Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza has escalated into a level of brutality that starkly overshadows any considerations of human rights and undermines the rationale of pre-emptive offensives aimed at protecting Israeli security from Hamas. The scale and intensity of the operation have raised alarm among observers who view the actions as amounting to collective punishment-and some even characterize it as genocidal in nature. The tragic irony of the situation is inescapable. Israelis, who themselves endured the horrors of the Holocaust, now stand accused of perpetrating similar acts against the Palestinian people. The collective memory of persecution should serve as a powerful deterrent, not a justification for inflicting suffering on others. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vehement stance towards Palestinians appears to rest upon a problematic premise- that all Palestinians equate to Hamas militants, and that all Hamas are terrorists deserving of elimination. This simplification disregards the complex realities on the ground and risks painting an entire population with a broad, punitive brush. Yet, it is undeniable that Hamas continues to hold approximately 50 Israeli captives and has repeatedly refused prisoner exchanges as a condition for ceasefire, a fact that complicates any diplomatic or military resolution. The hostage situation fuels the perception among many Israelis that harsh measures against Hamas-and by extension, Palestinians-are justified for national security. There is also a horrifying similarity of Israel’s actions under Netanyahu against Palestinians and Russia’s brutal campaign under Putin against so-called ‘Nazis’ in Ukraine. Both leaders employ sweeping narratives to legitimize extensive violence against civilian populations under the guise of combating terrorism or extremism. This dangerous rhetoric masks the harsh realities of indiscriminate suffering inflicted on innocent people-Palestinians in Gaza and Ukrainians alike. Such tactics undermine human rights and international law, revealing a troubling pattern of powerful states pursuing aggressive military objectives while sacrificing civilian lives and disregarding the true complexity of the conflicts they claim to resolve. The tragedy in the Gaza persists because Hamas embeds itself within the civilian population, often using women and children as human shields. However, what remains indefensible is the deliberate or negligent targeting of Palestinians queuing for essential aid such as food and water. Several nations both in the west and other parts support Israel’s right to self-defence but that support cannot be carte blanch for killing of defenseless people in dire need under humanitarian aid. Israel bears responsibility to ensure the safety of all civilians in Gaza, irrespective of the ongoing hostilities. The political dimension of this conflict is equally critical. Netanyahu’s perseverance in pursuing this brutal conflict may be motivated by his desire to maintain power amid a turbulent political environment. Yet, prioritizing political survival through relentless warfare risks fracturing Israeli society itself. Netanyahu’s strategy risks deepening divisions within Israel’s political landscape, threatening national unity and providing adversaries with openings to exploit the internal discord. Such fragmentation could isolate Israel diplomatically, deterring allies from supporting a government perceived as endorsing harsh and possibly apartheid-like policies. Netanyahu must take the issue to the Knesset as, without inclusivity and dialogue, the path ahead may lead not only to more suffering for Palestinians and Israelis alike but also to the diminishing of Israel’s own principles and international support.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025