The Global Silence on the Palestinian Issue: Impact on International Legitimacy

By Syeda Tahreem Bukhari

With the unfolding of events in the 21st century from the Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel-Hamas war, the credibility of the international community to maintain a rule-based international order is under question. The humanitarian crisis prevalent in both wars met with different responses. The Western community was more vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, while they maintained unperturbed precarious silence in case of human sufferings faced by Palestinians. The biased approach by the international community is unveiled where the rules change depending upon the identity of the perpetrator or the identity of the victim. 

The world has realized the failure of international community in addressing the human sufferings in prevalent conflict owing to the priorities shift depending upon the humanitarian crisis in Palestine was initiated by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel has been besieging and bombarding the Gaza Strip. However, the attack does not justify Israel’s indiscriminate and disproportionate reprisal, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The inability of world leaders to intervene in this war and put an end to these sufferings, where Palestinians are subjected to collective punishment.  Humanitarian aid is blocked from reaching civilians in Gaza under a violent bombing campaign by Israel. There is a severe power crisis and a shortage of fuel, food, and water. Hospitals are under attack where doctors are working under power shortages in batteries around the clock amid limited medical supplies and near-total collapse of the healthcare system. More than 11,100 Palestinians have been killed since October 7; out of these 6,405 are children as per data released by Defense for Children on November 14. This number is growing with each passing day. So many legal experts and scholars are calling this genocide perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinians. The war is not between the militaries but an attempt to evacuate Gaza of its Palestinian population through this horrendous genocide where Israeli forces are raiding hospitals, and attacking protesters with stun grenades. This gross violation of human rights in Gaza has failed to turn the sympathies of world leaders towards Palestine, though the public has come out in the streets in large numbers standing against Israel’s brutalities. As per ACLED data, out of 4200 demonstrations regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, 3700 were pro-Palestinians. If we analyze the power of public opinion, history is evidence of the fact that once public opinion changed, the major powers had to withdraw from their postures as evident in the Vietnam War and the war on terror. The pressure of public opinion in Veitnam War made the US withdraw from its military posture where it had to call back its forces. As in Afghanistan war, where it has to withdraw its troops owing to the change in public opinion. In case of Israel-Palestine conflict, the sufferings of innocents in Gaza made the world realized who the aggressor is. They are demanding justice for the Palestinians. There is an upsurge in protests and demonstrations against brutalities from Israel against Palestinians. People are showing resentment against their leaders who are not condemning Israel or voting in favor of Israel. 

To maintain rule-based international order, the international community has to resolve the long-standing disputes particularly protracted conflicts that could erupt at any stage inflicting unprecedented damage. Kashmir conflict is among the lingering conflicts that need world attention, as it has become a nuclear flashpoint. Otherwise, if the international community compromises on humanitarian values over its stakes then the whole world will pay the price. The UN, which was created with the purpose of providing a platform for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, has to play an effective role in putting an end to the humanitarian crisis rampant in Palestine and Kashmir once and for all by implementing UN resolutions on these protracted conflicts.

(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Global Politico)

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print
Syeda Tahreem Bukhari

Syeda Tahreem Bukhari

Author is a Research Officer at the Centre for International Strategic Studies AJK. She tweets Tehmii_Syed. Her research area is strategic stability and Great Power Competition.

SCO Summit in Pakistan
Politics & Policy
Syed Inam Ali Naqvi

The SCO Summit in Pakistan: Opportunity or Challenge?

The upcoming SCO Summit presents Pakistan with a crucial opportunity to enhance its global standing, but also significant challenges. Missteps in handling political instability or countering India’s narrative could backfire. To seize this moment, Pakistan must skillfully manage relations with key players like China, Iran, and Russia while diplomatically addressing India’s criticisms. A well-crafted, strategic approach is essential to turning these challenges into long-term foreign policy gains for the country.

Read More »
Articles & Op-eds
Syeda Rida Fiaz

Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2024: A Mere Façade?

The article argues that 2024 elections in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are seen as a façade, aimed at diverting the region’s freedom movement amid ongoing human rights violations and central government control following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.

Read More »
SDG GOAL 9
Development
Alishbah Syed

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Building A Foundationally Sound Pakistan

This article investigates Pakistan’s position within Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, “Industry, innovation and infrastructure.” It explores Pakistan’s in developing a robust industrial base, fostering innovation and establishing a sustainable infrastructure network. Through key government initiatives like “Digital Pakistan” and the National Transport Policy, Pakistan’s role maintaining its commitment to SDG 9 is highlighted. Additionally, it explores the potential challenges in addition to their possible solutions that Pakistan face in its journey to Goal 9.

Read More »
Defense
The Global Politico

From Kargil to Kashmir: Pakistan’s Unwavering Commitment to Freedom

From Kargil to Kashmir: Pakistan’s Unwavering Commitment to Freedom By Areesha Nisar The story of Pakistan’s unrelenting quest for the independence of Kashmir is one of unflinching dedication, selfless giving, and an unbreakable spirit. It is a tale that has been inscribed in the pages of history by the blood

Read More »
Post Views: 152