Why the international community must unite to end the inhumane bloodshed in Gaza
A Palestinian girl cries while receiving treatment for her injuries caused by an Israeli strike
Too long has this gone on, and too far has it escalated. Powerful videos from one of Channel 4's most respected journalists, Jon Snow, along with UN Spokesman, Chris Gunness' video of him breaking down live on air, have been catalysts for many civilians, but not enough to present a united international voice powerful enough to put a stop to the violence.
The US earlier today issued a statement condemning Israel's actions, but also affirming that it had topped up dwindling levels of ammunition. Amnesty International requested the US to
"immediately end its ongoing deliveries of large quantities of arms to Israel, which are providing the tools to commit further serious violations of international law in Gaza"
The UN also stated that the bombing of the children's shelter was a violation of international law. Stated. That is the problem here. Issuing statements and 'harsh' condemnation is clearly not having any impact. We, the people, on the ground, are being pushed to take some sort of action by media - why aren't the people with the power feeling the pressure?
Death tolls are at their peak, with Palestinian levels higher than tolls of both previous conflicts. Sleeping children are being targeted. How many more have to suffer before some serious international action is taken? International law has been violated, and the sanctity of human rights has been thrown out the window - the line has to be drawn somewhere.
David Cameron and Ed Miliband have been urged by senior MPs of their own parties to take some action, with Margot James, a No 10 Policy Board advisor, calling on Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, to change stance in policy:
"The scale of suffering in Gaza is far too great, the loss of life, and particularly the lives of children and other vulnerable individuals, cannot be justified on the grounds of defence in proportion to the level of threat faced by Israel from Hamas."Political motives need to be scrapped here. We need to re-evaluate our support systems, and ask ourselves can we really justify supporting an age-old ally over such a disgraceful and horrific abuse of human rights? When so many innocent children are being slaughtered, can we really continue like this? I think it's time to reassess our motives and take serious action, for the sake of humanity.
Quotes taken from the Guardian articles online. Follow @highlyO on Twitter for more.
