Israel have been bad neighbours

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a decades-old struggle over land, identity, and sovereignty, continues to grip the world’s attention. As the years pass, the situation remains volatile, with no clear resolution in sight. In this article, we delve into the key issues that have shaped the conflict over the last five years, shedding light on the actions and policies that have fuelled tensions and perpetuated suffering.

The West Bank, a contested territory, has witnessed a relentless expansion of Israeli settlements. Despite widespread international condemnation, these settlements continue to grow, altering the landscape and exacerbating tensions. Critics argue that these settlements violate international law and undermine the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. For Palestinian communities, the consequences are dire: land confiscation, displacement, and restricted movement. The very fabric of daily life is frayed by the encroachment of settlements.

In 2020, the proposal to annex parts of the West Bank sent shockwaves through the region. While temporarily suspended, the spectre of annexation looms large. Such a move would unilaterally redraw borders, further eroding the chances of a two-state solution. Palestinians fear losing even more of their land, while the international community grapples with the implications. Annexation is not merely a territorial shift; it is a seismic rupture in the delicate balance of power.

The Gaza Strip, home to two million Palestinians, has endured a suffocating blockade for 15 years. The impact is devastating. Basic necessities—food, medicine, and fuel—are scarce commodities. The blockade restricts movement, stifles economic opportunities, and denies access to education and healthcare. Families live in cramped conditions, their dreams deferred by a man-made crisis. The world watches as Gaza’s suffering persists, wondering when the cycle of despair will break.

Violence erupts sporadically, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Rockets fly, airstrikes pound, lives are shattered. Over the past five years, clashes have exacted a heavy toll on both sides. Innocent civilians bear the brunt—children, parents, grandparents caught in the crossfire. Critics decry the futility of these cycles of violence. Each escalation pushes peace further away, leaving scars that may never heal. The rubble of destroyed homes and shattered lives testifies to the cost of conflict.

Human rights organizations raise their voices, documenting abuses and demanding justice. Palestinians in Israeli custody face harsh conditions, their rights often trampled upon. Military operations yield casualties, and questions linger about proportionality and accountability. The world grapples with the ethical dimensions of conflict. Can security be achieved without compromising human dignity? The answer remains elusive.

In the heart of this conflict, ordinary people yearn for peace—a peace that transcends borders, ideologies, and grievances. As journalists, we bear witness to their stories, amplifying their voices. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not an abstract geopolitical puzzle; it is a lived reality of pain, resilience, and hope. Let us continue to seek truth, challenge narratives, and advocate for a future where coexistence prevails over conflict.