The world recently marked the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, yet there remains no clear vision to end the ongoing violence. In reflecting on the catastrophic losses during the First World War, which claimed approximately 22 million lives, humanity vowed, “Never again!” This led to the establishment of the League of Nations in 1920 to preserve global peace. However, just 19 years later, the Second World War erupted, resulting in an even greater toll, with Russia alone suffering over 22 million fatalities.
To prevent such tragedies, the United Nations was founded, aiming to maintain international peace and security. Yet, nearly 80 years later, the very principles of cooperation and peace that the UN stands for seem absent in today’s world.
While previous conflicts prompted strong global responses against genocide, our collective voice seems muted now. We accept acts of violence, even when graphic evidence is presented directly to us. Historically, there were certain restraints regarding the protection of women and children, as seen during the Second World War. In contrast, the current conflict disproportionately targets these vulnerable groups. In the first year of the ongoing Gaza conflict, over 42,000 individuals have died, with 70% of these casualties being women and children, indicating a grim disregard for human life among perpetrators.
The so-called Gaza War is often misrepresented as beginning on October 7, 2023, but violence had already claimed over 250 Palestinian lives in the months preceding that date. This conflict is not merely a dispute between neighbors; it is rooted in colonialism, where settlers from one region forcibly occupy and dominate another.
Historical parallels can be drawn with other settler colonies, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where indigenous populations were subjugated. In countries like Kenya and Algeria, violent resistance thwarted colonial ambitions. The German Empire attempted to create a settler colony in Namibia, leading to the near extermination of two-thirds of the indigenous population.
The case of Israel is distinctive. European settlers assert historical ties to the land, claiming indigenous status despite their relatively recent arrival. This perspective dehumanizes the indigenous peoples, viewing them as inferior. Theodor Herzl, the founder of the Zionist Movement, envisioned a new European state modeled after colonial ventures, seeking support from other colonial powers.
Herzl articulated the plight of Jews facing discrimination and societal prejudice, as exemplified in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice,” where the character Shylock embodies the negative stereotypes of Jews as unscrupulous figures.
As the anniversary of the attack passes, it is imperative for the international community to confront these historical injustices and engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation.