Echoes of Humanity: The Struggle for Peace in Palestine
By Famidah Mundir – Dirampaten
(Editor’s Note: The author is a Filipino leader based in Qatar and works with the nonprofits World Hijab Day Organization and the Muslim Matters Organization. She took up MA in Religious Studies at the HJ International Graduate School for Peace & Public Leadership in New York.)
Palestine has suffered from the yoke of occupation, subjugation, and injustice for too long now. Palestinians have been denied the basic human rights of self-determination, freedom, and dignity because of the Israeli state’s imposition of apartheid and colonialism.
The violence and bloodshed that we witness should not blind us to the root causes and the real issues at stake. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s threat to change Gaza permanently intensifies fear and despair. We must remember that every human life is valuable and deserves peace and safety.
This conflict has been horrific, devastating, and tragic for both Palestinians and Jews. The significant civilian casualties call for an urgent end to hostilities and a sustainable solution to achieve peace. We cannot simply observe violations of human rights occur and innocent lives are being lost. The unrest in Palestine has far-reaching effects, fueling global tensions, breeding mistrust among nations, and contributing to an atmosphere of instability.
I view the world with empathy and nurturing. Achieving peace in Palestine isn’t just about political negotiations or territorial agreements. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity and fostering understanding and respect.
The shrinking Palestinian territories in Gaza and West Bank. (Photo credit: MEC Peter Mulvany)
Decolonization to achieve equal rights and sharing of land would pave the way for collective liberation for Palestinians and Israelis alike. This devastating conflict is not only a war in the Holy Land but also a rhetorical war. As a Palestinian human rights researcher puts it: “There is a need for a human-centered, human rights-based conversation. Any commentary necessitates discussing the history and suffering of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and worldwide.”
I believe that peace in Palestine is a moral duty and a strategic necessity for both Palestinians and Israelis. It’s the only way to ensure a just solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both peoples. Peace in Palestine is possible with political will, courage, and vision. It’s also essential if there is support, pressure, and assistance from the international community.
Some children of Gaza in happier days. (Photo by UNICEF)
In Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice,” Shylock poses the question, "If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?" These words come to mind when I think about the plight of Palestinians. A reminder that beneath the surface, we all, as humans, harbor the same hopes, dreams, and ability to feel pain. The people of Gaza and Palestine are not any different. Their longing for peace and justice deserves our utmost respect and recognition.
Generations of these people know from their own experience what is a bitter taste of oppression, a burden of chains, and an absence of peace. Their yearning for a life devoid of conflict and persistent threats of violence is a plea that should echo in the hearts of all humanity.
Securing peace in Palestine isn't merely about resolving an enduring long-standing conflict. It's about recognizing and safeguarding human rights, fostering regional equilibrium, and contributing to global peace. #
