The hot news echoes protests that took place recently at the International Armored Vehicle Conference and the International Military Helicopter Conference, held in Twickenham, UK. Pro-Palestinian activists gathered to protest the participation in these events by companies that supply weapons and military technology to Israel, used in conflicts with the Palestinians.
The protests are part of a legal action led by a group of 45 South African lawyers, who are seeking damages from the US and UK governments for their support of Israel and the consequences disastrous effects this has had on the Palestinians in Gaza. The lawyers sent letters to US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, warning them of their intention to sue for the deaths, injuries and destruction caused by Israeli military actions.
This event highlights the responsibility of the United States and the United Kingdom in providing weapons and technology to Israel. Indeed, these countries have long used their political influence in the Middle East, with the aim of maintaining their power in the region. However, this exploitation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has disastrous consequences on the ground, with an escalation of violence and human rights violations.
The article also highlights the role of the Balfour Declaration, signed in 1917, which laid the foundations for a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This declaration was motivated by political and economic interests, including securing the Suez Canal and establishing a British presence in the region. Unfortunately, the consequences of this political decision were catastrophic for the Palestinian populations, who suffered decades of suffering and deprivation.
Importantly, this situation raises questions about the application of international laws and treaties, including the Leahy Act in the United States, which prohibits complicity in human rights violations by foreign military units. Special arrangements have been put in place to allow the United States to circumvent this law when it comes to Israel, thereby showing extreme preference and complacency towards the Israeli government. This bias calls into question the credibility and coherence of the human rights discourses made by these countries.
It is therefore necessary for rich and powerful nations like the United States and the United Kingdom to take responsibility for the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.. Rather than justifying violence and supporting military actions, these countries should heed Noam Chomsky’s call to stop participating in terrorism. It is essential to recognize that violence can never be justified, especially when civilians are the victims.
To end this cycle of violence and suffering, it is necessary to show understanding and compassion to all parties involved, promote dialogue and support peaceful and lasting solutions for the Middle East.
Ultimately, it is essential that the international community takes responsibility to end the injustice and suffering inflicted on the Palestinians. The peaceful and equitable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a crucial step toward building a better future for all involved.