The Palestinian people in Gaza are facing a dire situation that requires immediate attention. The ongoing conflict and bombardment of the region have put their lives at stake. The author, who recently visited Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, shares their observations and highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Al-Shati, also known as Beach Camp, was established in 1948 to accommodate Palestinians who were forcibly displaced during the Nakba. Over the years, the camp’s population has grown to around 90,000 people, living in extremely cramped conditions. Gaza, as a whole, has been under a blockade for the past 16 years, with the Israeli occupation controlling the flow of goods and services in and out of the region.
The author describes the reliance of the people in Beach Camp on aid and services provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The camp had a health center, a food distribution center, and several school buildings, including Beach Camp Primary School. The school was run by dedicated teachers who aimed to create a nurturing environment for the children, despite the underlying trauma caused by the ongoing conflict.
Unfortunately, the camp has been repeatedly targeted in recent weeks, with reports of Israeli airstrikes causing further destruction and loss of life. The Israeli army has dropped a staggering 25,000 tonnes of bombs on Gaza, resulting in the death of more than 9,900 people, including over 4,800 children. The survivors are now facing a severe shortage of basic necessities such as water, fuel, food, and medical supplies. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, with doctors having to perform surgeries without anesthesia and mothers watching their babies fight for survival in incubators running out of electricity.
The author acknowledges the deplorable attack by Hamas in southern Israel, which claimed the lives of innocent Israelis, and condemns such acts of violence. However, they also emphasize that this cannot justify the indiscriminate bombing and starvation of the Palestinian people. The ongoing situation in Gaza is erasing an entire culture, identity, and people.
International experts, including the UN Special Rapporteurs, have warned of the grave risk of genocide faced by the Palestinian people. The author calls for an urgent investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into not just the crime of genocide but also every war crime committed by all parties involved. The UK government is urged to support this investigation and take a stand against the atrocities unfolding in Gaza.
The article concludes with a message of hope and solidarity. The author shares their experience of witnessing a food-growing project in Gaza, where Palestinians have turned the ruins of a former Israeli settlement into a cooperative farm. This symbolizes their resilience and determination to thrive despite the challenges they face.
In the face of this humanitarian crisis, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of innocent lives and work towards a sustainable solution that respects the rights and dignity of all people involved. The urgency for a ceasefire cannot be overstated, as it is a matter of saving lives and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Palestinian people.
