In the heart of the Gaza Strip, a relentless storm of bombs rains down, subjecting a besieged population to a nightmarish reality. Men, women, and children, isolated by a complete blockade, are cut off from life's essentials - fuel, food, water, medical supplies, and electricity. Their cries for help are muffled by a near-total communications blackout, further intensifying their isolation.

In response to the deadliest assault by Hamas, a militant movement and one of the two major political parties in the Palestinian territories, Israel launched an extraordinary military operation on October 7th, marking a distressing chapter in the long-standing, 75-year-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As of Saturday, Gaza's Health Ministry confirmed a grim toll – with over 1,600 Palestinians losing their lives since Israel initiated its unrelenting bombardment. Tragically, half of this devastating toll consists of women and children.

For Palestinians in Gaza, Israel's escalating airstrikes have left them with nowhere to seek refuge. Recent satellite imagery reveals that the heavy bombardment has reduced entire city blocks to rubble, with an unquantifiable number of individuals buried beneath the debris and concrete. Fresh health ministry estimates point to an alarming count of over 6,600 injured individuals. Further compounding this dire situation, World Health Organisation's (WHO) records reveal 34 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since last Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 11 health workers on duty, 16 injuries, and widespread damage to 19 health facilities and 20 ambulances. The tragedy has also extended to seven Palestinian journalists, 11 UN Palestinian refugee agency staff, and four medics.

On the sixth day of Israeli airstrikes, mercilessly targeting the Gaza Strip, concerns about a deepening humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian enclave seem to be growing. The Israeli military claimed that it has dropped 6,000 bombs, weighing 4,000 tonnes, since the onset of the conflict, which averages 1,000 bombs per day. What is even more distressing is a recent revelation by Human Rights Watch (HRW); the New York-based advocacy group confirmed reports that Israeli forces had been firing white phosphorus munitions, which, along with the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, experts believe, constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. For the people of Gaza, this marks yet another traumatic chapter, and as violence intensifies, their means of escape from what is often described as the world's largest open-air prison grow slimmer. However, for beleaguered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his newly formed emergency government, the goal is clear. They are determined to eradicate their foremost adversary, Hamas, at any cost, and so far, their military campaign displays no signs of easing.

Meanwhile, on the Israeli side, the death toll from Hamas’s attack has crossed 1,300, including over 200 soldiers. At least 150 citizens, including women and children, are still being held hostage by the militant group. Amidst this somber backdrop, experts stress that the wrongdoings of Hamas cannot excuse those of Israel. It's widely acknowledged that neither side can be justified in intentionally targeting civilians, damaging civilian infrastructure, or conducting indiscriminate attacks.

As this tragedy unfolds, the world watches with a sense of helplessness, witnessing Gaza's descent into darkness. However, a prevailing narrative in the Israel-Hamas conflict seems to overlook the history of violence against Palestinians. In the wake of the multi-front onslaught that began with thousands of rockets fired at Israel from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, with gunmen invading the southern part of the country by land, sea, and even paragliders, an increasing number of world leaders have expressed concern for the loss of life in Israel. Strikingly, many of these leaders have omitted any mention of the unfolding tragedy in Gaza. Leading this chorus, US President Biden was one of the first to reaffirm his government's 'ironclad support' for Israel while condemning Hamas's actions. However, following this statement, the president posted nearly a dozen times on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, without acknowledging the Palestinians who are bearing the consequences of Hamas's actions or the harsh blockade in the densely populated coastal territory.

In the UK, the government issued directives against displaying Palestinian flags on British streets. The leader of the main opposition Labour Party and the frontrunner to be the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, even endorsed Israel’s actions, including the restriction of Gaza's water, power, and other vital supplies. The subdued response to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians in Gaza has left human rights advocates deeply disturbed. They fear that Israel may be exacting a devastating toll on ordinary Palestinians in besieged territory, with hundreds of civilians, including many children, perishing in the relentless bombardment.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, expressed her concern, stating, “Deep down, I believe there is a prevailing racism that prevents many of us from recognising the equal value of all human life, with the same dignity, rights, and freedom. It's a troubling issue that needs to be addressed.”

Furthermore, the Italian Human Rights Lawyer cautioned against a ‘dangerous’ narrative surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasising the omission of the context of violence against Palestinians. The United Nations special rapporteur questioned, “Have you noticed the statements made by the president of the European Commission until yesterday? Not a single word about Palestinians as civilians, victims and their context. Where do the Palestinians fit into this equation?”

