VARIOUS reactions have been witnessed in the aftermath of the slaughter in Gaza on Monday. While all those in the international community with a conscience have condemned the use of brute force by Israel against Palestinian civilians — over 60 Arab protesters were mowed down by the Zionist state’s military — Tel Aviv and its backers, including the US, have responded with typical arrogance, blaming the victims for the violence. The bloodshed has also been echoing in the UN; while earlier the US killed a move to censure the Israeli state in the Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council has voted to send international war crimes investigators to look into the killings. Head of the UN rights body Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has described Israel’s response to the Palestinian protests as “wholly disproportionate” while pointing out that many of those killed and injured “were completely unarmed”. As expected, the Israeli representative to the UN rights body has termed the war crimes probe “biased”, with the American ambassador echoing this sentiment. This, of course, would not be the first time Israel has been accused of committing war crimes against the Palestinians; in past conflicts in Gaza, human rights groups have censured the Zionist state for its use of white phosphorous shells against civilians, observing that the use of such munitions falls within the definition of war crimes. Tel Aviv has also employed violent, deadly tactics against Palestinian children; in Monday’s assault a number of the victims were minors. It is hoped the UN Human Rights Council conducts a thorough investigation, and that those responsible for the murder of Palestinian civilians are brought to justice and not protected by their powerful patrons.

Meanwhile in Istanbul, leaders of the Muslim world met on Friday under the aegis of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Gaza massacre. It was reassuring that several heads of state were in attendance, while the Turkish president delivered a stinging critique of Israel, comparing its actions with those of the Nazis. The calls for unity with Palestinians and criticism of Israel are fine; but beyond the bluster, what concrete steps has the OIC proposed to ensure that the people of Gaza and the occupied territories are saved from further brutality? Indeed, when certain OIC members — specifically the Gulf Arabs — are believed to be making overtures to Israel, can the Muslim world seriously be expected to secure justice for Palestine?

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2018