Shahzad Rahim Kakakhell
The world reflects on the values of freedom, dignity, and justice that every human being deserves. Yet, when the Palestinian territories are examined through the lens of human rights, one cannot ignore the systemic violations and the continued disregard for international law. As the world commemorates the struggle for human rights, the suffering endured by Palestinians remains a glaring stain on the global conscience, calling attention to a flashpoint of human rights atrocities in Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestine. The history of human rights violations in Palestine dates back more than seven decades, to the creation of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in what is known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe.” While the international community largely celebrates the establishment of Israel, it has failed to fully acknowledge the profound and lasting effects of this event on the Palestinian people. The Nakba left millions of Palestinians as refugees, many of whom still live in camps under dire conditions.
In the years following, the occupation of Palestinian territories including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza has only deepened. Israel’s policies, supported by its military presence, have systematically violated Palestinian rights to self-determination, freedom, and equality. The residents of Palestine, both within its borders and in exile, have been subjected to a range of violations, from forced displacement to daily restrictions on movement, education, healthcare, and basic human dignity. The world pauses to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This landmark document asserts the inherent dignity of all people and the equal and inalienable rights of every individual. Yet, the situation in Palestine underscores the selective enforcement of these principles. On this day, the international community is reminded that human rights cannot be a mere abstraction or a privilege for some; they are the birthright of all people, regardless of their nationality or geography.
For Palestinians, the day serves as a somber reminder that their fundamental rights have been consistently violated, while Israel’s actions continue to be largely shielded from the rigorous scrutiny that other human rights violations would typically attract. The United Nations, which was founded with the goal of promoting peace and human rights, has repeatedly issued resolutions condemning Israel’s actions in Palestine. However, these resolutions often fall on deaf ears, blocked by political maneuvering and diplomatic alliances, leaving Palestinians without the protection and justice they deserve. Israel’s actions against Palestinians have ranged from violence in the form of military operations to policies of land theft and annexation. The Israeli military’s disproportionate use of force during its operations in Gaza, as well as the ongoing blockade that prevents the free flow of goods and services into the region, have led to a humanitarian disaster. Palestinian civilians in Gaza, especially children, bear the brunt of these attacks. The United Nations has labeled Gaza as one of the most densely populated places in the world, yet it also describes it as an “open-air prison,” a place where the cycle of poverty, trauma, and violence seems endless.
Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank is another alarming human rights violation. The construction of settlements on Palestinian land is a clear violation of international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the transfer of an occupying power’s civilian population into the occupied territory. Yet, these settlements continue to grow, displacing Palestinian families, demolishing their homes, and fragmenting their communities. Access to land, water, and essential resources is increasingly restricted, and the lives of Palestinians are marked by constant fear and uncertainty. The ongoing conflict and occupation have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and the destruction of infrastructure that is vital for their survival. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented the suffering and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable. However, international response has been tepid at best, with many countries, particularly those aligned with Israel, unwilling to take significant steps toward justice.
One of the most pressing questions is why the plight of the Palestinian people has not led to more widespread action. Despite a growing global outcry and increasing awareness of Israel’s human rights violations, there is still a striking lack of political will to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The reasons for this can be traced to complex political, historical, and strategic factors, including the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups, geopolitical interests, and entrenched narratives that portray the conflict as a geopolitical or religious struggle rather than one of human rights. Furthermore, the international community’s silence on Palestine highlights the selective nature of its concern for human rights. While there are widespread condemnations of human rights abuses in other parts of the world, Israel’s violations are often downplayed or ignored, a clear double standard. For the Palestinian people, this perpetuates a sense of abandonment and isolation, as they struggle for recognition and justice on a global stage that often turns a blind eye to their suffering.
The need for a renewed commitment to the Palestinian cause becomes ever clearer. It is imperative that the international community, particularly the United Nations and influential world powers, take concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law. This includes addressing the ongoing occupation, ending the blockade of Gaza, halting settlement expansion, and ensuring that Palestinians are given the right to self-determination and an independent state.
The people of Palestine deserve the same rights as any other human being: the right to live in peace, to be free from fear and oppression, and to have a future of hope and dignity. Until those rights are recognized and upheld, Human Rights will remain an incomplete underpinning, marked by the continued suffering of millions in Palestine who are kept far away from the promises of justice and equality. The question remains: Will the world take meaningful action, or will Palestine remain trapped in a cycle of injustice that spans generations. Time will tell, but the urgency of this question is undeniable.
