WE continue to witness the grave loss of lives and the unceasing bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli army. With no food, water, or humanitarian support, the people trapped in Gaza suffer tragic losses.    

Having lost a child recently, I feel deeply for those who have lost children due to the war, which started on October 7. In addition, many have lost their homes and been forced to flee further south.  

Columbia University professor V J Prashad said, “Yes, every nation has the right to defend itself. This is a fundamental principle of international law. However, they miss the point that Gaza is not another country. It is part of areas described as ‘occupied Palestinian territories’. It has no legal status as a nation.” 

Gaza remains one of the most densely populated areas facing relentless bombing. It has the right to fight for its independence.  

It is unfortunate that the United States and European countries that espouse democracy do not seem to get this point. By their inaction, they condone the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Israel has been arrogant in its response to the United Nations. Several UN staff have died as a result of the attacks on Gaza. The country’s call for the resignation of the UN Secretary-General shows contempt for the UN.  

Netanyahu seeks conflict with Gaza and his focus on Hamas is seen as a means to sustain power. His divide and rule approach shows he does not want peace. So long as Hamas remains, Netanyahu can justify his warmongering. 

The US and the West do not have the moral guts to stand up to this modern-day Hitler. 

It is prejudice and guilt that blinds them from taking a clear stand. The appeasement of the Israeli government must stop.   

International institutions must hold Netanyahu accountable for war crimes.  

Zionism is all about an ethno-nationalistic state. Ethno-centred causes like Zionism, “Hindutva” in India and “Keturunan Melayu” are ideas that fundamentally divide people. 

This gives rise to a mental apartheid with unilateral policies that subvert the interests and rights of others. Fear of other races becomes a driving force. 

These populist ideas are today undercutting the fabric of democracy. We need to focus on bringing people together and promoting respect for each other beyond the fault lines of race, religion, and class. 

In today’s inter-connected and inter-dependent world, we should create humane societies to surmount the atrocities we are witnessing today. – November 13, 2023. 

* K. Haridas reads The Malaysian Insight.  

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.