As Israel ushers in a dangerous ultra-right wing, ultra-orthodox religious administration, belligerent Israeli settlers, protected by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), are emboldened to viciously attack, and the sanctity of the holy city of Jerusalem is put in jeopardy. Never have the Palestinian people needed the support and solidarity of the international community more than now.
In less than a year, the world has witnessed the inexcusable killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by an IDF sharpshooter, an alarming rate of arrests, detention, and mistreatment of Palestinian minors, an exponential increase in the killing of Palestinians, the ongoing devastation of house demolitions and the relentless confiscation of Palestinian land and expansion of illegal settlements.
Yet, Israel remains unaccountable for its blatant disregard of UN resolutions and international and human rights law. It is unabashed in its silencing of civil society. A newly elected Knesset member has called highly respected human rights organizations an “existential threat” while the new Prime Minister agrees to retroactively legalize settlements and outposts. The future is bleak for the beleaguered Palestinian people.
And so, the question becomes – with whom will the international community stand?
Solidarity must be more than a word; it must be visible, not on one day, but every day. Solidarity must demand change. Let this occasion finally be the moment when our statements of solidarity transform into purposeful action on behalf of the Palestinian people.
29 November 2022
Source: paxchristi.net