We are silent about the tragedy of Gaza

Many conclusions, explanations and semantics can explain the situation in Gaza today. Opportunism and betrayal; punishment and slow death; absolute villainy and crude maliciousness; conspiracies and shamelessness; obligations and oppression. All of these can describe the implications of the disease that has taken over the Gaza Strip.

It would be nothing new to say that Gaza is being punished for building a strong foundation for dignity during Israel’s latest war against it, and even before then. The people of Gaza are being punished for remaining steadfast despite all of the uncertainty that has surrounded Palestine’s shores and for their willingness to sacrifice everything in the fight against the occupier.

It has also become important to place an emphasis on the main issues, such as lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip, rebuilding the infrastructure and ensuring that it has electricity and employment. None of these issues can be separated from the greater sense of resistance that has emerged in Gaza since its isolation. In this, Al-Sisi and Abbas must be blamed for participating in the greatest crime of all because they and other factions applauded the enemy at a time when Gaza was facing its biggest battle. They should be required to take a moral stand that is committed to strengthening Gaza’s resilience in the face of the ongoing blockade.

Many factions have benefited from Hamas rule in Gaza and the continued resistance that is taking place. The Islamic movement has not only taken it upon itself to manage civilian life for Palestinians in Gaza (after winning the election in 2006) but has also provided them with a small opportunity for resistance. This has evolved exponentially and outside factions should take it upon themselves to have faith in the nature of the resistance, provided that they have their own training sites and weapons. Many of the West Bank factions have failed to fulfil their obligations towards their fellow Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

It seems as though we face a suspicious and worrying paradox embodied by officials who call for unified resistance and political outlooks during times of war, but retreat to their former positions in the grey zone when it is time to make concrete decisions. These officials make sweeping statements as if calling for unified stances and resistance is a seasonal affair and only applies to certain factions in Gaza, whether they are civilian, economic, military or significant in terms of security. How will Gaza remain a beacon of hope and resistance if it is ultimately unable to cooperate with outside groups and faithful supporters who will help it tend to its wounds? How will it be able to continue fighting against all the predators that target its shores if it stands alone?

If there were even an ounce of worry concerning the fate of Gaza, we would have placed our finger directly on the sources of the problems that are making Gaza drown. Yet this has only been happening on a symbolic level because there are many Palestinian factions currently benefitting from the situation in the Gaza Strip.

We need to give up our selfishness if we are truly to find just solutions for Gaza. It is also imperative that we all recognise that the whole Gaza Strip is not only being targeted as a place or as a group of people, but as an example wherein there is an embodiment of political ambition, ideologies and resistance. We must recognise that Gaza is a place filled with national ambitions and dreams and those who remain silent about its tragedy today will continue to be key partners in its destruction and resultant loss of life.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.