PALESTINE — that enclave of humanity occupied, brutalised and without any military defence against aggressors — is perceived as a threat by the Jewish state, Israel, the undeclared, sole nuclear power in West Asia and North Africa.
Israel, the occupying power, is a usurper legitimised by imperial Britain and unconditionally supported and armed by the United States.
Such is the irony of the geopolitical construct that terrorises Gaza, an open prison, and the West Bank, perpetually.
Abandoned by the international community, Palestinians draw inspiration from the defeat of the “mighty” by the “powerless” at various points in history. It is that spirit that keeps the flames of resistance burning.
Demanding the right of return to the homeland by the Palestinian diaspora of refugees, the Great March of Return, a peaceful protest bringing out thousands of Palestinians marching along the Israeli border, is but the most recent show of this spirit with numbers symbolising strength.
Israel, not wishing to disappoint the world, met this peaceful demonstration with such disproportionate violence that at least 55 Palestinians were killed and almost 1,500 injured because live bullets were fired into the crowd and drones dumped tear gas on the marchers.
That this degree of violence included 100 snipers on the part of the occupiers made it all the more galling.
Tel Aviv knew it could perpetrate this act of inhumanity with impunity as it became obvious only too quickly.
Calls for an investigation by the outraged international community were quashed by a US veto at the UN Security Council, even as the martyred were being buried.
Long suffering, the Palestinians cannot any longer hope to find a solution through established institutions like the United Nations, now more than ever just an instrument for legitimising the interests of member states.
The time has come to unmask the futility of the two-state solution used to prolong negotiations while enabling Tel Aviv to pursue its genocidal agenda.
As Princeton law professor Richard Falk said, the time for goodwill has “long passed”.
It is time to pressure Israel into a settlement.
Individuals and state actors must intensify the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign against Israel.
In the name of justice, let us isolate Israel.
Askiah Adam,
Executive director, International Movement for a JUST World
Petaling Jaya, Selangor