“I want to make it clear that I don't contest Israel's right to self-defense or its duty to safeguard its security. However, there's a confusion between Israel's security as a member state of the United Nations and the security tied to its annexation plan. This annexation plan is resulting in the forced displacement, oppression, and, frankly, the potential destruction of essential elements, both physical and infrastructural, of the Palestinian people,” Albanese emphasized.

"It's important to recognise that the international human rights community, of which I am proud to be part, has long warned of the potential catastrophic consequences of a situation that strips an entire population of its rights, essential resources, and the ability to protest peacefully," she added.

The densely populated Gaza Strip, where nearly half of its residents are below the age of 18, has grappled with severe restrictions on the movement of goods and people for years, primarily due to Israel's stringent control. The situation escalated recently when Israel's defense minister issued orders for a ‘complete siege’ on the occupied territory. This directive, following the Hamas attack, adds to the 16-year blockade that Israel, frequently in cooperation with Egypt, has enforced on this narrow strip of land along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Quoting former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), Albanese stated, “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.” She emphasised that the former president’s statement is particularly apt for the current Israel-Palestine situation.

“Of course, resistance is governed by rules, and it's crucial to acknowledge that Hamas has grossly violated these rules. Without a doubt, both Israel and Hamas have violated numerous principles of international humanitarian law, especially in the context of the assault and incursions,” she added.

When asked if the world had collectively dehumanised the suffering of Palestinians, Albanese said: “It has certainly been normalised. Not me, not everyone. I refuse to be a part of this. But it's undeniable that the international discourse, the global community, political actors, and especially mainstream media in the West have been complicit in this dehumanisation. They have stopped conveying the full story of the occupied Palestinian territory.”

“This isn't a game; it's not about Israelis versus Palestinians. But, yes, there is a dangerous normalisation,” she cautioned.

In a knee-jerk reaction following the attack on Israel, the European Commission initially announced the suspension of ‘all payments’ to Palestinians due to Hamas's assault. However, after hours of scrambling, the commission reversed the decision made by the commissioner for neighborhood and enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, stating, “There will be no suspension of payments.” Nevertheless, the situation was complicated by the assertion that there were no payments foreseen. While EU member states have issued strongly worded statements condemning the attacks on Israel, a glaring omission is the absence of any expression of regret for the continuing loss of life and devastation in Gaza.

“I am shocked by the condescending and contemptuous attitudes of certain European countries toward the Palestinians. They adopt the language of the Israeli government, which is far from being an impartial actor in this conflict. In Europe, Canada, and the US, showing solidarity with the Palestinian people has been suppressed and penalised,” said Albanese.

She emphasised that any effort to examine Israeli practices is often branded as antisemitism. “It's crucial to recognise that it's possible to advocate for human rights and critique the unlawful actions of any state without undermining the universal values of humanity. We must ensure that the universality of human rights prevails,” said the UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“We must emphasise equality and the prioritization of equal rights for all human beings. When human rights are reduced to selective privileges granted only to a specific segment of the population or a particular national group, it ceases to be the practice of human rights and devolves into racism,” Albanese added. The UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories emphasised that the situation in Gaza is closely linked to this broader context. She noted that the territory has been subjected to an unlawful blockade since 2007, a practice considered as collective punishment and, consequently, a violation of international law. “Gaza, with its mere 365 sq kms, is only about a third larger than Edinburgh, but hosts a population four times greater than that of the Scottish capital, is often likened to the largest open-air prison on Earth. However, I contend that this is an understatement, as the entire Palestinian territory has been transformed into a prison-like environment," said Albanese, addressing the situation under Israeli occupation.

“As I documented in my report to the Human Rights Council in July 2023, Palestinians are constantly confined, surveilled, and punished. This situation suspends all protections provided by international law. Regardless of the legitimacy or legality of the occupation, Israel, as the occupying power, is obliged to act in compliance with international law and maintain law and order while protecting the occupied population. However, Israel abandoned this responsibility long ago, as it cannot simultaneously advance colonisation, which amounts to war crimes, and protect Palestinians,” the UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories explained further.

