Gaza resolution

The verdict is in; the UN Security Council has passed a resolution for Gaza, which endorses US President Donald Trump’s ‘peace plan’ that advocates for an international stabilisation force (ISF) for the enclave. Pakistan is also a UNSC member and it also voted in favour of the resolution. Countries have argued that ending the occupation and establishing a time-bound political process based on UN resolutions is necessary to achieve a Palestinian state and break the cycle of violence. In the last two years, the world watched in horror as the rogue state of Israel rained down bombs on the helpless Palestinians in Gaza. The Rafah crossing, the only hope for them to cross to Egypt and save their lives, was also blocked after almost a year. Israel set a new threshold of barbarity and cruelty, once again reminding the world exactly why its recognition is a contentious point in most countries.

After overseeing a fragile ceasefire in January this year, the US president once again put himself forward to bring ‘peace’ to the Middle East. His plan, however, has been panned as unreliable at best and complicit at worst. Now, instead of the Zionist entity, a force consisting of international troops will rein in the bad actors in Gaza – the bogeyman that is Hamas. For decades, Israel and its allies have twisted the statements and goals of Palestinian freedom fighters to paint them as a threat to humanity – a threat so big that somehow all countries have to join hands to eliminate them. Israel strategically used starvation to create collaborators from among Palestinians. It is almost comical that the state that has violated perhaps every section of international law is not being held accountable. But those who dare resist their occupier will now have to deal with not just the occupier but troops from countries miles away from them.

During the UNSC meeting, China did raise objections to the ambiguous language of the draft. Earlier, Russia had signalled that it would veto the resolution, but it abstained during the voting. What other countries do is their prerogative, but Pakistan has to be clear about its stance. We have always been clear regarding the Palestinian issue and raised our voices on whatever forum we could. We also see Palestinians’ just struggle for their freedom. If we are to be stationed in Gaza, we have to ensure that we are not being used as a prop. Our agenda should be firm: ‘end the occupation’. Until then, no resolution or peace plan can possibly work. It is time the US stopped babysitting its ally, held it accountable for its actions, and worked out a solution that involves all stakeholders in Palestine. Till then, Pakistan must keep advocating for a free Palestine.