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The word "Palestine" evokes images of destroyed homes, displaced families, and children growing up amid bombs and barbed wire. But beyond the headlines and hashtags, Palestine is not merely a humanitarian tragedy or a regional conflict—it is a global symbol of unresolved injustice, and a moral test the world continues to fail.
This article explores the historical, political, and humanitarian dimensions of the Palestinian struggle, the international community's role, and the possibilities for justice in a seemingly unending conflict.
Historical Roots: From Displacement to Resistance
The Palestinian struggle traces back to the early 20th century, but the defining moment came in 1948, when the state of Israel was established on land that was home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Over 750,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled during this period—what they call the Nakba, or “catastrophe.” Their villages were destroyed, and their right to return remains denied to this day.
Since then, Israel has continued expanding its control over Palestinian territory, especially after the 1967 Six-Day War, when it occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem—areas that the Palestinians seek as part of a future independent state.
International law, including United Nations resolutions, considers these territories occupied and calls for a two-state solution. However, for decades, the world has watched as Israeli settlements have expanded, Palestinian land has been confiscated, and peace talks have repeatedly collapsed.
Gaza: The Open-Air Prison
The Gaza Strip, home to over 2 million Palestinians, has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. Its people live in dire conditions, cut off from the world, facing frequent bombardments and economic strangulation.
Basic necessities—clean water, electricity, medicine, and food—are in chronic shortage. Hospitals operate on generators, children suffer from malnutrition, and unemployment is among the highest in the world. According to the UN, Gaza could become “uninhabitable” if conditions persist.
Every few years, Israeli airstrikes decimate neighborhoods in the name of "self-defense." Civilians are killed in the hundreds, and homes, hospitals, and schools are reduced to rubble. In contrast, Western media often frames these events as "clashes," downplaying the massive disparity in power, resources, and casualties.
Hamas, Resistance, and the Global Narrative
Palestinian resistance has taken many forms—political, diplomatic, and armed. Hamas, the de facto governing party in Gaza since 2007, is labeled a terrorist organization by the US, EU, and Israel. However, many Palestinians see it as a symbol of resistance against occupation and blockade, especially in the absence of meaningful diplomatic progress.
This raises a critical ethical question: when a people are denied their homeland, their rights, and their dignity, what avenues remain for resistance?
The global narrative, especially in Western media, tends to center Israeli security while ignoring Palestinian suffering. The term "terrorist" is selectively applied, and the history of occupation, dispossession, and blockade is rarely acknowledged with the same urgency.
The Role of the United Nations and Global Powers
The United Nations has passed dozens of resolutions condemning Israeli actions and affirming Palestinian rights. Yet, enforcement remains elusive. The United States, Israel's strongest ally, has repeatedly used its veto power at the UN Security Council to block any meaningful action.
Billions in military aid flow from Washington to Tel Aviv annually, reinforcing an unbalanced status quo. Meanwhile, the European Union expresses “deep concern,” but continues to trade with Israel. This double standard has fueled deep resentment across the Muslim world and beyond.
The hypocrisy is glaring: When Russia invaded Ukraine, the West imposed swift sanctions and rallied for resistance. But in Palestine, decades of occupation are met with diplomatic caution and calls for "restraint on both sides."
Arab States and the Silence of the Region
Once vocal champions of Palestine, many Arab regimes have normalized ties with Israel in recent years. The Abraham Accords, signed by the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, represent a shift in regional politics—from ideological solidarity to economic pragmatism.
These governments argue that engagement can bring peace and prosperity. Yet, for most Palestinians, these deals are seen as betrayals. They occurred without consultation, and often amid Israeli bombings of Gaza or expansions of illegal settlements.
The Arab street, however, tells a different story. Across cities from Cairo to Karachi, people continue to protest, donate, and pray for Palestine. The emotional and religious connection runs deep, even if governments choose realpolitik over resistance.
Pakistan and the Palestinian Cause
Pakistan has consistently supported Palestine on moral, ideological, and humanitarian grounds. Founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah rejected the legitimacy of Israel, and the country still does not recognize it as a state. At every international forum, Pakistan has raised its voice against Israeli aggression and stood for Palestinian self-determination.
Pakistani citizens, too, have remained steadfast in their support. From school fundraisers to large-scale rallies, the Pakistani public continues to express solidarity. However, in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Pakistan must find ways to translate moral support into diplomatic influence.
Social Media and the Power of the People
The digital age has given Palestinians a powerful tool: their own voice. From Gaza-based journalists live-streaming bombings, to diaspora youth debunking misinformation, social media has transformed global awareness.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become battlegrounds of narratives. Hashtags like #FreePalestine, #GazaUnderAttack, and #SaveSheikhJarrah have trended worldwide, forcing mainstream media and political leaders to take notice.
This digital awakening has also influenced younger generations across the globe. For many millennials and Gen Z activists, Palestine is not just a Middle East issue—it is a symbol of human rights, decolonization, and anti-apartheid struggle.
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