PALESTINE, that enclave of humanity that is occupied, brutalised and totally without any form of military defence against aggressors, is conveniently perceived as a threat by the Jewish state, Israel, the undeclared, sole nuclear power in West Asia and North Africa.
This occupying power is a usurper legitimised by imperial Britain, and unconditionally supported and armed by the United States. Such is the irony of the geopolitical construct that terrorises Gaza, virtually an open prison, and the West Bank, perpetually.
Abandoned by the so-called international community, Palestinians draw inspiration from the defeat of the “mighty” by the ostensibly “powerless” at various points in history. It is that spirit which keeps the flames of resistance burning.
Demanding for the right of return to the homeland by the Palestinian diaspora of refugees, the Great Return March, a peaceful protest bringing out thousands of Palestinians marching along the Israeli border, is but the most recent show of this spirit.
And, Israel, not wishing to disappoint the world, met this peaceful demonstration with such violence, in which 18 Palestinians were killed and almost 1,500 injured as live bullets were fired at the crowd and drones dumped tear gas on the marchers.
That this degree of violence, which included 100 snipers, was planned made it all the more galling.
Tel Aviv knew they could perpetrate this act of inhumanity with impunity as it became obvious only too quickly. Calls for an investigation by the seemingly outraged international community were immediately quashed by a US veto in the United Nations Security Council, even as the martyred were being buried.
The Palestinians could no longer hope to find a solution through established institutions like the UN.
The time has come to unmask the futility of the two-state solution used to prolong negotiations while enabling Tel Aviv to pursue its genocidal agenda.
As Richard Falk insists, the time for goodwill has “long passed”. It is time to pressure Israel into a settlement. Individuals and state actors alike must intensify the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
In the name of justice, let us isolate Israel. Support the BDS Movement and intensify the siege.
ASKIAH ADAM
Executive director, International Movement for a JUST World