Slowly some headway is being made, but lives are in the balance and time is of the essence. It is like water eating away at the stone. Those fighting for human rights being the water, and the stone being the system of oppression and domination of world powers. Palestinians do not have this time. The stone must be broken and smashed. Now.
Belgium sanctions Israel. This is a major step from a world power to denounce the war crimes Israel is committing and hold Israel to account. Other countries have recalled their diplomats, South Africa did so recently as well as Ireland, but while these moves are important, placing a sanction on Israel is a greater disruptor and more effective. Pressure from other nations is needed. Ethics over profit. Human rights over profit.
Several rights groups have taken charge and filed a lawsuit against Israel in the International Criminal Court. These groups have asked the ICC for attention to the unceasing bombardment, to expand the investigation that is ongoing in the ICC regarding Israeli war crimes, and the arrest of Netanyahu, Herzog, and Gallant of the Israeli government. What is troubling is that another group, Reporters Without Borders, has brought charges before the ICC, and nothing has been done. Hopefully, the ICC will take action and uphold the Geneva Convention and international laws equally across all nations.
Just now, a 4 hour pause in fighting has been established and will be coordinated through the UN. While that is being further negotiated, Israel is attacking Palestinian settlements in the West Bank and sending ground troops into Gaza City. A few hours is not a reprieve at all and little victory if there is no aid, medicine, food, or water.
Where are the Palestinians to go? What about the disabled, injured, sick, or pregnant Palestinians who cannot flee? They have four hours of peace for what purpose? If there are not further protections for Palestinians, then four hours allows them nothing.
Open the borders so all Palestinians can find safety. Let aid in unobstructed to Gaza. Do not attack innocent Palestinians who are fleeing.
When questioned by reporters, the White House has refused to acknowledge the Geneva Conventions. Other nations need to heed this and understand where the US government stands regarding human rights and international law. The US government refutes both human rights and international law, and sees themselves as the world leader who can do no wrong if they say so. It is time to check this power. It is the worlds undoing if it is not checked. The citizens of the US also need to heed this and understand that this government has no regard for any human rights or laws, including their own citizens. We must also check this power as citizens.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
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