There have been more Palestinian casualties in Gaza than in any other conflict since the establishment of Israel, which is considered immoral by some.
In the heart of the Middle East, the devastating conflict in Gaza has reached a grim milestone, entering its 10th week with no signs of abating. As the world bears witness to the relentless violence, the plight of the Palestinian people remains at the forefront of international discourse. The narrative surrounding this tragedy, however, is complex, with a critical examination necessary to understand the true depth of the suffering.
Reports from the region paint a dire picture. Shockingly, not a single hospital in northern Gaza is operational, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The reported death toll has surpassed a staggering twenty thousand people, a number that sends shivers down the spine. Yet, when the Western media conveys this tragic news, the term ‘according to the Hamas-run health ministry’ is consistently appended. While the health ministry’s accounts have earned the broad trust of the UN and other international agencies working in Gaza, historical discrepancies and the fact that many civil servants in Gaza served before Hamas took charge are conveniently overlooked.
This media pattern, subtly highlighting the term ‘Hamas-run health ministry,’ fuels speculation among the predominantly anti-Palestinian population that the death toll may be lower than reported. Such nuances risk distorting the harsh reality of Palestinian suffering in Gaza. In stark contrast, the media seems to afford a tone of truthfulness and professionalism to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), even after instances where the IDF has been proven to disseminate inaccurate information about their death toll and casualty rate.
Comparisons with historical conflicts unveil a chilling reality. The ongoing genocide in Gaza, with a reported death toll of approximately 20,000, is already one of the deadliest conflicts faced by Palestinians or Arabs since the establishment of Israel in 1948. However, this figure fails to account for the countless individuals missing under the rubble, estimated to be over 8,000, predominantly women and children. The lack of access to these trapped individuals suggests a likely increase in the death toll, making the current crisis the deadliest in recent history. The number will likely become higher as the lack of medicine, nutrition, and safety mounts in the ongoing crisis within Gaza.
The international response to this crisis is marked by a paradox. The UN Security Council’s recent vote for more aid into Gaza is juxtaposed with the rejection of a Russian amendment calling for an ‘end to hostilities,’ all due to a U.S. veto. The questions that arise are as disconcerting as the situation itself: How did this genocide reach such horrifying proportions? Why do neighboring nations, once champions of the Palestinian cause, now normalize relations and withhold support? Why does the world, despite acknowledging the severity of the atrocities, remain paralyzed by international politics and power dynamics?
The answers lie in the deeply ingrained international liberal world order, a system that has maintained post-colonial borders, prioritized international law dictated by one veto-wielding power, and, disturbingly, placed greater value on certain lives over others. To bring an end to this complicity and oppression, a profound shift in this world order is imperative. Only then can the Palestinian people hope for a future free from the shackles of violence, where their suffering is acknowledged and addressed on a global scale.
