We stand firmly against injustice in all its forms. Nothing can justify the current war crimes committed by Israel in occupied Palestine. Equally, nothing can excuse the continued support offered by other nations to this apartheid regime. If you believe in human rights, dignity, and justice, then we urge you to boycott this rogue state. Silence is complicity, do what’s right.
Throughout history, numerous examples demonstrate that a nation’s ability to overcome its occupier does not solely depend on economic strength or military might. Instead, it often hinges on resilience, unity, strategy, and the determination to achieve freedom. While being weaker and poorer undoubtedly presents significant challenges, history proves that it is not an insurmountable obstacle.
The Role of Unity and Resilience
One of the most crucial factors in overcoming an occupier is national unity. When a population stands together with a shared vision of liberation, they can leverage their collective strength to resist even the most formidable opponents. Unity fosters resilience, a critical trait for enduring the prolonged struggles often associated with anti-occupation movements.
For example, Vietnam’s fight against French colonialism and later American intervention showcased the power of resilience and unity. Despite being vastly outmatched in terms of wealth and military technology, the Vietnamese employed guerilla tactics and maintained unyielding morale, ultimately driving out their occupiers.
Asymmetric Warfare: A Strategy for the Weak
Weaker nations have historically relied on asymmetric warfare to level the playing field against stronger occupiers. Guerrilla tactics, ambushes, and sabotage are methods that exploit the vulnerabilities of a larger and more conventional occupying force. Such strategies can prolong conflicts, drain the occupier’s resources, and erode their resolve.
The American Revolution is another notable example. The colonists, far less wealthy and militarily equipped than the British Empire, used unconventional tactics and leveraged their knowledge of local terrain to outmaneuver their occupiers. Support from external allies, such as France, also played a decisive role in tipping the balance of power.
The Importance of External Support
No struggle against occupation exists in isolation. Many weaker nations have succeeded in their quests for freedom by securing external support. This support can come in various forms, including financial aid, military assistance, or political pressure on the occupier.
For instance, the Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union in the 1980s benefited greatly from external support, particularly from the United States and other countries. This external aid provided the resources needed to sustain a prolonged conflict, eventually leading to the withdrawal of Soviet forces.
The Power of Morality and Public Opinion
In the modern era, the battle for global public opinion has become a powerful tool for weaker nations. Highlighting the moral injustices of occupation can galvanize international support and pressure occupiers to reconsider their actions. The Indian independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, exemplifies this approach. Through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, India’s leaders exposed the moral bankruptcy of British colonial rule, eventually leading to independence.
Similarly, the Palestinian struggle has sought to leverage global public opinion to highlight the injustices of brutal, settler/colonial and genocidal israeli occupation. While the path to liberation remains fraught with challenges, international awareness continues to grow, creating new avenues for resistance against the Israeli apartheid.
Economic and Psychological Dimensions
While weaker nations may lack material wealth, they can still undermine occupiers economically and psychologically. Boycotts, strikes, and the disruption of supply chains can impose significant economic costs on occupiers. At the same time, sustained resistance can wear down the morale of occupying forces and their domestic support base.
The Algerian War of Independence against France demonstrates this dynamic. Despite limited resources, Algerians employed economic and psychological tactics alongside guerrilla warfare, ultimately forcing France to abandon its colonial ambitions.
Defeating an occupier while being weaker and poorer is a daunting challenge, but history shows it is far from impossible. Unity, resilience, strategic innovation, and the ability to garner external support are critical factors in leveling the playing field. Moreover, leveraging global public opinion and imposing economic and psychological costs can further erode the occupier’s power.
The road to liberation is never easy, and the sacrifices are immense. Yet, the enduring spirit of oppressed nations continues to demonstrate that freedom is a goal worth fighting for, regardless of the odds.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29, serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people under the Israeli apartheid and a global call for justice, peace, and human rights. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977, this day underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing the unresolved question of Palestine and supporting the rights of its people to self-determination, independence, and freedom from Israeli occupation.
Historical Context
The date, November 29, is significant as it marks the anniversary of the 1947 UN General Assembly resolution that proposed the partition of Palestine into two states—one Palestinian and one Jewish. While this resolution was a pivotal moment in the history of the region, its implementation led to profound and lasting consequences for the Palestinian people, including massacres, ethnic cleansing , statelessness, and the ongoing denial of their human rights. The day of solidarity provides an opportunity to reflect on these historical injustices and to renew calls for a just and lasting solution.
A Global Recognition of Struggle
The solidarity day is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is an acknowledgment of the Palestinian people’s resilience in the face of brutal Israeli aggression. Over decades, Palestinians have endured occupation, apartheid policies, forced displacement, and systematic human rights violations.
Despite these challenges, they have demonstrated remarkable endurance and determination to assert their identity and rights. The international observance aims to amplify their voices and highlight the urgent need for meaningful action to address their suffering.
