In an international landscape scarred by conflicts, the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate stands out for its enduring complexities and the visceral reactions it elicits worldwide. The recent actions under the aegis of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have sparked a renewed debate about the nature of Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories—an issue that garners scathing criticism for the global community’s seeming inaction.
Standing up to a genocidal regime is pivotal for humanity because it asserts the fundamental value of human life over political or strategic interests. Genocide is the deliberate extermination of a group of people, and it represents an extreme violation of human rights.
When the international community confronts such acts unequivocally, it not only provides a deterrent against future atrocities but also upholds the principles of justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. This collective action reinforces the shared norms and values that are essential for coexistence and peace, reminding us that some acts are so heinous that they cannot be tolerated or ignored, regardless of geopolitical calculus.
Standing up for oppressed Palestinian civilians in Palestinian Occupied territories is a matter of human rights and humanitarian concern. It is possible to condemn the loss of innocent lives and advocate for the protection of civilians without endorsing any political group or armed faction. The defence of human rights is impartial and centers on the protection of individuals from violence and abuse, not on the political affiliations or actions of those involved in the conflict. The conflation of humanitarian advocacy with support for any party’s agenda can be a misrepresentation that undermines the essential cause of defending and upholding the dignity and safety of all human beings caught in the crossfire.
The international community’s failure to effectively confront right-wing extremism in Israel can draw a disturbing parallel to the unchecked aggressions of past oppressive regimes. The enduring conflict and the policies leading to the eviction of Palestinian civilians, property dispossession, and the establishment of new settlement neighbourhoods for non-Palestinian born Jews reflect a concerning pattern of subjugation and disenfranchisement. This situation perpetuates a cycle of conflict and undermines the prospects for lasting peace. The colonisation of Palestinian-owned property by right-wing extremist settlers from various continents echoes the grim episodes of history where power was exercised to displace and dominate, rather than to coexist. When the world does not hold accountable those who engage in such actions, it risks normalizing the violations of international law and human rights, eroding the principles of sovereignty and self-determination that are meant to be protected by the international order.
Echoes of Extremism: From Rabin’s Assassination to Current Political Tensions
The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin on November 4, 1995, by Yigal Amir, a figure from the far-right in Israel, serves as a grim reminder of the perils of extremism. This event, etched into our collective memory, underscores the lethal consequences of an environment steeped in vitriol. Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in the opposition at the time, and others were criticized for their charged rhetoric, which many felt contributed to the climate of hostility against Rabin. Today, as Prime Minister, Netanyahu’s military campaigns in Palestinian territories, particularly the intensive bombings that have resulted in numerous Palestinian civilian casualties, purportedly targeting Hamas, evoke concern and condemnation.
The link between rhetoric and violent outcomes is evident in the case of Itamar Ben-Gvir, another right-wing figure who was infamous for his aggressive opposition to Rabin. The repercussions of such politics are lasting and are often cited as dark marks on history.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, once a vocal opponent of Rabin and known for his extreme positions, now serves as Netanyahu’s Minister of National Security. His appointment underscores the enduring influence of hardline perspectives in the Israel’s politics. This continuity of divisive figures in positions of power casts a long shadow over the prospects for peace and reflects on the historical pattern of political polarization.
Yitzhak Rabin was a proponent of the Oslo Accords, which represented significant strides towards peace and Palestinian self-determination, through Israeli withdrawals from certain territories and the creation of the Palestinian Authority. Amir, opposed to these accords, viewed Rabin’s actions as a betrayal and aimed to disrupt the peace process through his assassination. The faltering of the peace efforts post-assassination highlights the fragility of political progress in the face of ideological extremism. Amir’s conviction for murder and life sentence was the legal system’s response to his unilateral action aimed at halting a historic peace initiative.
Towards Justice and Peace: The Imperative of Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
It is imperative for the global community to confront and address the actions of Netanyahu’s administration, which have been decried by some as genocidal, to pave the way for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The establishment of a two-state solution remains a cornerstone of international diplomacy in this context, aiming to fulfill the aspirations of both peoples for self-determination, peace, and security. Holding accountable those responsible for atrocities and war crimes is essential to uphold international law and ensure that such actions do not go unchecked. Moreover, there must be a concerted effort to provide reparations to families who have suffered human and material losses, mirroring the post-World War II efforts where Germany provided restitution to the Jewish people for the horrors of the Holocaust. In a similar vein, the reconstruction of Palestine should be pursued with vigor, ensuring that the Palestinian people are supported in building a viable, sovereign state. Only through such comprehensive measures can the cycle of violence be broken, and a lasting peace be established, offering the Israeli and Palestinian peoples the future they justly deserve.
COVER PHOTO: Since the onset of the Israeli government’s aerial and artillery bombardment of Gaza, hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets of London, United Kingdom in solidarity with Palestinian civilians. (Photo by: Sascha Klamp).
Vudi Xhymshiti, founder and chief editor of The Frontliner Magazine, brings a wealth of experience in reporting on global armed conflicts and political issues. With a background in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism from the University of the Arts London, and studies in Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy, Vudi skilfully merges human rights insights with dedicated journalism. His ethical and thoughtful reporting has graced top publications like The Guardian and The New York Times. At The Frontliner, launched in 2023, he explores the profound effects of conflicts on law, human rights, and freedoms, continuing his commitment to impactful storytelling.
