Israel has one again defied international law, and
violated the rights of Palestinians by grabbing over 400 hectares (988 acres)
of land in the West Bank. Israel made no attempt to justify its actions, it
simply declared the land “state land”, and that was basically it. It is the
biggest land grab in over 30 years and it comes just after Israel and Gaza
reach an agreement to end 50 days of bloodshed that left almost 1,500 Gazancivilians dead!
The continued existence and expansion of the settlements
is in direct violation of international law, specifically UNSC (United Nations
Security Council) resolution 446. So how can we prevent further Israeli land
grabbing in the West Bank? A military attack by other countries is clearly out
of the question as that would result in a massive death toll on both sides. For
the Palestinians, attacking Israel is a terrible idea considering how strong
Israel’s military is and how weak their own military is! I feel that this means
that the only option is to pursue diplomacy and peaceful protests. Here are a
list of things we should do:
1. Continue
to work within the UN for diplomatic resolutions
2. Boycott
Israel (don’t buy Israeli products)
3. Pressure
your government to sanction Israel
4. Peacefully
protest in the West Bank/Israel
1. One of the most effective ways of doing diplomacy in
the modern world is through the UN. It can be used as a mediator in disputes, condemns
human rights violations, and membership of the organisation is the most commonly
accepted definition of a country. Unfortunately there is a major stumbling
block at the UN: America. The US is a permanent member of the UNSC, which means
that it can veto any resolution that the council votes on. This means that
going through the Security Council would be very difficult for Palestine, due
to America’s unconditional support for Israel. It also means that Palestine is
unlikely to become a full UN member anytime soon, as the process to become a
full member requires a Security Council resolution.
2. A boycott of Israeli products would be a great step, as
hurting a country’s economy is one of the best ways you can make its leaders
more amiable to a peace deal. The sanctions on South Africa were a major reason
for the Apartheid state collapsing. As an individual it can be quite difficult
to find out where all your products originate. So what you should do instead is
try and pressure companies into no longer stocking products that are from
Israel. If you are in the UK visit www.boycottisrael.org.uk
for more information on how to boycott Israel.
3. Arguably the best thing you can do, if you live outside
Palestine, is to put pressure on your government to take a stance against
Israel. Whether that comes in the form of sanctions or an arms embargo, it
would be hugely beneficial to the Palestinian cause, especially if your country
is powerful. If you live in America this will be more difficult, as it is the
most pro-Israeli western nation. Yet being a pro-Palestinian voice can do a lot
of good, and change only happens when people demand it! The countries in which
you can do the most good are ones with a pro-Israeli government and an anti-Israeli populace. Which countries
fall under that category? Well every Western nation, apart from the US. Britain
is arguably the easiest target, as of the EU countries polled, Britain had the
most negative view of Israel (72% of Britons had an unfavourable view).
Considering that the UK is one of the most powerful countries in the world, and
has one of the largest economies, having the UK on the side of Palestinians
would be a blow to Israel. So what are you waiting for? Write to, or call your
MP/representative and get things going!
4. Peacefully protesting your oppressors is not an easy
thing to do, and it takes a lot of courage, but it is the best way to win. Part
of the reason for the success of Martin Luther King and the civil rights
protesters in America in the 50’s and 60’s, other than the obvious morality of
their cause, was the images of peaceful protesters getting violently beaten by
police officers. Protest by getting Palestinians to enter settlements or march
on cities like Jerusalem. Whatever you do, do not attack Israel. Violence
rarely succeeds when you’re being oppressed. Every time Hamas fires a rocket
into Israeli territory, or a bomb goes off in Tel Aviv, it gives Israel a
justification to attack. They always lose the moral high ground with the
disproportionate counter attacks. According to a YouGov poll, 62% of Britons believe that Israel committed war crimes in the recent Gaza conflict. Despite
this, it allows Israel defenders to ignore the hardships of the Palestinians,
because Hamas is also targeting Israel.
Using peaceful solutions will not be easy, and it will
not be quick, but as you have the moral high ground, you will win.
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