The recent outrage and bloodshed in Palestine has gained attention of the international community. Israeli forces are using tears gas and rubber bullets on unarmed Palestinians despite knowing fully well they are peaceful and demanding their right to live with dignity and honour.

The conflict has shaken the Muslim countries, as well as European ones. The US is watching the killings and abuse of human rights indifferently. The Palestinians’ massacre is the direct resault of the US decision to open its embassy in Jeruselum.

Media reports states that more than 70 Palestinians have died and thousands have been injured because of the wanton use of weapons. Most importantly, the psychological harassment by Israel in the holy month of Ramazan speaks volumes of atrocities being inflicted on Muslims. The tension could be reduced and the killings stopped by posting UN peacekeeping personnel and passing a strong UN resolution.

Saqib Ali
Hyderabad

(2)

Israel has again unleashed a wave of violence against defenceless Palestinian people. The Israeli army has killed nearly 80 people who were protesting at the border with a legitimate demand: the Palestinian people be given the right to return. However, Israel has brutally killed them on the pretext that they were affiliated with Hamas and that their protests were not peaceful.

The world acknowledges that Israel has illegally occupied the territory which belongs to Palestinian people. But it is the US unconditional support to Israel that has silenced many including Muslim countries.

It is heart-wrenching that on the one side Palestinians are being killed and on the other side Muslim countries are trying to consolidate ties with the US and Israel. The silence of Saudi Arabia over this serious matter is wholly condemnable. Riyadh has paid only lip service to this matter. There are only two Muslim countries, Iran and Turkey, which have the grit to confront the US. Both have showed their indestructibe resolve to stand by the Palestinian people.

Unity creates confidence, grit and power among nations. Muslim countries have many platforms to work together for the cause of a Palestinian state. They should eliminate their rifts and put the best possible efforts to counter the Israel-American alliance.

Mohammad Tabasum Malhan
Ghotki

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2018