I have learned to never prioritize the interests of Israel over the needs of the Palestinian people, recognizing the importance of standing against genocide and ethnic-cleansing.
The world owes an apology of action to the people of Palestine for years of complacency. It's high time we educate ourselves on the facts surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and take a stand for justice and understanding.
From October 7, 2023, the only historical reference I could draw upon regarding genocidal acts was the tragic reality of the German government perpetrating genocide against the Jewish people, with the rest of the world largely as passive witnesses. Haunted by the shame of their past complacency, the global community unanimously pledged "never again" to tolerate the blatant massacre of any people. Regrettably, this vow has crumbled into a stark falsehood, as today unfolds another tragic chapter of genocide. World leaders, with idle indifference, merely watch as another group of people faces this horrifying fate. Now, I find myself grappling with a troubling question: When the world declared "never again," did they confine their commitment solely to opposing the genocide of the Jewish people, leaving the indigenous communities of the world abandoned in the face of similar atrocities?
On October 7, 2023, Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), the de facto political leader of the Palestinian people, orchestrated a brutal assault against the people of Israel, claiming the lives of an estimated 695 Israeli civilians, including 36 children. Additionally, 373 security forces and 71 foreigners lost their lives, culminating in a tragic total of 1,139 casualties. In retaliation to Hamas' attack, the Israeli government initiated a bombing campaign, resulting in the devastation of Gaza's landscape and the tragic loss of over 20,000 civilian lives.
In their pursuit of "self-defense," Israel brought forth death and destruction upon 2.3 million Palestinian residents. Despite Israel's claims that its actions in the Gaza Strip constitute legitimate self-defense, the question arises: does this right to self-defense justify the loss of over 20,000 Palestinian lives? Notably, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has affirmed the Palestinians' right to resist Israeli military occupation, even acknowledging the legitimacy of armed struggle as a means of resistance. Moreover, within the realm of international law, the right to resist is intricately tied to the principle of self-determination. This fundamental right finds broad acknowledgment in contexts characterized by colonial domination, foreign occupation, and oppressive regimes that systematically deprive a segment of the population of political participation. In accordance with the mentioned criteria, the people of occupied Palestine are justified in any actions they take in the pursuit of freedom and sovereignty. In the current context, the assertion that Israel has the right to defend itself from Palestinians seems more like a calculated propagandistic talking point aimed at eliciting sympathy. However, this narrative also functions to divert attention and shield the crimes against humanity committed by Israel.
Israel is currently under scrutiny for acts of "genocide" against the Palestinians, and I will present substantiated facts to support this accusation. But, before delving into the details, let me offer the legal definition of genocide: it involves the intentional and systematic destruction, either wholly or partially, of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. As per the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, these acts can be classified into five categories: “Killing members of the group,” “Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group,” “Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part,” “Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group," and "Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.” Of the five categories, Israel stands accused of three:
Killing members of the group: Israel has been engaging in indiscriminate bombings, resulting in the deaths of Palestinian men, women, and children. Among the indiscriminate air campaigns, the bombing of hospitals stands out—a violation of the laws of war, as these institutions cannot be targeted unless actively used to "commit acts harmful to the enemy." Despite these actions, little to no evidence has been presented to substantiate the Israel Defense Forces' justification for bombing non-military infrastructures. Even if true, bombing hundreds of innocent civilians to target a few Hamas resistance fighters is not a justification for indiscriminate killing. Instead, it constitutes an act of collective punishment, a prohibited action under international law. The toll from Israel’s unyielding air and ground assaults since October 7 has now exceeded 20,000 Palestinians killed, while over 45,000 others have suffered injuries.
Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group: Renowned genocide scholar Raz Segal, serving as the director of genocide studies at Stockton University, asserts unequivocally that Israel's actions against Palestine represent a "textbook case of genocide." Segal identifies three genocidal acts by Israeli forces: killing, causing serious bodily harm, and implementing measures designed to bring about the destruction of the group. He supports his stance with evidence of extensive destruction and a comprehensive siege on essential resources, such as water, food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part: Israel has effectively authorized its soldiers to use lethal force against anyone encountered in the Gaza Strip as part of their ground operations. Some Israeli politicians and soldiers are publicly expressing a desire where Gaza without Palestinians, envisioning a future where Israeli settlers inhabit the land that was once known as Gaza, even using drastic language like "turning it into dust" and "eliminating Palestinians." This grim intention was explicitly declared to the world when Israeli security cabinet member and Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter stated, "We are now initiating the Gaza Nakba—Gaza Nakba 2023. That's the ultimate outcome we anticipate." This is an explicit statement of intent coming from the mouth of an Israel government official. Palestinians are intentionally being denied essential elements for survival, encompassing basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. This unquestionably will lead to increased mortality due to starvation and disease.
The President of the United States and his cabinet members are knowingly supplying aid to Israel, which is contributing to what experts describe as "genocide" in Gaza. The global community has coined the nickname "Genocide Joe" for President Biden, asserting that he possesses the authority to halt the ongoing crisis but chooses not to intervene. Rather than taking action against Israeli genocidal rhetoric and the toll on civilian lives, President Biden continues to offer steadfast political, military, and financial support to Israel. As a result, these actions are seen as aiding and abetting the most serious crimes against Gaza. As U.S. citizens, it's disheartening that our tax dollars are allocated to Israel, contributing to the bombing of innocent families.
Congress is enacting laws that appear to curtail both free speech and the ability of citizens to engage in peaceful protests. These new actions by congress appears to be in direct conflict with United States Constitution. However, it is concerning that most politicians prioritize the interests of Israel over the constitutional rights of their own citizens. This raises questions about the sovereignty of the United States, suggesting that it may be perceived more as a nation acting on behalf of a foreign power rather than as the sovereign entity it purports to be.
