| by Jonathan Kuttab The so-called ceasefire in Gaza and the reduced level of daily casualties has lulled many of us into apathy. Part of the reason for this may be that Israel (and its supporters) are no longer actively trying to justify their actions, and they seem resigned to their new identity as a racist, fascist, and cruel country that lives by the sword and is impervious to international law, international opinion, standards required of nations, or of any country that purports to be part of the civilized world. That is certainly the attitude in Israel itself, where the pretense of being a liberal democracy has been largely dropped. This is also felt here in the U.S. where statements and actions that used to give rise to an immediate challenge and indignant denial are passed over with a shrug, no longer surprising or shocking anybody, including Israel’s supporters. Zionists in this country seem less interested in winning any debates but in silencing and intimidating opponents, wielding power and influence to have their way. Here are a few recent examples of events that have not seemed to raise an eyebrow or warrant any media coverage. Sometimes, there is not even a denial or attempt to explain or justify an action: Two children, aged 8 and 11, were shot and killed as they approached the “yellow line,” which seems to be a new border splitting Gaza in two. The UN Committee on Torture issued a report documenting, in great detail and demanding sanctions on Israel for systematic torture, starvation and rape of Palestinian prisoners. There has been no Israeli response. An Israeli incursion deep into Syrian territory to “arrest” two wanted individuals lead to a firefight with locals. Except for the Israeli casualties, no interest was shown in the incident whatsoever, or that it took place deep within Syrian territory. Daily attacks, assassinations, and bombing in Lebanon and Syria are no longer news.It is assumed that Israel has freedom to invade and carry out bombings, surveillance and incursions into sovereign Lebanese and Syrian territory, at will, and that these two countries have no right to resist or defend against such actions. Attacks, bombardments and shootings within Gaza, both in “safe areas” and areas declared to be under Hamas control, are causing daily casualties, of around 20 killed and many more wounded. Only if an Israeli is killed or injured do we hear that there are violations of the ceasefire. Continued systematic destruction of all structures within the 58% of the Eastern portion of Gaza are carried out without any pretense of military necessity. Genocidal statements and incitement is ongoing. On Israeli TV, when one person remarked that the current rainstorm could destroy every single tent in Gaza, the anchor replied that that is good news and that everything in Gaza needs to be destroyed. Ben Gvir openly praised and promoted soldiers caught on camera near Nablus killing two Palestinians after they surrendered. Deliberate starvation and abuse of Palestinian prisoners is no longer even denied. It is even proudly proclaimed. 98 detainees have already died in captivity. Thousands are being held without charges or trial, including health workers like Dr. Sufian. The media that would not stop for a day talking about the Israeli hostages are not concerned at all about Palestinian ones. Restrictions are still placed on the entry of food, materials and medicines to Gaza, including prefab housing units and we are all expected to be grateful that it is not at the previous levels of starvation and famine. Israel still maintains its siege and controls who and what goes in or out. For many years, human rights work on Palestine/Israel was based on the premise that it only required careful, systematic and objective credible information about the true nature of things for people to take action and demand changes in Israel’s behavior—as Israel valued its image and reputation and wanted to be perceived as a democracy which obeyed international law and acted humanely. Now that is no longer the case. When that pretense is abandoned, it is truly a sad thing both for Israel and its victims. What this means for us is that we cannot permit the normalization and acceptance of an ongoing situation that should not be normalized or accepted. We must redouble our support for BDS to boycott and challenge Israeli participation in Eurovision, FIFA, UEFA, international sports, and cultural events, as well as academic cooperation. We must call for accountability for war criminals and those who are complicit in the ongoing genocide, and we must support the small remnant that remains in Israel who still aspire to a moral and democratic state based on equality and dignity. |