We Must Find a Solution to Palestine’s Injustice
Al-Ahram, Egypt, December 29
As the year draws to an end, we cannot let recent events pass us by, particularly concerning Palestine and Gaza. We must not confine our focus solely to the realm of poetry or lofty speeches, neglecting the plight of innocent children and victims. Even amid a burning world, as we bid farewell to a somber year, we find ourselves at a loss for answers. It is often said that Arabs are skilled orators, but we cannot solely rely on words. The international community must step forward and present a comprehensive plan for the future of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Palestine is not merely a stretch of land, but a living entity with sacred significance. The Palestinian resistance has put forth its plan to reclaim the occupied land and has taken practical steps toward realizing it. The results are evident for all to see, but the final verdict and historical judgment lie with time. Has the Palestinian resistance succeeded in asserting its will over Israel, America, and the international community? Has it reshaped the global agenda to prioritize the Palestinian issue? This question can only be answered by the unfolding events and the months to come. I firmly believe that the world will move beyond the now outdated Oslo slogan, the two-state solution, and actively work towards salvaging Gaza while officially recognizing the establishment of a Palestinian state. This must happen after witnessing the devastating toll on both people and land in the past few months. However, uncertainty lingers: will the Occupation’s war on Gaza conclude promptly or will the conflict endure, persisting without end? Truly, I do not possess an answer today. Yet, I harbor a fervent wish and an enduring hope that humanity does not relinquish, for to forget is to succumb to the weight of oppression and injustice. The issue of Palestine demands the engagement of various parties, including America, the European Union, the United Nations, Turkey, Iran, the African Union, the Arab countries represented by the Arab League, and Israel. These parties should focus on presenting practical and implementable projects rather than merely discussing the issue. They must work toward solutions that will safeguard the people and the land, encompassing the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians, as any delay in finding such solutions will result in severe consequences. Taking into account the tragic events of October 7, followed by the brutal Israeli war on Gaza, we must direct our attention towards future political initiatives in 2024. These initiatives should serve as a viable solution for the land and the well-being of all individuals involved, free from any narrow-minded agendas or vested interests. It is of utmost importance that we strive for a genuine resolution, as the region cannot sustain itself amidst the ongoing destruction and rampant injustices inflicted upon the Palestinian people. —Osama Saraya (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
