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Israel-Palestine War: A crisis of Humanity and Human Rights

Yasir Ali

The ongoing Israel-Palestine war has once again brought the decades-old conflict into sharp focus, highlighting the devastating toll on human lives and the gross violations of human rights. What began as a territorial and ideological struggle has evolved into one of the most enduring conflicts of modern history, with severe implications for regional and global peace. The current escalation has seen an alarming rise in civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and allegations of war crimes, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention.

The latest outbreak of violence in Gaza and the West Bank can be traced back to a series of flashpoints that escalated tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. These include the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli forces, ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, and increased military raids in Palestinian territories. These events fueled widespread unrest, prompting retaliatory rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military offensive on Gaza, citing the need to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities. However, the intensity and scale of the offensive have drawn international condemnation for disproportionately targeting civilian areas. The result is a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and the destruction of critical infrastructure.

One of the most concerning aspects of the current war is the staggering civilian death toll. According to reports from international humanitarian organizations, a significant proportion of those killed in Gaza are women, children, and the elderly. Airstrikes have targeted residential buildings, hospitals, and schools, leading to accusations of collective punishment against the Palestinian population.

The 17-year blockade of Gaza has left its residents in dire conditions, with limited access to essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine. The current war has exacerbated this crisis, with Israel imposing a “complete siege” on Gaza, cutting off electricity, fuel, and humanitarian aid. This tactic has been widely condemned as a form of collective punishment, contravening international laws on the treatment of civilians during armed conflict.

The ongoing conflict has destroyed hospitals, schools, and vital infrastructure in Gaza. The inability to access medical care due to the bombardment has led to countless preventable deaths. These actions are seen as a gross violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which calls for protecting civilian infrastructure during wartime. The current escalation has displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many of whom have nowhere to go due to the restricted movement within Gaza and the surrounding borders. This displacement crisis is a continuation of decades of forced evictions and demolitions in Palestinian territories, deepening the humanitarian emergency.

Moreover, Israel’s settlement expansions, the annexation of Palestinian land, and policies that critics describe as apartheid have been cited as root causes of the conflict. These actions have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which accuse Israel of systemic oppression and violation of Palestinian rights.

The Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, often resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, have drawn widespread criticism as violations of international human rights laws and humanitarian principles. In response to these attacks, Hamas has launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory. While these actions are framed as acts of retaliation, they reflect the desperation and resistance of a population subjected to ongoing occupation and blockades.

Hamas’ strategy of operating within densely populated areas is a consequence of the realities in Gaza, where years of Israeli-imposed restrictions have left little room for maneuver or safety. To many Palestinians, Hamas represents a steadfast opposition to Israeli oppression, embodying a resistance to decades of systemic marginalization and violence. This context underscores the complexity of the conflict, where acts of resistance are deeply rooted in the struggle against occupation and collective punishment.

The scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is unprecedented. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, operating with dwindling medical supplies and no electricity. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned of a total collapse of humanitarian services, with displaced families living in overcrowded shelters without access to food, clean water, or sanitation. The psychological toll on Palestinians, with entire generations growing up in the shadow of war and trauma. Children in Gaza, in particular, bear the brunt of the conflict, with many losing their homes, families, and futures.

The response of the international community to the current Israel-Palestine war has been divided. While countries like the United States have reaffirmed their support for Israel’s right to self-defense, others, including some European states and Turkey, Iran, and Qatar, have condemned Israel’s actions as war crimes. The United Nations has called for immediate ceasefires and humanitarian corridors, but efforts to broker peace have been unsuccessful.

The Arab world remains deeply divided, with some nations normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords while others call for renewed solidarity with Palestine. This fragmentation has weakened the collective voice of the Muslim world, allowing the conflict to persist without meaningful resolution.

The first step towards de-escalation is an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, which would allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of injured civilians. A return to peace negotiations is essential to addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. These talks must involve key stakeholders, including representatives of Israel and Palestine, and be mediated by impartial international actors. The lifting of the Gaza blockade is crucial to improving living conditions for Palestinians and fostering an environment conducive to long-term peace.

Israelis must be held accountable for violations of international law as per the International Law and its decisions. Independent investigations should be conducted to ensure justice for victims. Based on pre-1967 borders, an independent solution remains the most viable path to lasting peace. International efforts must focus on creating a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, ensuring security and dignity for both peoples.

The current Israel-Palestine war is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions. The gross violations of human rights, including the targeting of civilians and the destruction of critical infrastructure, underscore the urgent need for global action. While the road to peace is fraught with challenges, a just and equitable resolution is essential not only for the people of Israel and Palestine but for the stability of the entire region. It is the moral responsibility of the international community to act decisively, prioritizing humanity over geopolitics and ensuring that future generations are spared the horrors of war.

The author is a Research Officer at Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto Chair and Teaching Associate at the Department of IR, University of Karachi.

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