Gaza: Between global silence and the double standards of justice

The Palestinian people have endured occupation since 1967, when Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Nevertheless, the recent tragedy in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has revealed the depth of international complicity and the double standards that characterize global politics [1]. As Palestinians plead for safety and justice, the Israeli occupying authorities persist in enforcing a systematic policy of starvation and gradual extermination, which constitutes a comprehensive genocide [2]. The Palestinians encounter a veto from the United States of America at every turn, wielded as a weapon to obstruct any United Nations resolution that seeks to deliver justice to them [3]. Simultaneously, the number of nations acknowledging Palestine and advocating for its rightful claim to freedom and independence continues to grow. For example, countries such as Spain, France, and the United Kingdom have formally recognized or expressed strong support for Palestinian statehood [4].

The actions of Israel have surpassed the bounds of humanity, with over 64,000 Palestinians having lost their lives in Gaza, the majority of whom are women and children. Furthermore, the famine has resulted in the deaths of more than 370 individuals [5]. Additionally, more than 40,000 infants are enduring severe malnutrition, putting their lives at an increasing risk of death [6]. Furthermore, more than 900,000 children are suffering from severe malnutrition, and with famine officially confirmed by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system in the Gaza Governorate, the situation has progressed beyond the risk of a humanitarian disaster to a state of famine [7].

Despite this, some leaders of certain governments and media outlets attempt to hold the victims accountable for the ongoing situation, neglecting to recognize that the occupation is the true perpetrator and the primary party responsible for this humanitarian crisis, as it continues to obstruct the entry of meat, fish, and countless essential food items [8]. The Palestinian struggle and resistance are not merely options of convenience; they are a necessity born from years of oppression and deprivation, representing the only path that can ultimately alter the balance of power [9].

Regrettably, much of the international response has been hesitant, even as public pressure has led some governments to pause or restrict arms transfers to Israel (e.g., Canada, Belgium, and Spain), signaling a gradual shift in global opinion despite efforts to stifle dissent [10]. Large segments of the international media have also been criticized for coverage that downplays the scale of violations and the resulting humanitarian crisis. From the outset, it is important to note that under international humanitarian law, particularly the 1949 Geneva Conventions, including the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians, Israel, as the occupying power in the Palestinian territories, has a responsibility to ensure the civilian population has access to essential services such as health care and food supplies. These legal frameworks mandate the distinction between civilians and combatants, prohibit indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks, and afford special protection to vulnerable groups, including women, children, displaced persons, and medical and humanitarian personnel [11].

The United States has faced heavy criticism for its role in the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which many argue has failed to adequately address the worsening humanitarian crisis. Notably, United Nations agencies held a coordination meeting with the fund just days after publicly calling for its dismantling, raising questions about the international community's complicity in perpetuating the starvation and famine affecting civilians [12].

The global community has encountered a significant and widely recognized political challenge in Gaza, highlighting a glaring inconsistency between the humanitarian ideals asserted by nations and their actual conduct. Although Israel holds accountability under international law, the lack of response from the international community and the complicity of certain governments contribute to the ongoing crisis. This complicity, reflected in the endorsement of punitive measures that fuel violence, places these governments in direct violation of their moral and legal responsibilities under international law.

It is imperative to urgently halt the conflict, implement a lasting ceasefire, prevent starvation and displacement, deliver critical humanitarian aid at scale, provide care for all the wounded and injured, and initiate the reconstruction of war-affected Gaza with dignity and respect, thereby laying the foundations for a peaceful future. However, in stark contrast to the swift and coordinated mobilization of resources and political will demonstrated in contexts such as Ukraine, the inadequate and inconsistent response to Gaza exposes profound double standards. This disparity undermines the credibility of international law and human rights frameworks, revealing a selective application of justice.

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CRediT authorship contribution statement

Imad Asmar: Writing – original draft, Validation, Supervision, Software, Resources, Conceptualization.

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Declaration of competing interest

The author states no conflict of interest.