For over 70 years, the Palestinian people have suffered under Israel’s occupation. And today, the humanitarian crisis in Palestine is worse than ever. Over 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza, which is now the world’s largest open-air prison. Israel has imposed a land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza, making it impossible for civilians to leave or goods to enter. The result is an acute humanitarian crisis with sky-high unemployment, food insecurity, and medical shortages.
Palestinians continue to suffer from human rights violations, including military raids, detention without charge, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. The Israeli military frequently raids schools and hospitals and imprisons or kills innocent civilians.
Palestinians also lack fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of movement, education, and the right to adequate healthcare. Israel’s blockade of Gaza has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with 95% of Gaza’s water undrinkable and 37% of its population food insecure.
The effects of Israel’s occupation on the Palestinian people
The occupation has had a devastating impact on Palestinian society. The Israeli military has killed thousands of Palestinians, injured many more, and caused widespread destruction. Palestinians also suffer from regular military raids and checkpoints, making it difficult to move around or conduct normal life activities.
The occupation has had a negative effect on the Palestinian economy. The blockade of Gaza has caused widespread poverty and unemployment. Israel also confiscated Palestinian land and resources, which has hampered economic development.
The Israeli occupation has also had a negative effect on Palestinian politics. The Palestinian Authority cannot make decisions or implement policies without first obtaining Israeli approval. Palestinians also have no control over their borders or airspace, making it difficult to conduct international relations.
The occupation has caused many Palestinians to flee their homes whilst others have had their homes taken from them. If you frequent social media, you may have seen videos of Jewish people cheerfully throwing Palestinians out of their homes and taking over.
The Palestinian refugee population is now the second-largest in the world after Syria. Millions of Palestinians live in exile, and many live in poverty.
The international community’s response to the crisis in Palestine
Israeli human rights abuses against Palestinians include home demolitions, forced displacement, settlement construction, settler violence, restrictions on freedom of movement, health and education, and the right to protest.
The international community has responded to the crisis in Palestine by providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians who have been affected by the conflict. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been providing food, water, and shelter to Palestinians who have been displaced by the conflict.
Many UN countries condemn Israeli violence against Palestinians and call for Israelis to stop advancing further into Palestinian territory and building Jewish settlements. This falls on deaf ears, and the abuse continues.
People have long hoped for peace between Israel and Palestine, but no one seems able to stop Israel’s continued advance into Palestine. Countries like the US and UK don’t feel the need to boycott or sanction Israel, which emboldens the Israeli government.
Since 1967, Israel has unlawfully occupied the Palestinian Territories, and without sanctions and boycotts, they will continue to do so.
