The genocide continues

As the Israeli occupation forces bombed the Al Mawasi humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, the world once again witnessed a horrifying chapter in the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. The airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza left at least 18 dead, including six staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This brutal attack, condemned by Pakistan’s Foreign Office as evidence of Israel’s “genocidal designs”, is only the latest atrocity in a conflict where the line between warfare and war crimes has been obliterated. The global response? A chilling indifference, underscoring the moral bankruptcy of international diplomacy. It is difficult to fathom how the international community, particularly Western powers, continues to turn a blind eye to such blatant violations of international humanitarian law.

The World Health Organization has revealed that a quarter of those wounded in Gaza have life-altering injuries, and reports of bombings on schools, hospitals, and shelters have become tragically routine. The scenes of devastation and the relentless loss of civilian life in Gaza would send shivers down the spine of anyone who values humanity. But in the halls of power, from Washington to London, these atrocities are met with cold pragmatism or, worse, outright endorsement of Israeli aggression. America, the self-proclaimed champion of democracy and human rights, is among the worst offenders in this regard. From President Joe Biden’s administration to presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the American ruling elite has offered unwavering support for Israel’s genocidal war. The hypocrisy may be shocking for those who viewed American liberal pretensions but many in the Global South have always seen through this: the US lecturing other nations on democracy and human rights while turning a blind eye to war crimes committed by its close ally.

The mask worn by the West for decades is finally off, revealing these nations as mere opportunists. The same goes for Western media, which has been complicit in sanitizing Israeli war crimes. However, what is different this time is that there is a growing movement calling out this injustice. And it’s not coming from government leaders, but from the people. For this, we should thank Gen Z in particular which has taken to the streets, demanding a ceasefire. Across campuses, workplaces, and social media, their voices are reverberating with calls for a free Palestine – many of them risking their academic and professional futures in doing so. The courage of Gen Z has been in stark contrast to the cowardice of the political elites. And the resilience of the Palestinian people will be remembered as a testament to human strength in the face of unimaginable cruelty. As bombs continue to rain down on civilians and war crimes go unchecked, the international community must reckon with its own inaction. They have already facilitated a genocide for almost a year now; how long do they think they can keep their pretense going?