As we continue to hear about the devastating war in Ukraine and encourage Ukrainians for their bravery we need to remind ourselves of many countries that are currently in the same position as Ukraine.
The rising tensions between Palestine and Israel has led to a massive outburst of violence and havoc causing distraught across the world.
After 75 years of injustice and inhumanity, Palestine has finally taken action against the Israeli government’s unjust and appalling actions.
Yet Palestine continues to be neglected by the international community being used as political propaganda by the majority of the Western world by being condemned for their actions.
The media continues to portray Palestinians as a violent and bloodthirsty people for rightfully defending their land.
However, when Ukraine fought back against the Russian invasion of Ukraine they were seen as freedom fighters and people with great courage.
But what about the Palestinians?
They have suffered long and hard from the injustices committed by the Israeli occupation forces yet people and the media are silent about this issue.
In this situation, this notion of double standards is ethically and morally wrong and must come to an end. We cannot applaud one nation for defending their country while unjustly criticising the other for doing the same thing.
In 2022, over 204 innocent Palestinians were killed by the Israeli military and police.
On the 7 August 2020, an Israeli drone killed 5 children at a cemetery injuring another.
Showcas: The number of people injured and killed in Palestine compared to Israel (2008 – 2020).
Since 2007, Israeli authorities have carried out illegal land, sea and air blockades on the occupied Gaza Strip.
For over 15 years these blockades have stripped Palestinians of their basic and fundamental human rights.
They have been denied the right to food, water, electricity, and medical aid. By restricting the movement of people, goods and patients from accessing life-saving treatments Gazan have been suffering for a long time.
The Gaza Strip is described by many human rights groups and the United Nations as an open-air prison with 2.3 million people crammed in 365sq km of land. This alone describes the horrendous conditions the Palestinian people are facing on a daily basis.
On Wednesday 11 October 2023, Palestinians reported the use of white phosphorous bombs by the Israeli army. Using white phosphorous in civilian areas is recognised as a war crime by the United Nations.
However, no country has stood up to condemn Israel for this war crime and many others.
Yet again we can see the double standards. When Russia was found to have committed many horrific war crimes, the Western nations stood up and condemned Russia even placing several restrictions and bans upon the nation.
However, Israel has not been condemned. How is this fair?
We cannot leave Palestinians alone on their journey to freedom and justice. It is time we come together for the welfare of the Palestinian people and stand up for what is right and what is wrong.
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