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A Year After the Gaza Offensive

But it is a poignant reminder of how the Palestinians continue to suffer. As Gaza prepares to mourn its 1,400 killed by the Israeli army in the offensive that started this time last year, the incident is bound to remind many of the horrific ordeal.

With the siege at Gaza in its fourth consecutive year, civilians living in the strip have faced immense socio-economic challenges. In the aftermath of the last armed conflict the Palestinians continue to face severe hardships owing to the blockade.

There is an acute shortage of construction material to rebuild homes. As a result people are living among the rubble a year after Israeli bombs destroyed their homes. While some food may be coming in, that too subject to Israel’s temperamental bouts, a lack of education material, medicines and other amenities have rendered people’s lives miserable. What is amazing is the callous indifference of the international community towards the illegal blockade.

The larger international community may be passive spectators of the sufferings of thousands of besieged Palestinians, but there are voices questioning Israel’s blatant aggression against hapless civilians. While there are thousands who have been protesting Israeli actions, there is a political but non-violent defiance that has been set in place. Defying Israeli blockade by taking critical aid along with prominent European politicians and other notables by sea, there are organisations that have braved possible use of force by the Israeli Navy. It is commendable indeed.

While concerned states have been sending aid to Palestinians the problem is getting the aid across. It is a fact that international agencies and UN bodies have despaired over. But with neighbouring states citing security concerns and not allowing passage to even humanitarian aid items to enter Gaza, the situation is expected to deteriorate. Is this how the Palestinians are to be recompensed for Operation Lead Cast, launched by Tel Aviv?

The initial ray of hope shown by Washington may have lost its shine considering the quiet concerning Israeli policy on settlements and a clear lack of sincerity to resume peace talks. Yet much can still be achieved, if so willed. The anniversary of the Gaza offensive should serve as a reminder to the White House of that commitment and will it to push Israel towards a two-state solution. But for that some crucial steps need to be taken. That would include lifting the blockade of Gaza and the freezing of illegal Israeli settlements. Failure to do so would only lead to deterioration of a situation that is already on the brink of disaster.