By: Ikkz Ikbal
Israel- Palestine conflict has crossed one year, it’s impossible not to reflect on the unimaginable scale of destruction and suffering. The world has witnessed genocides in the past, but never before has one been broadcast live, streamed, and tweeted in real-time. This is a unique moment in human history—where the sheer brutality of a people’s extermination is made visible for all to see, yet continues.
The people of Palestine and Gaza continue to suffer. Israel continues its relentless onslaught on Palestinians for more than one year now, killing tens and thousands of people and continuing its bombardment despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an ‘ immediate ceasefire’.
More than 40,000 Palestinians are reported to be killed, more than 10,000 reported still under rebel, tens of thousands injured, more than 2 million internally displaced and more than 60% of housing damaged or destroyed. [ UN, OCHA & Palestinian Ministry of Health, Gaza ].
But amid the pain and devastation, this past year has also ushered in some significant positives, signaling a shift in global perception and action.
- Unprecedented Global Attention
For the first time in over 75 years of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the world has truly begun to pay attention. The names of historical events like the Balfour Declaration, the Nakba of 1948, and UN Resolution 242 are being mentioned on major media outlets like BBC. Where once these critical milestones of Palestinian history were buried or ignored, they are now resurfacing in public discourse. The confiscation of Palestinian land, the occupation of the West Bank—these grim realities are now being acknowledged globally, shaking long-held narratives.
- Diplomatic Support for Palestine
The diplomatic response from various nations has been unprecedented. Countries such as South Africa, Ireland, Netherlands and Belgium have taken strong stances in support of Palestine, with some even calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Even countries like Portugal, with colonial histories of their own, have voiced support for Palestine. Most remarkably, France—a nation that often sides with Israel—has called for action, including a potential arms boycott. The sheer number of countries now rallying behind the Palestinian cause is historic.
- A Shift in the United Nations
The United Nations, an institution often criticized for its bias toward global superpowers, has had to break its silence. The organization, along with its International Court of Justice (ICJ), has taken unprecedented steps in condemning Israeli actions. The ICJ’s ruling was one of the harshest against Israel in history, calling their actions “war crimes” and demanding a withdrawal from occupied territories. For an institution like the UN, which was originally designed to protect the interests of world powers, this is a significant and positive shift.
- Halt to Normalization of Relations with Israel
A quiet but pivotal success of this past year has been the halt of normalization agreements between Israel and several Muslim-majority countries. Many of these nations were on the verge of establishing diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, but the surge in public condemnation has forced them to pause, or even reverse, their course. This retreat from normalization is a sign of growing resistance to Israel’s apartheid regime in the Arab and Muslim world.
- The Rise of the BDS Movement
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has seen an unprecedented surge in effectiveness. Major corporations have lost billions as a result of targeted boycotts. While the movement has not yet reached its full potential, its impact is undeniable. Imagine the collective power if over a billion Muslims and allies worldwide could judiciously unite to boycott companies supporting Israeli apartheid. This year has proven that such economic pressure can and will be an essential tool in the Palestinian struggle for freedom.
- Global Solidarity Protests
Solidarity with Palestine has reached new heights, with protests erupting across the globe—from Australia to Japan, and across university campuses in the United States. Students have led the charge, with many facing threats of expulsion or visa cancellation, yet refusing to back down. The energy and passion these young activists bring to the cause demonstrated that the Palestinian struggle has captured the hearts of the next generation. When these students become leaders in technology, business, and politics, their commitment to justice will have far-reaching consequences.
- Exposure of Global Hypocrisy
This year has torn the veil off the hypocrisy of many global institutions, superpowers, and media outlets that claim to champion human rights and democracy. More people than ever are waking up to the selective application of these ideals, and the stark contradictions between what these institutions preach and what they practice. The complicity of Western governments and media in maintaining the status quo of Israeli apartheid is becoming harder to ignore. More intellectuals and public figures have shifted their perspectives from pro-Israel to pro-Palestinian stances. The ineffective Israeli military tactics and the rising number of Israelis leaving the country are also highlighted as signs of desperation. Figures like Candace Owens, who have historically supported Israel, are now openly supporting Palestine, contributing to a global shift in public opinion.
- Israel’s Desperation and Military Failure
Israel’s military campaign, despite its overwhelming force, has exposed its desperation. The relentless bombing of Gaza, the world’s most densely populated area, has failed to break the spirit of the Palestinian people. The fact that a tiny, besieged population with virtually no military capabilities continues to resist one of the most powerful armies in the world speaks volumes about the resilience of the Palestinian spirit. Israel’s failure to achieve its objectives, despite deploying more bombs per square meter than in World War II, reveals the futility of its occupation.
- The Exodus of Israelis
Interestingly, while Palestinians remain steadfast, there has been a significant increase in the number of Israelis fleeing back to their countries of origin. In recent months, there has been a 300% increase in Israelis leaving for places like Poland, Ukraine, and Brooklyn. This reverse migration suggests that even within Israel, there are growing doubts about the future viability of the apartheid state.
- The Power of Palestinian Resilience
Finally, perhaps the most significant positive to emerge is the undying spirit of the Palestinian people. Despite being besieged, bombed, and oppressed, their will to resist remains unbroken. This steadfastness in the face of unimaginable suffering is inspiring millions around the world. As more people stand with them, the tide of history may finally be turning in their favor.
As we reflect on the events of the past year, it is clear that while the suffering of the Palestinian people has been immense, their cause has never been stronger. The global awareness, diplomatic support, and grassroots activism ignited by this conflict have created a new chapter in the Palestinian struggle. The question remains: will this be the turning point? Will the international community finally act on the unprecedented attention this conflict has received, or will the world continue to watch in silence? The answer may very well define the future of global justice.
The writer has a PG in Biotechnology and is Administrator Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora. He tweets @IkkzIkbal