This occupation, she said, has resulted in the destruction of thousands of houses, schools, and hospitals, along with the imprisonment of one million people over 56 years, including numerous children. “In my report, I documented that around 10,000 children as young as 12 have been held in solitary confinement for an average of 12 days, deprived of sensory stimulation and legal assistance, without proximity to their parents. This is the grim reality of the people of Gaza, especially the children.”

In addition to the most recent attack on October 7, the Gaza Strip has weathered five major wars up to September 2023, taking place in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2021, and 2022. According to the report compiled by Albanese, over 70% of the occupied territory's population relies on humanitarian assistance, with half of them unemployed, and half comprising children. Quoting Gaza's sole psychiatrist and Palestinian scholar, she noted that a significant portion of the occupied territory’s population grapples with depression and other mental health issues.

Forced exodus to nowhere

In a dramatic twist of events, on the seventh day of the war and total blockade, Israeli forces directed residents of Gaza City to move southward into the already congested coastal territory, home to about 2.3 million people. The UN declared the mass evacuation impossible due to the dire humanitarian consequences it would bring. Meanwhile, Israel mobilised over 360,000 reservists along its southern border, raising the specter of a full-scale military operation. In contrast, Hamas advised Palestinians to stay in their homes, adding to the uncertainty and fear enveloping the besieged enclave.

Images captured families from Gaza, loaded with blankets and personal belongings, leaving Gaza, the largest city in the region, in a procession of vehicles, trucks, and donkey carts. Meanwhile, the relentless airstrikes continued to pound the territory. According to UN estimates, over 300,000 Palestinians are homeless, while an astonishing two million confront severe shortages of vital supplies, including food, water, and fuel.

In response to Israel's evacuation warning for Gaza, Kenneth Roth, the former long-time executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), expressed deep concern, stating, "The people of Gaza have no viable escape route. Are they expected to move from one neighborhood to the next as each comes under attack?" Roth's poignant remark sheds light on the dire circumstances facing the residents of Gaza.

Moreover, while reflecting on the Nakba, the catastrophic events of 1948 that led to the forced displacement of around 70% of the Palestinian population and the total erasure of over 500 communities, Roth raised a crucial question: “Is Egypt, which has long participated in the Gaza blockade alongside Israel, ready to admit 2.2 million Palestinians? And if people were permitted to leave, would it be a one-way journey, akin to the events of 1948?” Roth's inquiry underscores the profound historical echoes and contemporary challenges that resonate in the region, emphasising the urgent need for a comprehensive examination of the current situation.

In any case, Roth pointed out that a warning does not absolve Israel of the responsibility not to target civilians. “In 2006, Israel issued similar warnings during its war in southern Lebanon, then wrongly treated anyone who remained, including many civilians, as if they were Hezbollah fighters who could be attacked,” the former executive director of HRW added.

Regarding the evacuation orders issued by Israeli authorities, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, stated that moving 1.1 million people was an impossible task. She emphasised, “Approximately 50,000 women are expected to give birth, while hospitals are no longer operational. If this unfolds, it could become one of the largest cases of ethnic cleansing, potentially resulting in the killing of civilians on an unprecedented scale. I urgently implore the international community to prevent this impending catastrophe.”

Hamas, Netanyahu and his policy

The calamity that struck Israel on Simchat Torah can be squarely attributed to one individual: Benjamin Netanyahu, a well-known character in Israeli politics and the country’s current prime minister.

Experts argue that the right-wing leader's overconfidence and his policy towards Palestine, which is now viewed as one of his most significant failures alongside the October 7 attack, played a pivotal role in this crisis. Despite Netanyahu's claims of having significant experience in security affairs, he failed to acknowledge the risks inherent in the deliberate pursuit of annexation and dispossession, and the adoption of a strategy that openly disregarded the existence and rights of Palestinians.

A stronger Hamas, which stands for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, as Dr. Ashok Swain, a Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Uppsala University in Sweden, points out, is a direct consequence of Netanyahu's strategy of dividing and conquering within Palestine. For several years, as the peace process stagnated and the Palestinian political leadership remained divided across factions and geographical regions, Israel has consistently advanced its expansion and consolidation of authority. Rather than focusing on a strategic vision for resolving its conflict with the Palestinians, Israel has directed its strategic efforts toward enhancing its military power and control.

