The war crimes that Israel stands accused of will not end as long as the Israeli government perpetuates a violent military occupation that allows inequality and injustice to flourish. Israel’s actions epitomise the repression and systematic violations of human rights, inherent in their unjust occupation.
Over the past 68 years, Israel has conducted a systematic campaign against the civilian population of the Palestinian territories, to drive them out of their homeland. The US-dominated Western mass media portrays the actions of Palestinians, who have justifiably defended themselves from acts of aggression and injustice committed by Israel, as acts of terror. However, there would be no need for Palestinian attacks if Israel were to respect international law and treat the Palestinians justly. There would be no security problem for Israel if it did not oppress the Palestinian people.
Peace is only possible if it is based on justice and respect for international law.
Ending the cycle of ongoing and systematic human rights violations perpetrated by Israel cannot be effective until the root causes of such violations are recognised and combatted. Continued Israeli military aggression against Palestinian civilians amounts to grave breaches of the Geneva Convention — namely war crimes — and systematic gross violations of human rights. A disproportionate number of women and children have been killed and maimed in the ongoing conflict.
Crimes perpetrated against the Palestinians seem inadequately investigated or prosecuted. What a travesty of justice! Israel has deprived millions of Palestinians of their liberty and property.
If the international community refused to support the US because of its massive and uncritical support of Israel, the US foreign policy would be forced to change. Let us, as freedom-loving people committed to global justice, pray that the Palestinian people receive justice, freedom and prosperity.
— The reader is a South African educator based in Cape Town, South Africa
