On Tuesday 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles targeting several Israeli  military facilities, including Mossad headquarters, with anticipation of retaliation by Israel and further escalation brings in focus the root cause, the ongoing genocide in Gaza and killings in West Bank and in Lebanon by Israeli military machine.

For decades, the issue of Palestine has remained at the forefront of global consciousness, and many wonder why there has been limited intervention from Muslim leaders and the international community to halt Israeli aggression and expansion.

Since the 1948 Nakba, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced following the creation of the state of Israel, the Palestinian cause has become a symbol of resistance against occupation.

The consistent expansionist policies of Israel, coupled with ongoing violence, have left many asking, “Why doesn’t a single Muslim leader stand up and do something?” Indeed, the silence of Muslim governments is frustrating to many.

This silence can be attributed to various political, economic, and strategic reasons. Some argue that global powers, particularly the US and European nations, continue to support Israel militarily and financially, inhibiting efforts for a peaceful resolution.

A common argument when addressing the violence in Palestine is the justification of such actions as part of warfare. Proponents of Israeli policies often state that “in war, this is what happens.”

However, wars typically have rules and ethical guidelines, such as those laid out in the Geneva Conventions, which emphasise the protection of civilians . In contrast, reports indicate that Israeli actions often target civilian areas, including refugee camps, hospitals and schools, in violation of international law .

One of the most contentious issues in the ongoing conflict is the idea of “Greater Israel”—a supposed expansionist goal to extend Israeli territory beyond its current borders. Although some may dismiss this notion as a conspiracy, the evidence suggests otherwise.

Israeli leaders have often made statements hinting at territorial ambitions, particularly in the context of annexing Palestinian lands. This notion aligns with a long history of territorial disputes and military interventions in Lebanon, Syria, and other neighbouring nations.

The Western narrative often labels resistance movements like Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organisations, while ignoring the structural violence inflicted by Israel.

The definition of terrorism, killing innocent civilians for political gain, is selectively applied depending on geopolitical interests.

Hezbollah and Hamas, while involved in violent resistance, largely target military bases during confrontations, challenging the simplistic portrayal of them as groups solely committed to terrorism .

As the conflict intensifies, calls for the end of the Zionist regime have become more prominent among critics.

However, it is crucial to separate opposition to Zionism from anti-Semitism. Zionism, a political movement supporting the creation and expansion of Israel, does not represent all Jewish people.

Many Jews, both in Israel and around the world, oppose Israeli government policies . The distinction is vital to ensure that legitimate criticism of a government is not conflated with hatred toward a religious group.

In recent years, a growing number of Westerners, including public figures like Candace Owens, have begun to question their governments’ unwavering support for Israel. With rising homelessness, unemployment, and drug addiction in countries like the US and the UK, many citizens feel that their tax dollars would be better spent addressing domestic issues rather than funding a foreign military power .

As Western powers continue to prop up Israel, the question remains: At what cost to their own societies?

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most complex and protracted geopolitical issues of our time.

The recent missile attacks from Iran and the anticipated retaliatory responses from Israel highlight the fragility of peace in the region.

It is essential for global leaders and citizens to recognize the need for a just resolution that respects the rights of all people involved. Only then can we hope to see an end to this cycle of violence.