Gaza's Third Year: A Cry for Justice and Accountability

Gaza is entering its third year under a brutal siege, and the world is still turning a blind eye. The suffering is immense, and the complicity of governments, media, and international bodies is appalling. There are no excuses for this silence. The pain felt by those connected to Gaza is profound, echoing the suffering of past generations who endured similar atrocities. The situation in Gaza is dire. The people there have been living under a harsh blockade since 2007, with limited access to basic necessities like water, electricity, and food. Despite these challenges, they have shown remarkable resilience, maintaining high educational standards and exceptional medical teams. However, the constant threat of violence and the indignities of the siege have taken a toll on their lives. The events of Oct. 7, 2023, must be understood in this context. The resistance fighters in Gaza launched a break-out, driven by years of oppression and the desire for freedom. They have lived through multiple wars, seen loved ones killed, and endured the constant presence of drones overhead. The majority are descendants of the 1948 Nakba, made refugees and denied the right of return. The world's attention has been drawn to the wholesale destruction, starvation, and violence in Gaza. However, it is crucial to recognize that this is not an isolated incident. Apartheid, settler violence, and land grabs in Occupied Palestine are ongoing issues that demand attention. Recently, seven Maine state reps attended the “50 States, One Israel” conference in Jerusalem, where they were lobbied to support legislation against the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement (BDS) and to crack down on speech critical of Israel. The images coming out of Gaza are harrowing. Children burned alive, detainees forced to strip and march, doctors abducted, journalists murdered, starving fathers shot at aid sites, and mothers screaming as they gather bits of their children’s flesh. These images are a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the urgent need for justice and accountability. The survivors of this conflict will carry these images with them forever. It is crucial that we do not forget them either. The world must come together to prosecute war criminals and bring an end to this holocaust. Our voices matter, and we cannot afford to lose hope.