Palestine’s never-ending nightmare even during Eid festivities
Palestinian worshippers performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer in Saraya Square, in the center of Gaza City, on Friday, April 21 2023 (Palestine chronicle)
The Palestine situation calls for adherence to international law and human rights principles as the region reels from the worst atrocities of all times – even during the Eid celebrations – says Ceren Gurseler Solak, assistant professor at Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University with a PhD in international relations and a focus on the Palestinian conflict and international law.
In Palestine, for years under the illegal and prolonged occupation of Israel, overshadowed by an apartheid regime, life has not been flowing normally, let alone celebrating holidays like Eid since October 7, 2023.
Ceren Gurseler Solak
The most recent concern revolves around Palestinian children, with objective data from the United Nations indicating that a majority currently face the threat of hunger.
Amid Israel’s ongoing disregard for international law, decisions by the International Criminal Court (ICC), and rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Palestinians struggle for survival.
Continued Israeli policies: Obstacles to peace
Despite certain segments of the international community and Israeli public opinion reacting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government persist in pursuing policies devoid of law and ethics.
They continue to disregard the U.N. Charter’s principle of legitimate defense and international humanitarian law by continuing to kill Palestinians.
Persistent conflict: Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem
Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank live under constant threat, with attacks by Israeli settlers and soldiers serving as stark reminders of the ongoing strife. East Jerusalem, similarly occupied by Israel, remains a center of tension.
When Palestinians establish their state and live their internal and external sovereignty without Israeli control and pressure, then they will truly celebrate holidays.
Ceren Gurseler Solak
Road to statehood: International support, challenges
Despite facing opposition from Israel, particularly under Netanyahu’s administration, Palestine has succeeded in gaining support from the international community, whether tangible or symbolic, for the establishment of their state.
Despite the obstacles in the state-building process, including milestones such as the recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and Yasser Arafat’s address to the U.N. General Assembly in the 1970s, Palestine has made significant progress.
Future prospects
By upholding international law and building on diplomatic achievements, Palestine continues to progress towards statehood.
If Israel, under the leadership of Netanyahu and influenced by extremist political views, continues to face international isolation, there are discussions in Tel Aviv about potentially withdrawing from the U.N.
Ceren Gurseler Solak
This would signify a significant departure from international legal norms and established practices concerning the Palestine-Israel issue.
Palestine can still ground its legitimate demands on legitimate grounds. However, power politics led by the United States and Israel pose a challenge to this tableau.
Ceren Gurseler Solak
Nevertheless, international support demonstrates that the Palestine-Israel issue is on the agenda for resolution under international law, albeit belatedly and with difficulty.
