The Palestinian Issue is a Test of the World's Conscience

17 Dec 2024 On the 47th International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on a long history of struggle and injustice that has made our cause a symbol of resilience against the most severe forms of occupation and apartheid. This is particularly significant as Palestine has, for decades, stood as a testament to the global failure in achieving justice and respecting international law.
In 1947, Zionist militias seized the land and systematically displaced an entire population. After eight decades, Palestine continues to endure the harsh realities of occupation, while the world remains silent, or at best only offering empty condemnations.
Ronald Lamola, South Africa's Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, who led his country's delegation before the International Criminal Court on war crimes and genocide committed in Gaza, used his speech on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People to remind us that freedom is incomplete without justice for the Palestinians. He emphasized the deep connection between South Africa's fight against apartheid and the Palestinian struggle against Zionism.
South Africa succeeded in dismantling the apartheid system through popular struggle and international support. Palestine, facing a modern form of colonization in a different guise, has the right to seek the same support, especially since the Palestinian struggle goes beyond territorial rights; it is a fight for human dignity and existence.
What is striking is that the ongoing brutal war has unveiled new chapters of the Palestinian Cause, as the occupation persists in its policy of expanding illegal settlements in the West Bank, defying international law  and human will.
The Arab narrative on Palestine is not just a defense of territorial and political rights, but a call for the respect of human dignity. However, attempts to equate criticism of Zionism with anti-Semitism are part of a disinformation campaign designed to silence those who advocate for Palestinian rights.
The international community must demonstrate its genuine commitment to supporting Palestine. While UN resolutions and calls to boycott companies supporting settlements are significant steps, they are insufficient. Decisive actions that compel the occupying power to end the occupation and adhere to international law are strongly required.
It is also true that the International Criminal Court has started issuing arrest warrants against Zionist leaders responsible for war crimes, but it requires greater support to achieve full justice. Solidarity with Palestine cannot remain a mere slogan; it must be translated into tangible actions.
Nonetheless, despite all that the Palestinians are enduring, national unity remains a sustained hope, and the dialogue among Palestinian factions clearly indicates that the people continue to believe that cohesion is the key to freedom.
As the late leader Nelson Mandela once stated, "The Palestinians must be allowed to determine their future in their own land, free from oppression." These words convey a universal message to support the Palestinian cause. Thus, the Palestinian issue is not merely an Arab cause but a test of the world's conscience. It is not just about occupied land, but a humanitarian cause that represents the struggle for dignity and freedom.