THIS is with reference to the report ‘More than 100 Palestinians killed in aid distribution massacre’ (March 1). The Zionists are clearly out to leave no doubt in anybody’s mind about what they are up to. It is now up to the world to be at least as clear in its approach as Israel is.

As the acrid smoke of burning homes blankets Gaza and the anguished cries of the wounded echo through the night, the international community’s silence has become a deafening accomplice to the tragedy that is unfolding in Gaza. Today, we are compelled to transcend mere condemnation, and to unite in ordet to take some resolute action.

In the light of the third consecutive veto by the United States at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to block a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the egregious misuse of veto power has become glaringly apparent. The people kept protesting outside the UN offices, as can be seen in the accompanying picture above, but the American veto has left the UNSC a good-for-nothing entity. This habitual shielding of Israel’s aggressive actions by the US perpetuates a devastating cycle of violence that has already resulted in the tragic loss of almost 30,000 lives of Palestinian man, women and children.

However, the US administration’s unwavering and continuous defence of Tel Aviv, characterised by an almost religious zeal, exposes the hollow nature of its claims to champion global human rights. Each veto has served as a poignant reminder of America’s undeniable complicity in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The silence is not solely confined to the White House. Economic giants in the Muslim world with the potential to effect meaningful change have remained eerily silent, choosing muted diplomacy over vocal solidarity. Their inaction speaks volumes, a disappointing dereliction of duty towards their fellow Muslims facing oppression.

But amidst the suffocating silence, voices and actions have emerged. South Africa’s bold petition in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel sent a

clear message that the international community cannot remain passive in the face of such atrocities. The poignant remarks made by representatives from Russia and China, equating the US veto to a ‘licence to kill’ and a ‘green light’ for Israel’s actions, stand as powerful rebukes to the injustice unfolding. These statements underscore the urgent need for a unified global response to address the crisis and hold accountable those who are responsible.

Moreover, the burden of responsibility extends far beyond regional borders. The international community, paralysed by political divisions and self-interest, has watched passively as Gaza continues to burn. While nations like South Africa deserve commendation for challenging the status quo, more concerted action is crucial. Sanctions targeted at Israel and its supporters, legal initiatives challenging their actions, and unwavering diplomatic pressure are the weapons at our disposal to break the cycle of violence and impunity. The people at large have demanded this unequivocally. The governments have chosen to be silent just as unequivocally. Therein lies the problem.

The outdated and undemocratic veto power, wielded as a tool for political expediency, stands as a glaring symbol of systemic injustice. Reforming it, whether by limiting its use in humanitarian crises, or expanding the UNSC to include more representative voices, is crucial to the cause of restoring credibility and ensuring that justice prevails over the so-called political calculations.

But change cannot be dictated from distant halls of power. It begins with us, the people, demanding accountability from our respective governments and advocating for the rights of the oppressed. Let our voices rise above the cacophony of political rhetoric, demanding concrete action to address the root causes of conflict and human suffering. We cannot afford to stand idly by while atrocities continue.

Together, we can organise peaceful protests, engage with our representatives, and raise awareness through community forums and social media campaigns. We have the power to urge local businesses to refrain from any dealings with entities supporting Israel’s actions.

Let our collective actions resonate louder than silence, echoing the global demands for justice and peace that have been supported by the UN and the international community. Besides, it is time the Muslim world woke up from its slumber.

Majid Burfat
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2024