Dear Editor,
It is disheartening to see the repercussions of Israel’s meticulous and unfettered bombing strategy in Lebanon, leading to disastrous consequences for innocent civilians. The strikes, one would suppose, were meant to target Hizbullah members; however, their real impact is evident in the devastating damage inflicted upon civilians, amongst whom count children, individuals mourning at funerals and healthcare workers.
Internationally recognised humanitarian laws explicitly ban attacks on civilian population and property during conflict, as well as render protection to non-combatants. Israel, however, has exhibited continuous disdain towards these laws and has disregarded the ruling by the International Court of Justice in July, which declared its encroachment of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem as against the law.
The UN General Assembly recently exhibited overwhelming support (124-14) for a resolution urging Israel to put an end to its unauthorised occupation of Palestinian territories within a year. This resolution, much like those of the past, will likely fall on deaf ears, despite the fact that the second wave of strikes on Lebanon aligned with its release.
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This resolution, too, is expected to be dismissed. The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, characterised the strikes on Lebanon as ‘despicably horrifying and dangerously escalating’. However, we’ve stood by for too long without any real action against this ongoing devastation.
Our government needs to move forth with implementing the Occupied Territories Bill and the Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill into law. These are the bare minimum steps to align with ICJ’s ruling.
Yours sincerely,
STEPHEN McCLOSKEY,
Managing Director,
Centre for Global Education
Belfast
This morning began with a distinct, startling narrative that caught my eye—not the usual melancholy of bombed children and families retreating from air raids. Yet, it was not the picture of Lebanese market visitors caught in a pager explosion. Rather, it was this: a Gazan woman, struggling to elevate her young ones and their bedding as their tent was swallowed by the ocean. Meanwhile, her spouse endeavoured to construct a barrier from sand as a last resort against the encroaching water.
It has become a necessity for individuals to erect their tents along the seaside, resulting in shrinking “safe zones” due to an influx of refugees. How long will it be until Western countries take action to halt the Israeli attack? A new law, the Occupied Territories Bill, which would prevent trade with illicit settlements, could soon be enacted by Ireland after getting revised legal counsel three weeks ago. We cannot afford to delay any longer. Indeed,
Betty Purcell,
Dublin 6W.