I've come across numerous disingenuous mainstream articles that offer a shield for Israel's war crimes and ethnic cleansing, often asserting its right to self-defense. This framing is wholly inappropriate in this context, as it attempts to subtly suggest that the tragic events in Gaza, constituting a massacre, are somehow justifiable as self-defense. The reality is that most people who are well-informed about the facts surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict tend to endorse the Palestinian resistance. The prevailing global sentiment leans toward the belief that Palestine is under occupation, Israel is functioning as an apartheid state, engaging in genocide, and the people of Gaza are experiencing a form of ethnic cleansing.
Millions of people worldwide are accessing uncensored evidence from journalists on the ground in Gaza, and these testimonies and pieces of evidence enable them to conclude that Israel is engaging in acts of terror against the citizens of Gaza. The prevailing consensus among people on social media is that Israel is committing war crimes. Nevertheless, mainstream media persists in its disingenuous coverage of the conflict, failing to attribute blame to the deserving party—the Israeli government. Western mainstream media's portrayal of Palestinian supporters is marred by the unjust labeling of them as anti-Semitic and terrorist sympathizers, all while overlooking the widespread support extended by the global Jewish community to the people in Gaza. Conversely, Western media has shifted from its role as an impartial observer to become a conduit for the perspectives of Israeli officials and politicians backed by AIPAC. This shift has resulted in a failure to report the facts accurately and objectively, ultimately depriving the audience of a fair and comprehensive understanding of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Since October 7, 2023, social media creators have displayed more journalistic integrity than many mainstream media outlets, handling the reporting of the conflict with professionalism and fairness—qualities that should be the standard for all media organizations.. The question is; why are these media organizations active participants in Israel's genocide in Gaza? The efficacy of delivering real-time, accurate news about the conflict by social media creators has not been without consequences. The worst forms of speech suppression and censorship have emerged from social media giants. According to an extensive report by the human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW), it states that "peaceful" content in support of Palestine "was censored or otherwise unduly suppressed in a systemic and global manner," leading to the removal of content about Palestine.
It is now apparent that Israeli government and pro-Israel zionists want the truth-tellers to stop talking and go away. The mainstream media, Zionist political movement, and pro-Israel supporters want us to forget:
They expect us to overlook the explicit statement of intent by an Israeli government official, heard with our own ears, to initiate a Gaza Nakba, referencing the catastrophic displacement and expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during and after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Merely rejecting this ideology brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They want us to overlook the fact that we witnessed journalists and their families being targeted and assassinated by the IDF. Merely rejecting this action brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They want us to disregard the countless debunked lies and propaganda from Israeli officials and spokespersons, compelling us not to believe a single word they utter. Merely refusing to believe Israel's falsehoods brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They want us to ignore the objective evidence in photographs and videos depicting the murder of innocent civilians, the bombing of hospital patients, and the stripping and humiliating of innocent Palestinian men. Merely calling out this behavior brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They want us to forget that we heard Israeli official directed Palestinians to evacuate south to avoid being bomb and when the people migrate south the were bombed nonetheless. Merely speaking about this fact brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They expect us to disregard the fact that Israel has deliberately cut off electricity and water, hindering the flow of humanitarian aid and food into Gaza. They expect us to disregard the fact that Israel has deliberately cut off electricity and water, hindering the flow of humanitarian aid and food into Gaza. Simply advocating for humanitarian assistance for the people in Gaza brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They aim to make us overlook the stark contrast between the map of what Palestine once was and its current state, a result of displacement and illegal settlements. Merely highlighting this fact brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They want us to ignore that we have seen the IDF bombing refugee camps in Gaza. Merely discussing concerns about the IDF's actions brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They wish for us to overlook the fact that we saw Israel assassinate its own citizens (Hamas hostages) to prevent them from speaking to the press. Nevertheless, discussing this observation brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They wish for us to overlook the actions and inaction of the United States government and its role in the impending genocide. However, simply advocating against their wrongdoings brands us as anti-Semitic and supporters of terrorism.
They want us to believe that the United States represents the voice of the people. Well, we have ears, eyes, and brains, and we don't believe believe anything the U.S. government, the media, IDF, Israeli officials have to say about this conflict.
In conclusion, I believe that Israel is an apartheid state that has and continues to oppress and terrorize Palestine. I am of the opinion that Israel is indeed committing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Furthermore, I believe that the United States bears equal responsibility due to its support of Israel's war crimes. It is unmistakably clear that the United States Congress, the media, and social media are engaged in a campaign to persuade us that the issue lies not with Israel but with Palestine and its supporters. Let's be unequivocal—pro-Palestine supporters are prevalent on social media out of necessity. It is crucial to counteract the propaganda machinery of Israel, the United States, and the mainstream media. The majority of people around the globe stand in solidarity with the people in Gaza, and both the U.S. and Israel have already lost the moral high ground. If most people in society witness injustice and remain silent, then humanity is lost. We cannot stand idly by and watch another Holocaust, Trail of Tears, Armenian Genocide, or Cambodian Genocide. We must stand up and actively oppose white supremacy, colonization, Zionism, Nazism, and any other form of supremacist ideology.
As long as the Israeli occupying force oppresses the people of Palestine, the world will persist in criticizing their Zionist movement. Social media is bravely speaking truth to power, while the media and pro-Zionist actors attempt to silence them. Taking a stand against genocide, ethnic cleansing, hate, and colonization is a principled position, even if it leads to being labeled as anti-Semitic.