As a Japanese citizen, I was heartened to hear that Japan has backed the United Nations move to grant full membership to Palestine. This decision reflects a belief in the importance of recognizing Palestine as a state and offering the Palestinian people a seat at the table in international affairs. It is a step towards acknowledging the dignity and rights of the Palestinian people, who have long struggled for self-determination and recognition on the world stage.
The issue of Palestine’s borders has been a long-standing concern, and it is crucial to address this issue in a way that respects the needs and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.… Continue reading
The UN assembly has recently made a decision that has stirred up quite a bit of controversy – the approval of a resolution granting Palestine new rights and reviving its UN membership bid. This resolution essentially determines that Palestine is qualified for membership, recommending that the Security Council reconsider its request favorably. This decision was supported by 143 out of the 193 member nations, with only 9 opposing it. The fact that such a majority voted in favor of this resolution speaks volumes about the level of support for Palestine within the international community.
However, the implications of this decision are far-reaching and contentious.… Continue reading
As a student at Trinity College Dublin, the recent five-day encampment held on campus has brought to light the university’s decision to cut ties with Israeli companies. This move has stirred up a lot of debate and controversy, with many questioning the motives behind such a decision. One might wonder, are similar actions going to be taken against companies from other countries with questionable human rights records, such as Saudi Arabia or China? It’s essential to consider the bigger picture here and not single out one country based on political tensions alone.
While the university has stated that their supplier list only contains one Israeli company, and the ties will be severed by March 2025 due to contractual obligations, it raises questions about the broader implications of such actions.… Continue reading
Armed Gazan gangs, some thought tied to Hamas, steal $70 million from Bank of Palestine. This headline is both shocking and sadly not surprising at the same time. The fact that such a significant amount of money can be stolen from a bank in broad daylight raises serious concerns about the state of affairs in Gaza. It is disheartening to see that those who are supposed to be fighting for the people are the ones perpetrating such criminal acts against their own.
What is even more troubling is the lack of accountability and transparency in the whole situation. With the ties to Hamas being speculated, it begs the question of whether the Palestinian people are truly being represented by their government.… Continue reading
Netanyahu telling Biden that he’s worried about possible ICC arrest warrants doesn’t come as a surprise to me. After all, if you’re out there committing war crimes left and right, it’s only a matter of time before the consequences catch up with you.
Under his leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense, Netanyahu claims. But when you’re responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, it’s hard to argue that it’s all in the name of self-defense. Hamas may need to face justice for their actions, but so does Netanyahu.… Continue reading
As an asylum seeker from Tunisia who arrived in the UK a year ago, it is important for me to be mindful of the political messaging I convey. Recently, a man was convicted for wearing a Hamas headband to Palestine protests in London, claiming it was the Saudi Arabian flag. This incident raises significant questions about the blurred lines between political support and terrorist affiliations.
It is evident that a significant portion of the Arab world supports Hamas, despite their governments often taking a hostile stance towards the group. This creates a perplexing situation where individuals like the man in question may feel emboldened to express their support for Hamas, even in countries where the group is recognized as a terrorist organization.… Continue reading
As I read through the numerous comments in response to the report that Blinken has labeled the ongoing atrocities in Xinjiang as genocide, I cannot help but feel a sense of frustration and confusion at the lack of consistency and moral integrity in the global discourse surrounding human rights violations. The fact that 37 Muslim-majority countries have actively supported China’s actions in the face of overwhelming evidence of genocide is disheartening and raises serious questions about the integrity of these nations when it comes to standing up for the most vulnerable members of our global community.
The narrative surrounding the genocide in Xinjiang is further complicated by the hypocrisy of Western nations, particularly the United States, in their selective outrage and condemnation of such atrocities.… Continue reading
The United States’ decision to oppose the Palestinian bid for full UN membership comes as no surprise, given the current state of affairs within Palestine. It is quite evident that the most expeditious path toward statehood for the Palestinian people is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with the backing of the United States and other partners. In order for Palestine to even be considered for full UN membership, it is imperative that they establish a legitimate government that is not a front for a band of violent extremists. The UN cannot afford to have another terrorist faction as a member, as it would only further destabilize the already volatile situation in the region.… Continue reading
As I deeply reflect on the recent news of Google firing 28 employees for protesting the Israel cloud deal, I can’t help but consider the complexities of the situation. On one hand, protesting is a fundamental right in a democratic society, and standing up for what you believe in is commendable. However, the manner in which these employees chose to protest, by disrupting work, entering the CEO’s office, and trespassing on private property, raises questions about the appropriateness of their actions.
While I may not have a stake in the Israel/Palestine conflict, I can appreciate the passion these employees felt for their cause.… Continue reading
The recent incident of a Pro-Palestine protester in Bakersfield making death threats towards city council members has left me perplexed and disappointed. Threatening violence and murder is never the answer, and it only serves to further alienate people from the cause they are fighting for. The actions of this individual have not only damaged her own reputation but have also cast a negative light on the entire movement.
It is essential to highlight that advocating for Palestine’s rights should be done in a peaceful and respectful manner. Resorting to threats and violence only undermines the legitimacy of the cause. In a democratic society, there are proper channels to voice concerns and work towards change without resorting to such extreme measures.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker