“FREE, FREE PALESTINE!” – chants heard around the world by a saddened and angered populace, as the mounting death toll triggers worldwide protests to bring decades of issues to the centre-stage of humanitarian efforts and global politics.
Nearly 15,000 Palestine’s were killed in the last 50 days (Since Oct 7), including 10,000 women and children in the Israel-Palestine war, according to Al Jazeera. This figure surpasses the number of Palestinian deaths in the last 15 years. On International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People, people around the world are acknowledging the challenges faced and fostering a greater understanding of the historical and current circumstances, including humanitarian concerns and the impact on innocent Palestinian civilians.
The history of Palestine, as detailed in the Al Jazeera/Britannica, traces the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the early 20th century. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 by Britain supported establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine, leading to significant Jewish immigration, and rising tensions with the Arab population. The 1947 UN partition plan proposed dividing Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, escalating violence and resulting in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. This conflict caused the displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba.
Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem and the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War further complicated matters, with these areas still considered occupied by the international community. The 1993 Oslo Accords, a major peace initiative, ultimately failed to resolve the conflict, as Israeli settlements in the West Bank continued to grow. The ongoing blockade of Gaza since 2007 after Resistance Movement Hamas’ rise to power has further exacerbated tensions.
Educational efforts are encouraged to gain a more nuanced perspective of the situation. This includes examining the various factors contributing to the conflict and the international response to it. As South Africans we draw parallels with our own historical struggle against Apartheid segregation. Today, nearly 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, a third of Gaza’s population.
Organisations like Gift of the Givers highlight the urgent need for basic humanitarian assistance in the region, including the provision of medical aid, shelter, clean portable water, and food. “The Palestinian people are in desperate need of support as they endure the heart-wrenching crisis, witnessing the loss of hundreds of lives, countless injuries and widespread displacement. The need for humanitarian assistance is crucial.” Gift of the Givers Foundation.
On this day, individuals are invited to show solidarity and support to contribute positively to addressing the challenges faced by the Palestinian people.
For those interested in supporting humanitarian efforts, you can show your support with a pledge. Your pledge means “The Power to Make A Difference.”
Visit: Make a Difference | Gift of the Givers Foundation or call 0800 786 911.
Join us and millions of others as We Stand Up and support the people of Palestine.
