This conflict in Israel with Palestinians is a deeply entrenched issue with a lengthy history of pain, displacement, and struggle.

As a Palestinian rights activist, I feel it is imperative to shed light on Israel’s historical actions against Palestinians, as well as the ongoing tragedy that unfolds in Gaza. This article aims to provide a comprehensive historical trajectory, detailing the multiple crimes committed in the West Bank and Gaza since Israel’s inception. It will also address the annexation of Palestinian lands and significant human rights concerns. In addition, it will explore the challenges of biased news media reporting and the resilience of individuals on the ground who seek to expose the truth, despite the regrettable censorship they face.

Importantly, it emphasizes that the incessant loss of human life did not begin on Oct. 7, allegedly by a terror group, but rather has been a pervasive issue since the inception of Israel. Additionally, it will highlight the devastating toll in Gaza, where more than 10,000 people, including many children, have lost their lives. This includes the deliberate targeting of schools, hospitals, food establishments, and humanitarian aid centers, water towers and the alarming threats of nuclear destruction made by Zionist officials.

Historical Trajectory

The Nakba and creation of Israel (1948): More than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes, marking the birth of Israel. This resulted in a massive refugee crisis that has lingered for generations, with thousands of Palestinian lives lost during the violence and upheaval.

The Six-Day War (1967): The Six-Day War ushered in Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. This occupation opened the door for the construction of illegal settlements, which displaced countless more Palestinians. The human cost has been staggering.

The Oslo Accords and Failed Peace Efforts (1990s): While the Oslo Accords initially held the promise of peace, they ultimately fell short of granting Palestinians statehood and sovereignty. Israel’s ongoing expansion of settlements in the West Bank deepened the crisis with more casualties.

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Ongoing crimes in West Bank and Gaza

1. Settlement expansion: Israel’s relentless construction of illegal settlements in the West Bank continues unabated, displacing Palestinians and undermining the potential for a two-state solution. The number of Palestinians affected is immeasurable.

2. Military operations in Gaza: Often referred to as an open-air prison, Gaza has experienced three major military operations (Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009, Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, and Operation Protective Edge in 2014). These offensives resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties, including civilians, and caused immense destruction.

3. Blockade and isolation: Since 2007, Gaza has been under a blockade, severely restricting the movement of people and goods, including essential supplies such as food and medicine. The isolation by this blockade has led to widespread impoverishment. Gaza’s unemployment rate exceeds 50 percent.

4. Health and health care: Gaza’s health-care system is overburdened and underfunded, with patients often requiring permits to leave for medical treatment, which are frequently delayed or denied. Furthermore, contaminated water sources and inadequate sewage treatment have also led to severe health problems.

5. Education: The education system in Gaza is severely disrupted due to ongoing conflict. Children experience trauma and face interruptions in their education. The impact on future generations is immeasurable.

6. Food insecurity: Gaza faces significant food insecurity, with many relying on international aid for basic nutrition. Restrictions on food imports have led to food shortages and increased prices.

7. Psychological impact: The constant threat of violence, loss of loved ones, and ongoing state of insecurity have left deep psychological scars on Gaza’s population.

8. Annexation of Palestinian lands: In recent years, Israel has declared its intention to annex parts of the West Bank, further jeopardizing the prospects for a Palestinian state and the rights of Palestinians in these areas.

9. Ongoing allegations of genocide: While the term “genocide” remains contentious to some, there are documented allegations of grave human rights violations in Gaza. The significant Palestinian casualties, vast destruction and suffering have led many others to call this crisis a clear genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Devastating toll in Gaza

The ongoing war in Gaza has taken a devastating toll, with more than 10,000 lives lost, including a significant number of children. This unconscionable loss of innocent lives is compounded by the deliberate targeting of schools, hospitals, food establishments, and humanitarian aid centers. The international community must confront the gravity of these atrocities and take urgent action to halt the bloodshed and hold those responsible accountable.

Threats of nuclear attack

Zionist officials have gone so far as to issue alarming threats of nuclear destruction against Gaza, painting a chilling picture of the severity of the situation. The use of such threats as a means to destroy an alleged enemy only exacerbates the suffering of the Palestinian people and raises serious concerns about the ethics and morality of those in power.

The historical trajectory of Israel’s actions against Palestinians, combined with the ongoing crimes in the West Bank and Gaza, underscores the urgency of addressing the plight of Palestinians and working toward a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Countless lives have been affected by these events, emphasizing the imperative to ensure the rights and dignity of all parties involved.

The challenges posed by biased news media reporting and censorship of voices on the ground highlight the need for accurate, impartial information. It is essential that the international community remains committed to seeking the truth and supporting efforts to address the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, along with the allegations of genocide and the additional crimes and concerns. The voices of those who strive to expose the truth must not be silenced, as their testimonies shed light on the realities of this enduring crisis. The devastating toll demands immediate attention, condemnation, and decisive action to bring an end to the unconscionable loss of innocent lives.

— Imam Mazhar Mahmood serves as the Director of Religious Affairs at the Islamic Foundation of Peoria. Email him at imam@imammazhar.com.