Double Standards

Very recently, the age old conflict between Israel and Palestine has once again erupted, with devastating consequences for the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Amidst this chaos, a glaring international double standard emerges, where calls for ceasefire are ignored, and actions against humanitarian aid organizations are prioritized over addressing the root cause of the conflict. 

Meanwhile tens of thousands of innocent women and children and  Palestinians are being killed by Israeli carpet bombing. The global masses have been marching relentlessly, placarding, even pleading with their respective governments to call for a ceasefire, but nothing is forthcoming. 

Not even the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would back a ceasefire; its failure to do so resulting in ten thousand more Palestinian lives terminated by Israeli killings. The double standards they portray against the Palestinians by favouring the Ukrainians, speaks volumes. Several western powers, USA France and Britain in particular, are complicit to the inhumane atrocities of genocide committed by Israel by supplying them with munitions to vanquish a defenseless people. 

Double Standards

Setting the Scene: Innocent Lives at Stake

As Israeli airstrikes relentlessly target Gaza, tens of thousands of innocent women, children, and Palestinians face the horror of death and displacement. The scale of devastation is unimaginable, yet the international response remains muted, revealing a troubling disparity in global justice.

The Role of Global Powers: Complicity and Silence

Despite mounting pressure from grassroots movements and concerned citizens worldwide, major Western powers like the USA, France, and Britain maintain a complicit silence in the face of Israeli aggression. Their failure to condemn the atrocities perpetrated by Israel underscores the pervasive influence of political interests over humanitarian principles.

The Failure of International Institutions

Even the International Court of Justice (ICJ), entrusted with upholding global justice, falls short in its duty to intervene and enforce a ceasefire. The lack of decisive action from institutions meant to safeguard human rights only emboldens Israel to continue its campaign of violence with impunity.

The Tragic Consequences of Inaction

Calling for a ceasefire appears to be  the most difficult decision to make by the Powers that be, but they could come to an instant decision to block funding of UNWRA —an arm of the United Nation aid to Palestinians for some 70 plus years— before allegations against this aid organization was established. With every passing day without a ceasefire, the death toll in Palestine rises, with innocent lives lost due to Israeli airstrikes and military operations. 

The failure of the international community to act swiftly and decisively condemns countless Palestinians to a fate of suffering and despair. Even though Israel has weaponizing food aid by preventing aid truck from entering Gaza, they have now motivated 17 western countries to block funding to UNWRA thereby creating the starvation on an industrialized scale.

Western Complicity: Fueling the Flames of Conflict

The unwavering support of Western powers for Israel, both politically and financially, exacerbates the situation on the ground. By turning a blind eye to Israeli aggression and providing military aid, these nations become accomplices in the perpetuation of violence and oppression against the Palestinian people.

The Misplaced Priorities of World Powers

Amidst calls for ceasefire and humanitarian intervention, world powers exhibit a misplaced sense of priority by targeting UNWRA, a vital aid organization supporting Palestinians for over seven decades. The decision to block funding to UNWRA reflects a distorted moral compass, where punishing the victims of conflict takes precedence over holding the aggressors accountable.

Weaponizing Aid: A Betrayal of Humanity

By weaponizing aid and using it as a political tool, world powers betray the very principles of compassion and solidarity that should guide humanitarian efforts. Instead of alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, they contribute to their further marginalization and deprivation.

The Urgent Need for Justice and Accountability

In the face of such flagrant injustice and double standards, there arises an urgent need for accountability and solidarity with the oppressed. It is incumbent upon the international community to stand up against impunity and demand justice for the victims of Israeli aggression.

Synopsis

The international double standard in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict lays bare the hypocrisy of global politics, where geopolitical interests often outweigh moral imperatives. This is most evidently seen in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in which the west has called for the Haque to arrest Putin for was crimes whereas refuse to do likewise in Netanyahu's case. Meanwhile innocent lives continue to be lost and communities shattered, and the already  urgent need for genuine solidarity and action becomes ever more pressing.

FAQs

Why is there a double standard in the international response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The double standard arises from geopolitical considerations, where powerful nations prioritize their strategic alliances over principles of justice and human rights.

What can ordinary citizens do to support the Palestinian cause?

Ordinary citizens can raise awareness, participate in grassroots movements, and pressure their governments to hold Israel accountable for its actions.

Is there hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict?
Despite the challenges, there is always hope for peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and a commitment to justice for all parties involved.

How does the media contribute to the perpetuation of the double standard?
Media bias and selective reporting often portray Palestinians as aggressors, perpetuating stereotypes and justifying Israeli violence.

What role does international law play in addressing the conflict?
International law provides a framework for holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations, but its effectiveness relies on the willingness of party states to enforce it.