Gaza deserves justice, not just statements

A year on since Israel's war, the plight of Gaza should be addressed. There is a humanitarian crisis Gaza is facing and the international community has to take action immediately and without any delay.

Twelve months after ‘Operation Cast Lead', much of the world community has avoided tackling the real issues. For one thing, the basic needs of the 1.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza have yet to be put on the agenda as many are suffering because of the lack of basic food and health necessities. The recent blockade of a humanitarian convoy seeking to enter Gaza to deliver medicine and food does not make the situation any easier.

Furthermore, Israel has not been held accountable for the atrocities it committed in Gaza against unarmed civilians. In fact, it has managed to walk away without even being asked to help rebuild part or all of the infrastructure it destroyed during its attacks. After all, it is clear which party launched a massive all-out aggression and hence Israel has to bear responsibility.

A recent statement issued by the office of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said: "The Secretary General calls on Israel to end the unacceptable and counter-productive blockade of Gaza, facilitate economic activity and civilian reconstruction, and fully respect and uphold international law. Today's anniversary is a reminder of the bitter consequences of the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to which there is and can be no military solution."

Putting matters into perspective, it is not enough that statements are issued as the practice has been followed for an entire year now. What the people of Gaza really need is support that brings them justice and peace. And this should become the agenda whenever the situation in Gaza is discussed.