Violating human rights
AS THE world watches the death, destruction and emotional toil of the Israel-Palestine conflict, we are reminded of the shameful act of cowardice inflicted by ordinary civilians.
Why there are no efforts to find a ceasefire or a severance of hostilities, is beyond this letter. History will show the existence of Israel and the atrocities since then. The several wars stretching back to 1948, the injustices, the neglect, the pain, and the hostilities during this time are well documented.
The latest clashes have brought about devastating effects and extremism in any situation does not help. The Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has behaved in a manner that is criminal, inhumane, and wholly unacceptable. The rocket barrage by Hamas from its Gaza stronghold targeting Tel Aviv has brought more destruction to ordinary civilians as well as Palestinians from the counter-assault by Israeli troops.
As in previous wars between these opposing forces, the principal casualties are women and children. Given Israel’s superior resources and support from the west, particularly the US, political divisions and polarisation exacerbates the situation and deepens the divide. Again this perpetuates hate and anger.
The issues of religion, ethnicity, race, and land are some of the issues. It's also about leadership from several parties, including Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli and Hamas. We need leadership that brings about justice, understanding, and adherence to agreements.
We can only look back about 30 years in South Africa during the Codesa agreements that brought about the transition of power to all South Africans. We also had the possibility of a long civil war if we did not compromise.
While in no way are the two situations close to being similar, the principle of finding solutions is usually the better option.
What we need now are new ideas and new leaders infused with a vision for peace and not war. A cessation of hostilities must commence immediately with a determined effort towards international diplomatic efforts to find peace in this area that is holy to so many.
As a South African of Indian origin (Tamil-speaking origin), we cannot condone any violence. We must denounce it in the strongest possible means, including the violations of human rights.
As we commemorate the massacre of innocent Tamils (May 18) during the final stages of the Sri Lankan war against the Tamil Liberation of Eelam in Mullivaikal in 2009, our hearts should also feel the pain for those in the Middle East and wherever human beings rights are violated.