According to Professor Swain, Netanyahu's approach of engaging with Hamas at the cost of Abbas and Palestinian statehood has inflicted significant damage on Israel. “The intention was to obstruct Abbas, or any figure within the Palestinian Authority's West Bank government, from making progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state,” explained the academic based in Sweden. These sentiments find resonance with Times of Israel's political correspondent, Tal Schneider, who in her latest article, contends that Netanyahu's policies, especially concerning Palestinians, have left lasting wounds that will take Israel years to recover from.

Prior to Hamas's devastating attack, Israeli politics had been marked by turmoil, driven by Netanyahu's government's efforts to reform the country's judiciary, which ignited the largest protest movement in Israel's history. The prime minister was already embroiled in a fierce political battle for his survival, and then the assault on Israel altered the political landscape, including Netanyahu's fate, albeit temporarily.

“Netanyahu certainly received a much-needed political lifeline after the attack on October 7th. The assault provided a temporary diversion from the substantial political challenges the prime minister was grappling with, including the massive protests. Although Netanyahu's political standing seems strong during the conflict, the outlook for his long-term prospects may not be as optimistic,” explained Dr. Swain.

Sofia Meranto, Middle East Analyst at Eurasia Group, shared a similar perspective on Netanyahu's political future. “Substantial inquiries into the intelligence and policy lapses following the Hamas attack are inevitable, and Netanyahu will come under scrutiny. There will also be significant domestic pressure as Israelis will expect decisive government action to ensure their security.”

Implications of the attack

The unexpected assault by Hamas militants has not only plunged Israel into war but also carries significant implications for regional and international geopolitics. It has shattered previously held assumptions, including the belief that the Middle East was moving toward stability and peace as Arab states normalised relations with Israel.

In the region, the primary concern is the potential for Hamas to gain more allies in its fight against Israel, particularly Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militia, supported by Iran. Sofia Meranto, Eurasia Group's Middle East Analyst, notes that this could lead to an expansion of the conflict.

To deter Hezbollah and Iran from becoming involved in the conflict, the United States has already dispatched a carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean. This move is seen primarily in response to Hezbollah's threat of launching a full-scale assault on Israeli forces in Gaza.

The Hamas attack has also prompted Washington DC, to reconsider its focus on great power competition, shifting attention from counterterrorism against groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS to Iran-backed entities such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and PIJ. This shift could influence Western intelligence and military priorities in the Middle East.

US President Biden's support for Israel, in the form of weapons and military assistance, raises concerns about further radicalisation in the region. “Biden has shown no inclination to stop funneling US arms to the Israeli military. Indeed, he is accelerating transfer as Israel bombards Gaza. That means that US arms are likely to be used as that bombardment kills Palestinian civilians. There should be outrage at this complicity in – this blank check for – the large-scale loss of civilian life,” said Kenneth Roth, former executive director of HRW.

Roth, who currently serves as a visiting professor at Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs, emphasised that the Biden administration rightfully condemns the deliberate attacks on civilians by the Russian military in Ukraine, categorising them as clear war crimes. However, he also stressed that the credibility of the United States would be compromised if Washington were to tolerate Israeli attacks in Gaza that lead to substantial civilian casualties.

Additionally, the Hamas attack has raised doubts about the US strategy of shifting focus away from the Middle East. Many observers who have been closely monitoring President Biden's administration believe that the region hasn't neatly aligned with his global priorities.

Lastly, it has dispelled the belief held by various stakeholders, including the United States, that ignoring the Palestinian question would lead to the issue’s disappearance. Experts argue that this attack has shattered that myth for all parties involved.

The 9/11 moment

The events of October 7th are being compared to the coordinated terrorist attacks on US soil on September 11th, which occurred 22 years ago. The course of America's response to the 9/11 terror attacks followed a somewhat predictable trajectory. It commenced with a shared experience of shock and grief, leading to a unified sense of purpose among those affected. However, over time, this unity diminished as the response became increasingly complicated, economic costs rose, and civilian casualties mounted. Later phases, including the occupation, brought additional challenges. Eventually, this cohesion began to unravel. In the initial stages, the effort also garnered substantial international endorsement. However, this support waned by the conclusion of the Afghanistan war, leaving the US as the primary villain in that conflict. Israel appears to be on a similar trajectory.