The Role of International Solidarity
Solidarity with Palestine extends beyond words of support; it demands tangible action from the global community. This includes:
Advocating for Accountability: Holding israel responsible for violations of international law accountable, including through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court.
Ending Israeli Occupation and Apartheid: Calling for an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and dismantling policies that amount to apartheid, as documented by numerous human rights organizations.
Supporting Humanitarian Efforts: Providing humanitarian aid to alleviate the dire conditions in Gaza, the West Bank, and refugee camps, where Palestinians face severe restrictions on access to basic needs.
Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS): Supporting non-violent resistance strategies that pressure Israel to comply with international law and respect Palestinian rights.
Advancing a Two-State Solution or Alternatives: Reviving genuine discussions on viable solutions that ensure peace, security, and justice for all people in the region.
Exposing Hypocrisy and Double Standards
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People also exposes the glaring double standards in global responses to human rights violations. While other crises often garner swift action and widespread condemnation, the plight of Palestinians is frequently met with inaction or selective outrage. This day challenges the world to confront its own inconsistencies and to uphold universal principles of justice and equality without bias.
A Vision for the Future
Solidarity is not only about recognizing past and present injustices but also about envisioning a future where Palestinians can live in dignity and freedom. This involves ensuring their right to return, dismantling the structures of occupation and apartheid, and creating conditions for coexistence based on mutual respect and equality.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. It is a day to reaffirm our shared humanity, to demand justice, and to work collectively toward ending the oppression of the Palestinian people. As long as Palestinians are denied their fundamental rights, global solidarity remains not only a moral imperative but a necessary force for change. Let this day inspire renewed efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Palestine and the world.
Posted inAdmin, Justice, Palestinian art & culture|Comments Off on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: A Call for Justice and Humanity
In Gaza’s ruins, beneath the sky, Where genocide and dreams collide, Fourteen months of blood and stone, You stand, unbroken, though alone.
Under occupation’s brutal chain, Starved and silenced, yet you remain. The world averts its guilty eyes, But you expose its hollow lies.
Through endless grief, through crushing night, You fight for freedom, claim the right. To Gaza’s courage, thanks we give, For proving resistance is to live.
UN humanitarians reiterated their resolve on Tuesday to help the people of Gaza, where increasing numbers of children are on “the brink of death” from acute hunger, caused by five months of intense Israeli bombardment and constant aid access denials.
“What doctors and medical staff are telling us is more and more they are seeing the effects of starvation; they’re seeing newborn babies simply dying because they (are) too low birth weight,” said Dr Margaret Harris from the UN World Health Organization (WHO).
“Increasingly, we’re seeing children that are at the point, brink of death that need refeeding,” the WHO spokesperson told journalists in Geneva, a day after global nutrition experts warned that famine could happen “anytime” in northern Gaza.
‘Hunger, starvation, famine’
In response to the findings of Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report on Gaza published on Monday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk insisted that “hunger, starvation and famine” were the result of Israel’s “extensive restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid and commercial goods”, mass population displacement and the destruction of crucial civilian infrastructure.
Mr. Türk noted that “in the face of starvation” families have now resorted to sending children from northern to southern Gaza “unaccompanied in the desperate hope that they will find food and support among the 1.8 million people already displaced there”.
The High Commissioner’s comments on Gaza’s deepening hunger crisis echoed warnings from UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday who reiterated his appeal to the Israeli authorities “to ensure complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza”.
Speaking outside the Security Council in New York, Mr. Guterres also urged the international community “to fully support” the UN’s humanitarian efforts.
“Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horrifying levels of hunger and suffering”, the UN chief said, describing the IPC report as an “appalling indictment of conditions on the ground for civilians”.
Pregnancy dangers
While infants and young children are among the least able to cope with chronic hunger according to WHO, the UN health agency said that medical teams in the war-shattered enclave have been admitting increasing numbers of dangerously underweight pregnant women.
The complications that they have happen “if you’re trying to carry a pregnancy and you lack the nutrition,” said Dr. Harris, who insisted that the famine danger in Gaza was purely a result of the war, sparked by Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on 7 October.
“This is entirely man-made, everything we’re seeing medically; this was a territory where the health system functioned well,” said Dr Harris, adding that malnutrition was “non-existent”. “It was a population that could feed itself,” she insisted.
Feeding centre plan
To help the most vulnerable Gazans and save lives, WHO aims is now establishing emergency malnutrition stabilisation centres. But progress has been hampered by a lack of safety and ongoing aid access obstacles, Dr Harris maintained.
“We’ve set one up in the south, we’re looking at doing it in the north…but the problem is we have to be able to bring the materials in – but we can’t bring them in at the scale and to the people without the access and the safety. So there is no answer until there’s a ceasefire.”
“The desperation is so great,” Dr Harris continued, before insisting that aid needed to be allowed into Gaza at a “huge, huge scale”. When that happens, the relief supplies “will be absorbed like sand”, she said.
More than 350,000 families in Gaza have received flour distributed by UNRWA.
