THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Rafah inferno’ (May 29), which captured the heart-wrenching tragedy unfolding in the Gaza Strip, targeting Rafah and transforming it into a veritable hellscape. The relentless bombardment and resulting civilian casualties have exacerbated an already dire situation.

The recent spate of Israeli airstrike on the refugee camp in Rafah, as detailed in the editorial, underscores a level of barbarity that is beyond human compre- hension. The accounts of dismembered children and charred bodies are unbea- rable to read and represent an egregious war crime against defenceless civilians. It is devastating to witness such ferocious and inexplicable violence against innocent Palestinians, turning their lives into a daily struggle for survival.

The targeting of defenceless civilians, including children, constitutes a war crime, and Israel’s continued disregard for human life in Gaza is reprehensible. The use of euphemisms and justifications, like ‘tragic accident’, cannot mask the brutality of these actions. The sham champions of human rights must be made to hold their heads in utter shame.

As such, the world community must move beyond mere condemnation, and take concrete steps to hold the Zionist government of Israel accountable. This includes supporting the legal actions initiated against Israel, and advocating for stronger measures to isolate the country internationally. Furthermore, those who continue to provide military or financial support to Israel must be held complicit in the ongoing genocide.

It is imperative for people of conscience around the world to unite and demand an end to the bloodshed. We must call for an immediate ceasefire and urge a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Inaction, say, is no longer an option. The world cannot stand idly by as innocent people continue to suffer.

Moreover, the lack of accountability for these heinous actions is deeply disturbing. Despite numerous United Nations resolutions, calls for cessation from Israel’s own allies, and the oversight of international bodies, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Benjamin Netanyahu has continued the campaign with impunity; a campaign that is as brutal as it is illegal.

First of all, Israel has to be isolated both economically as well as militarily. This should be followed by a global boycott and severe sanctions. These steps are critically necessary to halt the bloodshed. The ongoing silence and utter inaction of leading global powers are shameful. The screaming silence is nothing but an indication of complicity.

Majid Burfat
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2024