Let us lay down our weapons

Photo: © Sakir Khader

It is my firstborn, a Palestinian woman cries out indistress, from a shared video on Instagram. One can hear the profound pain in her voice. I have chosen not to share such videos anymore, as it feels inappropriate to repeatedly depict the suffering of the Palestinian people, which may unintentionally diminish their dignity as a community. I do not wish to romanticise suffering. The Palestinian people require political pressure and action, and there is an urgency to this situation. Starvation is the root of all evil, and the Israeli state must be held accountable for these injustices. This could have significant repercussions for them, as their involvement in the conflict might render Israel a pariah among nations. We do not need influencers to showcase themselves while proclaiming "down with Israel"; rather, we require our leaders to be held accountable. Furthermore, I wish to emphasise that I would never equate the Holocaust with the current plight of the Palestinian people, as such comparisons can carry an anti-Semitic implication and may be perceived as a misguided attempt to harm Jewish individuals. We must not cultivate hatred in response to hatred. If the state of Israel and Hamas do not cease their formidable weapons against both the Palestinian and Israeli people, we will require a court of international law, followed by diplomatic efforts. It is imperative that individuals come together to share a meal, fostering tolerance for a new future. A collective effort and engagement are essential during these challenging times. The notion that Palestinians do not deserve compassion is an extremely dangerous mindset that the world cannot accept. Both dignity and life remain at stake. Let us lay down our weapons.