submission or death serves no just purpose
- Published: 23:33 May 3, 2009
On too many occasions the world has stood idly by and watched or reacted too late as genocide has taken place: Rwanda; Serbia; Bosnia; Darfur to name a few. Always there are recriminations afterwards, much wringing of hands and copious tears with cries of, "It must never happen again". But it does. Sometimes, those who were responsible for the crimes against humanity are brought to trial and prosecuted. But not always.
For the latest crime against humanity is taking place at the instigation of Western nations, while much of the world, once again, stands idly to one side. That criminal activity is ongoing and alarming and is against the Palestinian people. They are being made to pay for voting for the "wrong" political party in a democratic election.
The European Union and the United States, jointly, have made the decision to stop sending financial assistance to the Palestinians an amount totalling $1 billion a year which is tantamount to starving Palestinians into submission, or death.
The US is not a signatory to the UN's International Criminal Court in The Hague, but members of the EU are. As such, therefore, it is theoretically possible to bring the EU to court, charged with the crime of genocide against Palestinians.
The theory is there, but the chances of it happening in practical terms are remote since expensive international lawyers are experienced in finding many ways of justifying their clients' actions, even if it does include death through neglect and indifference.
If the Western nations are not prepared to continue funding the Palestinians as they have done in the past (despite fully knowing of the corruption taking place), then now is the time for all Arab nations to step forward and show brotherly unity by making good the shortfall. That will rightly demonstrate Arab resolve.
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