Globality and Gaza paradox: an alternative perspective

Within international relations, globality is examined as a comprehensive phenomenon, representing a borderless world shaped by technological and communicative interconnectedness. This interconnectedness foregrounds shared global challenges, including climate change, pandemics, terrorism and migration. Consequently, an increasing number of individuals identify as members of a single global community. A borderless world is often conceptualised as one in which war, atrocities, abuses of power against civilians and colonisation are eradicated. However, when we consider the situation in Gaza, where humanity is suffering and basic needs like food and water are unmet, it becomes clear that the promise of global unity is unfulfilled. This so-called globality, presented in the name of modernisation, capitalism and technology, often serves as another form of colonisation. The significant influence of multinational corporations, which frequently portray themselves as proponents of globalisation, has positioned them as contributors to these same injustices. Phrases such as "trade for peace" and "global village" are losing their ideological resonance, thereby diminishing the vision of a unified global community.

Companies operating in Israel reflect the harsh reality of global injustice. Palestinian civilians, including women and children are, denied even the most basic necessities of life and cannot dream of accessing the weapons or technology needed for self-defence. In stark contrast, the Italian manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. continues to profit by supplying arms and military equipment to Israel, fueling violence that claims the lives of innocent men, women and children. Similarly, Japan's FANUC Corporation provides robotic machinery for weapons production lines. Perpetrators of violence against these populations seek to undermine both their safety and dignity. Despite these circumstances, the business sector has largely remained silent. The technology sector has enabled the collection, storage and governmental use of biometric data on Palestinians, supporting Israel's discriminatory permit regime, according to Al Jazeera. Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon provide Israel with extensive access to cloud and artificial intelligence technologies, thereby enhancing its data processing and surveillance capabilities. The United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory has released a new report mapping the corporations allegedly aiding Israel in the displacement of Palestinians and its ongoing military actions in Gaza.

In this situation, it is highly important to support the innocent Palestinians through non-traditional ways, through alternative ways, through the economy, through boycotting the products that support the massacre of innocent lives. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement aims to support civilians affected by conflict by promoting the boycott of companies that profit from occupation, advocating for divestment from firms associated with military or settlement activities, and urging government sanctions until Israel adheres to international law. Companies operating in Israel, whether domestic or foreign, are required to pay taxes to the Israeli government. These revenues contribute to the national budget, including allocations for defence and infrastructure. With this revenue, Israel is able to purchase advanced weaponry, which is then used against innocent civilians. Choosing to boycott these products is one of the smallest yet meaningful actions we can take to support our brothers and sisters who are enduring bombings and living in conditions that resemble a hell on earth - a prison in reality.