"I fear that Israel will follow a path similar to that of George W. Bush. After 9/11, the world expressed sympathy for the United States, just as there was much sympathy for Israel after Hamas's attacks on Israeli civilians," cautioned Kenneth Roth, former executive director of HRW. He further added that just as the United States lost the moral high ground due to Bush's wartime abuses in Iraq, systematic torture, and detention of individuals without trial in Guantanamo, Israel may lose global sympathy if it causes significant civilian casualties in Gaza.

Fear, support and consequences

The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has tragically led to significant Palestinian casualties. Throughout the decades-long conflict, the weight of this violence has disproportionately fallen on Palestinians, and this distressing trend persists without respite. “It speaks to the desperation of the Palestinian people that Hamas would resort to this attack, knowing that the response was likely to be massive, even suicidal,” remarked Kenneth Roth, former executive director of HRW. He further shed light on the challenging circumstances faced by Palestinians, encompassing the expansion of (illegal) settlements, the enduring blockade of Gaza, and the imposition of oppressive discriminatory rule rightfully labeled as apartheid.

“My fear is that the Israeli military will seek revenge, not only against Hamas fighters, as permitted under the laws of war, but against the civilian population of Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinians are already homeless, and the Israeli government has exacerbated its long-standing blockade of Gaza by imposing a siege, depriving the civilian population of essentials like food, water, and electricity despite their dire needs amid Israeli bombardment. I fear that if this continues, the death toll may quickly surpass the terrible toll from Hamas's war-crime attack on Israeli civilians on October 7,” Roth expressed his apprehension.

Discussing the support Israel received in the aftermath of the attack, Roth emphasised that the world was rightly appalled by Hamas's attack on civilians. “Hundreds of young people who did nothing more than attend a music festival were indiscriminately gunned down. Other civilians were taken hostage, and rockets were fired indiscriminately into civilian neighborhoods. These are all war crimes. But international humanitarian law is clear: war crimes by one side do not justify war crimes by the other.”

“Just as the world expresses sympathy for Israel, it must press Israel not to compound the civilian suffering by ensuring that it adheres strictly to the requirements of international humanitarian law. So far, Israel is not doing that,” the former executive director of HRW added.

Voicing her concerns about the inflammatory rhetoric putting the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis at risk in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, said: “I have received information, some of which I have been able to verify, that Palestinians with Israeli citizenship are currently confined to their homes out of fear. There have been disturbing instances of reprisals against Palestinians, and Israeli sources have drawn attention to these issues.”

“Moreover, there is a disturbing rise in tensions within the occupied West Bank, with reports indicating that at least 14 Palestinians, including a young boy who was horrifically assaulted, have lost their lives,” Albanese told the Express Tribune on Friday from Tunis where she is based.

“The situation has grown exceedingly volatile, and this is exacerbated by the dangerous incitement, hate speech, and derogatory language employed, targeting both Palestinians and Israelis. Those responsible for fanning these flames must bear the blame,” the UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories added.

Will peace prevail?

With the situation remaining highly volatile and no signs of Israel reducing the intensity of its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, the prospects for peace appear exceedingly slim.

According to Professor Ashok Swain's assessment, the international community, especially Western nations, must play a role in de-escalating the crisis. He stressed the importance of international action, saying, “It is imperative for the international community to take steps to end the conflict. Both parties must immediately cease hostilities. Hamas has expressed its willingness to stop the war, but the extent to which the US can exert pressure on Israel to halt its airstrikes will be a critical factor.”

The academic, based in Sweden, also pointed out that once the bombings cease, there may be an opportunity for negotiations, although the success of such negotiations remains uncertain.

Sofia Meranto from Eurasia Group anticipates that the United States, leaders in the Middle East, and Europe will make attempts to contain the conflict. Nevertheless, she believes that the crisis is likely to be long-lasting, and any chances for de-escalation are unlikely to materialise during the early stages of the war between Hamas and Israel.

For lasting peace to become a reality for both Palestinians and Israelis, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, believes the key lies in upholding international law by all parties involved. She stressed the utmost importance of justice and accountability. “These actions should have been taken decades ago, but it's never too late. If we fail to take these steps, more lives will be lost,” she cautioned.

Albanese also emphasised the need to recognize that while it is possible to eliminate Hamas, if the Palestinian population continues to endure oppression, they will resort to any means necessary for survival. It's not a question of inherent violence but a response to prolonged oppression, dispossession, and colonisation. Under such circumstances, people's resilience can only endure for so long," Albanese concluded.