CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Views /Editorial

Turning a blind eye

Published: 22 Mar 2024 - 10:24 am | Last Updated: 26 Apr 2025 - 09:03 am

Despite the alarming daily death toll in Gaza, the egregious acts of genocide, and the cruel tactics of starvation and denial of essential resources to coerce Palestinians from their homeland, all of this is shockingly justified under the guise of “self-defence.” This so-called right has become boundless, with the international community turning a blind eye to the continuous atrocities inflicted upon innocent children and women through relentless killings and collective punishment. In this grim reality, diplomacy remains stagnant, and mediation efforts have proven futile due to Israeli obstinacy, prioritising collective punishment over dialogue and reconciliation.

Diplomatic endeavours offer false hope to those subjected to mass slaughter and those suffering from starvation used as war weapons. How can the most extremist far-right Israeli government be expected to relent when their close allies show no inclination to halt the bloodshed? The global consensus overwhelmingly supports the Palestinians’ right to live in peace akin to their Israeli counterparts, and their legitimate aspiration for an independent state. This right will inevitably be realised despite the enduring oppression and occupation by Israel.

Expectations for an imminent ceasefire persist, yet successive meetings yield disheartening outcomes, merely echoing initial proposals made at the onset of the aggression against Gaza six months ago. Western diplomatic efforts peddle illusions and disappointingly echo past stances. Peace remains elusive for Gaza’s Palestinians, evident in Israel’s unyielding stance and its supportive allies’ insistence that peace can only be achieved through their annihilation, a chilling objective being actively pursued.

As news surfaces of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region, hopes soar for meaningful decisions and a clear path forward, particularly towards a ceasefire to halt the ongoing genocide in Gaza and expedite vital humanitarian aid delivery to those suffering from hunger and deprivation. Regrettably, the outcomes fall short, prioritizing post-war arrangements over the urgent need for a ceasefire to save lives and alleviate the suffering inflicted by the Israeli occupation forces. How can efforts to establish a post-war political situation in Gaza be prioritized over the ceasefire process, thereby safeguarding the lives of those who are suffering from hunger and enduring attacks by the Israeli occupation army?

Regardless of the war’s duration or the extent of Palestinian sacrifices, history consistently shows that wars ultimately conclude through negotiation. However, the Israeli occupation government seems driven by a relentless desire for revenge, boasting about its achievements in terms of casualties, displacement, and suffering inflicted upon Palestinians. If this is the stance of Israel, what about its allies who have backed this conflict against the Palestinian people for over 75 years?