Vast job losses
Underscoring the dire impact of the war in Gaza and beyond, a new report by the UN labour agency, ILO, indicated that it has led to the loss of 507,000 jobs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
This has already had a “devastating impact” on the regional economy, said ILO spokesperson Zeina Awad, who added that if the conflict continues, the unemployment rate in the territory is expected to reach 57 per cent.
The new data – sourced by ILO and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) – estimates that as of 31 January, around 201,000 jobs were lost in the Gaza Strip, accounting for around two-thirds of total employment in the enclave.
In addition, 306,000 jobs – or over one-third of total employment – were also lost in the West Bank, where economic conditions have been severely impacted.
UNRWA probe findings
On Tuesday, the UN chief was scheduled to hear the interim findings of one of two investigations into UNRWA, following serious allegations that some of its staff had collaborated with Hamas during the 7 October terror attacks on Israel.
Of the 12 UNRWA staff implicated in the allegations, the UN agency immediately identified and terminated the contracts of 10; another two were confirmed dead.
“Any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” UNWRWA said in a statementon its website.
Mr. Guterres was due to meet Catherine Colonna, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, who heads the Independent Review Group. Its work was scheduled to begin on 14 February aided by three research organizations: the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
The final report, which will be made public, is expected to be completed by late April.
A second, separate investigation is also underway, by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). It conducts administrative investigations into allegations of misconduct in the workplace. This includes alleged breaches of UN staff regulations, rules and codes of conduct. The findings of this probe will also be presented in a report to the UN Secretary-General
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in the United States, known for its unwavering support of Israel and its influence on American politics. Founded in 1951, AIPAC’s stated mission is to strengthen, protect, and promote the U.S.-Israel relationship. While it has achieved significant success in shaping U.S. foreign policy in favor of Israel, AIPAC’s role in American politics has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing that its influence undermines U.S. sovereignty and distorts democratic processes.
The Reach of AIPAC
AIPAC’s power lies in its ability to mobilize resources, influence legislation, and shape public opinion. The organization works tirelessly to lobby members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, ensuring broad bipartisan support for policies that align with its goals. It hosts an annual policy conference that draws thousands of attendees, including prominent politicians, business leaders, and activists. This event often serves as a platform for showcasing unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel despite holding apartheid status.
AIPAC also channels significant financial support to political campaigns through affiliated Political Action Committees (PACs) and donor networks. While AIPAC itself does not directly donate to candidates, its recommendations and endorsements carry considerable weight, influencing the flow of campaign contributions from pro-Israel donors.
Legislative Influence
AIPAC has successfully advocated for legislation that strengthens U.S.-Israel ties, including military aid packages, defense cooperation agreements, and trade partnerships. For instance, it played a pivotal role in securing the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Israel, which committed $38 billion in military aid over ten years. AIPAC has also been instrumental in shaping U.S. policy toward the Middle East, particularly in countering perceived threats from Iran as they did with Iraq which resulted in a distastrous western war against the Iraqis for unfounded claims.m and led to the slaughter of more than million Iraqis.
AIPAC’s illegal influence as a foreign organisation extends beyond fostering bilateral relations. They contend that the organisation threatens and bullies the lawmakers to adopt policies that do not align with broader U.S. interests. For example, AIPAC has been a vocal opponent of the Iran nuclear deal, lobbying Congress to impose stricter sanctions and take a hardline stance that some believe could escalate tensions in the region. It also strongly supports the ongoing genocide and starvation that Israel is still carrying out in Gaza and Lebanon.
Controversies and Criticism
AIPAC’s shameless interference in American politics has not been without controversy. Critics from across the political spectrum have raised concerns about the organisation influence on U.S. foreign policy. It’s obvious that AIPAC’s lobbying efforts prioritise Israeli interests over American ones, undermining the principle of an independent U.S. foreign policy to serve far right Israeli interests and Israeli terrorist settlers.
AIPAC has also faced allegations of stifling debate on U.S.-Israel relations. Politicians and public figures who voice criticism of Israeli policies risk being labeled as anti-Semitic, creating a chilling effect on open discourse and discussion which limits freedom of specach and this is considered to be against the American constitution. This dirty game was highlighted in high-profile cases involving members of Congress who challenged AIPAC’s agenda and faced significant political backlash.
The debate over AIPAC’s influence reflects broader concerns about the role of lobbying in American politics. Critics argue that AIPAC exemplifies how well-funded interest groups can disproportionately shape policy, often at the expense of broader public opinion. to serve an apartheid entity that has been oppressing the indigenous people of Palestine for decades.
The question of how to balance lobbying influence with democratic accountability remains central to the discussion about AIPAC’s role in American politics. Transparency and open debate are essential to ensure that U.S. policies serve the national interest while respecting the diverse perspectives of its citizens. AIPAC support of illegal Israeli occupation should be condemned and banned.
As AIPAC continues to wield significant power, its illegal activities will likely remain a focal point in discussions about the intersection of foreign policy, lobbying , and ‘democracy’ in the United States.
