Nablus raid

Tensions between Israel and Palestine have aggravated again after Israeli troops killed 11 Palestinians on Wednesday

Tensions between Israel and Palestine have hastily aggravated yet again after Israeli troops killed 11 Palestinians — while some 100 others were left with severe gunshot injuries — during a rare day-time raid on the occupied West Bank’s city of Nablus on Wednesday. Casualties were the result of widespread confrontation that broke out after the Israeli army stormed the city with dozens of armed vehicles and special forces. Since the incident, both countries have engaged in rocket-fire but no casualties have been reported.

The death toll is similar to the deadly Jenin raid that took place last month, which Palestinians describe as a “massacre”. The constant clamping down of Palestinian citizens by the Israeli army shows complete disregard for humanity and lives. But more than being a physical battle, it has now become a battle of words and narratives. The rhetoric around the issue continues to deliberately be twisted in favour of Israel, particularly to make such incidents seem less egregious or severe. Statements given by Israeli officials and news posted on internationally renowned newspapers suggest that troops were sent to arrest Islamic Jihad “terror operatives” that were planning “major attacks”. However, the truth isn’t that simple. Palestinians have long been fighting for their rights and freedom. Retaliation is expected if someone storms into your house and claims it to be their property. The international community and protectors of world peace have utterly failed to resolve the conflict and hold Israel accountable for its atrocities.

Organisations such as the UN, EU and others must condemn in the harshest way these periodical incidents and loss of innocent lives. Leaders must be brought to the table to figure out a resolution to this volatile situation as any untoward escalation could erupt into a full-blown war. Even during times of war and tension, human rights and human dignity must prevail.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2023.

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