The 74th anniversary of the 1948 Nakba, when approximately 750,000 Palestinians were displaced and 15,000 killed, highlights ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The conflict persists despite international calls for accountability.
Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian journalist for Al Jazeera, was killed in 2022 by Israeli forces while covering events in the West Bank. Israeli authorities initially claimed she was shot by Palestinian militants, but evidence from witnesses and investigations contradicted this narrative.
The 1948 Nakba saw Palestinian villages razed and lands confiscated, with Israeli officials asserting the displacement was due to Arab leaders' orders. This pattern of displacement continues today, with Palestinians in Gaza facing similar conditions.
UN resolutions from 1947 and 1949 outlined conditions for peace, including Jerusalem's status and refugee repatriation. Israel has repeatedly failed to comply, while the international community has not enforced these agreements.
Comparisons to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine highlight inconsistent global responses. While Western nations impose sanctions on Russia, Israel faces minimal consequences for its occupation of West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights since 1967.
Despite decades of international pressure, including economic sanctions since 2005, Israel maintains control over occupied territories. The lack of decisive action by the global community underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis for Palestinians.
Suraya Dadoo is a journalist based in South Africa.
Twitter: @Suraya_Dadoo
