This corner will temporarily set aside the issues here in the Philippines to discuss one of the most pressing matters happening thousands of miles away from where I currently sit.
Let's discuss the dire situation of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the conflict between Israel and the Islamist militant group Hamas, which has been ongoing for over 200 days.
After Israel launched an offensive against Hamas, almost 35,000 deaths have been recorded, 10,000 are missing and millions of dollars in property damage have been incurred. Thousands are also displaced, mourning their losses while at the same time scared about what future awaits them.
These actions by Israel are evidently a retaliatory attack against Hamas, which orchestrated what many called a barbaric and terroristic assault against Israel in October of last year. This surprise attack left 1,139 dead, with dozens of people still held captive.
In a state address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rushed to vow "mighty vengeance" against Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries and organizations, including the United States and the European Union. Netanyahu said the militant group would be held responsible for the well-being of the hostages and Israel would settle the score with anyone who harmed them.
From Day One, you can already see the determination of the Israeli side to pulverize and annihilate the Hamas group. Whether on water, land or sea, Israeli troops unleashed their wrath and judgment on the helpless Gaza Strip.
But in every war, there are always collateral damages. These are the innocent civilians – the children, the elderly, people with disabilities and those who have no ability to defend themselves – whose only fault is being caught in the crossfire between the two sides.
Palestinian civilians are the helpless ones catching bullets, getting caught in explosions, being hit by debris and being buried alive by collapsing buildings. And even if they can somehow survive or escape death, they have to endure a hellish situation where they can hardly find a decent medical facility to treat their wounds, as hospitals are overrun and, worse, bombed.
What worsens the crisis even further is the shortage of water, food, medicine and other basic necessities after Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza. They are now relying on assistance from other countries, which will be air-dropped from the sky.
Despite the mounting protests, condemnations and calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli government remains resolute in its goal to bring Hamas to its knees.
As of now, Israel plans to enter the southern Gaza city of Rafah to flush out Hamas forces. However, it faces growing pressure to cease fire due to concerns that the operation could disrupt humanitarian efforts in Gaza and endanger countless lives.
More than a million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah that means an assault on the city will result in devastating and bloody outcomes.
Like many others, I can't help but compare what's happening in Gaza to the Holocaust during World War 2. It's ironic to think that the Jews were once helpless and defenseless against the oppression of the German tyrant Adolf Hitler, yet now they barely show any mercy to helpless and hapless Palestinians.
Despite efforts by other countries and organizations to push for a ceasefire, the fate of Palestinians remains in the hands of the Israeli government.
I know that the issues between Israel and Palestine are very complicated. The cycle of violence has inflicted immense suffering on both sides, claiming countless lives and causing untold destruction.
Like the rest of the world, we still hope that Israel will have a sudden change of heart and cease its invasion to prevent further bloodshed and devastation. We also hope that two factions may find a common denominator to end their squabbles.
While the path to peace between the two nations may be challenging, it remains the only viable solution to the decades-long disagreements.
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