By Mahmoud Abu Ebaya
From Washington to New York, London to Paris, and cities across Europe, thousands have taken to the streets to advocate for Palestine and demand justice for a people enduring what many describe as a systematic campaign of genocide.
A global response
Since October 7, 2023, the world has witnessed unprecedented grassroots movements. Demonstrations, vigils, and rallies have erupted in major cities and university campuses, fueled by outrage over the brutalities being committed in Gaza and the West Bank. Protesters have gathered not only to voice their anger but to demand that their governments take a stand against what they perceive as complicity in Israel’s military actions.
Hossam Zomlot, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, emphasized the significant role that public sentiment plays in shaping government policy. “From day one, Western governments -including the U.S., U.K., and various European administrations- provided cover for Israel’s acts of violence, framing them as self-defense while neglecting the historical context of the Palestinian struggle,” Zomlot told WAFA.
He pointed out that the current wave of protests represents a shift in how these governments are being held accountable, propelled by the voices of the people.
Zomlot’s reflections underscore a broader historical lesson: movements for liberation often gain momentum when civil society rises to pressure governing bodies. He recalled the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, which galvanized international support and ultimately led to significant political changes.
The ambassador underscored the importance of public pressure on governments as a means of initiating change in the long-standing Western stance toward the Palestinian cause. He pointed out that the Palestinian struggle is part of a broader historical narrative of liberation movements worldwide, recalling the successful international campaign against apartheid in South Africa, which involved widespread grassroots activism that ultimately pressured Western governments to act.
He noted the remarkable growth of solidarity movements in the UK, with London becoming a focal point for international support for Palestine. Massive protests have occurred not only in London but across British cities, reflecting a sustained and organized effort rather than a fleeting emotional response. Zomlot stressed that the British public has played a critical role in exposing the Israeli regime’s oppressive actions, leading to significant shifts in governmental policy.
Zomlot also pointed out that Palestinian diplomacy has successfully countered aggressive media narratives that have historically painted Palestinians as aggressors rather than victims. He acknowledged that while the media offensive continues, there are signs of changing perceptions, particularly in traditional Western media outlets.
The ambassador mentioned tangible results stemming from the grassroots solidarity in the UK, including recent decisions by the British government to halt licenses for offensive weapons sales to Israel, withdraw its objections to the International Criminal Court, and reinstate funding for UNRWA.
Legal actions and international diplomacy
In tandem with these grassroots movements, a significant legal push has emerged against Israel’s actions. South Africa took a bold step by filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over acts of genocide in Gaza. This landmark move, backed by a comprehensive 84-page dossier detailing the humanitarian crisis, is being closely monitored by other nations.
Countries such as Nicaragua, Colombia, and Turkey have signaled their intention to support South Africa’s initiative, which could establish a precedent for other nations grappling with similar injustices. Zomlot expressed hope that this legal momentum would compel the international community to reassess its position on Palestine and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
The struggle for narrative has been another critical front in this arena. Palestinian journalists have faced significant dangers in their quest to document the ongoing Israeli atrocities, with over 170 reporters losing their lives while trying to provide an accurate account of the events unfolding in Gaza. This unprecedented level of loss has forced global media to confront its own biases, pushing for a more balanced representation of the Palestinian plight.
Zomlot remarked on the shift in media coverage, noting that while traditional outlets have historically portrayed Palestinians as aggressors, the grassroots activism and the power of social media have begun to change this narrative. “For the first time, we are documenting our own struggle and forcing the world to see the reality of our situation,” he asserted.
As nations navigate the complex web of diplomacy, the unity of voices advocating for Palestine serves as a reminder that solidarity knows no borders. The hope remains that this collective effort will lead to justice and peace for a people who have endured too much suffering for far too long.
International recognition of Palestine: A shift in global alliances
As the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people reached alarming levels, a significant wave of international recognition for the State of Palestine began to take shape. Countries such as Norway, Spain, Ireland, Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Slovenia, and Armenia have stepped forward, bringing the total number of nations recognizing Palestine to 149 out of 193 UN member states. This growing acknowledgment marks a pivotal shift in the geopolitical landscape regarding Palestine, reflecting a deeper understanding of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The recent recognitions come amid widespread outrage over Israel’s aggressive campaign, which many international observers and organizations have characterized as a genocide. These developments underscore a growing consensus among nations that the Palestinian cause is not merely a regional issue but a pressing global concern demanding attention and action.
