The heart-rending words of Irish father Thomas Hand upon learning of his daughter Emily’s tragic death at the hands of terrorists are hard to ignore. In the midst of the cold-blooded rampage that took her life at the tender age of eight, he exclaimed, “They just said, ‘We found Emily, she is dead’, and I went, ‘Yes, yes’, because that was the best news of the possibilities that I knew.”
These deeply touching words convey the devastating aftermath left behind by the terrorists. Those responsible must be brought to justice for their horrific acts that defy the principles of humanity.
However, Israel, in its response to the barbarity witnessed last Saturday, must be cautious not to worsen the situation and ignite a broader and even more devastating war.
US President Joe Biden has engaged in four conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, offering unwavering support to Israel. However, he has made it clear that Israel must adhere to the rules of war. As Tánaiste Micheál Martin has repeatedly emphasized, an entire population cannot be collectively punished for the actions of a few.
The United Nations has issued a warning about the dire situation in Gaza, where hospitals are on the brink of becoming morgues due to the overwhelming number of people seeking refuge from relentless air raids. While Hamas must release all captives, Israel must also recognize that cutting off access to water, food, and power for a population under bombardment is unsustainable.
There are two crucial actions that need to be taken immediately. Firstly, safe havens should be established to protect civilians and prevent mass casualties. Secondly, humanitarian corridors must be opened to allow vital supplies and medicine to reach those in need. However, Israel has insisted that nothing will be allowed into Gaza until all hostages are released.
Innocent lives are trapped in a devastating stalemate. Through its siege, Israel holds the entire population of Gaza accountable, while Hamas continues to hold them hostage by refusing to release captives.
For over 17 years, Gaza has been under blockade, resulting in a complete breakdown of trust. Without diplomatic or political initiatives to address the fundamental humanitarian and civil rights abuses, a catastrophe of unprecedented magnitude looms ahead.
There is no scarcity of malicious regional actors waiting to exploit this tragic situation. Further escalation of hostilities may lead to unforeseeable and uncontrollable events of even greater magnitude.
History has demonstrated that peace cannot be maintained through force alone; it can only be achieved through dialogue and the recognition of rights.
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and revolutionary psychiatrist, once said, “Between stimulus and response lies a space. In that space lie our freedom and power to choose a response. In our response lies our growth and our happiness.”
Humanity teeters on the edge of a global catastrophe. Despite the difficulties, it is imperative to find that “space” and act before it is too late.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
