The authorities of the European Union, Germany, France and the United Kingdom are the pro-Israeli reactionary outpost. They have banned demonstrations and arrested those who support the Palestinian people, accusing them of being “anti-Semitic” and “terrorists.” In London, the mobilization massively went beyond the designs of “Her Gracious Majesty” and the millionaire and far-right Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party.
By Roni Turus – LIS United Kingdom
The establishment of the Israeli state in 1948 was based on the objective of displacing Palestinians from their native lands. This endeavour received substantial assistance and direct military support from Western countries, resulting in the expulsion of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Palestinians from their homeland. The primary goal of the Israeli state has been the removal of Palestinians from Palestine. If one closely observes the public statements of numerous Israeli or Zionist spokespersons, you will never hear them mention the word “Palestine.” Instead, all Zionists consistently use the term “Arabs.” Their rationale is that there are no distinct Palestinian people, or a recognized country known as Palestine.
The present situation provides an opportunity for Zionists to permanently eliminate Palestinians and erase the concept of Palestine from memory and maps. Western countries have extended unwavering support and provided military resources to Israel. Many Western powers, burdened by the guilt of the Holocaust, seem to be attempting to atone for their past sins with the suffering of the Palestinians. Yet, remaining silent and observing from a distance is not unique to Western powers. Most Middle Eastern countries lack the courage to stand up for the Palestinian cause. Countries like Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others may express condemnation of Israeli actions, but they continue to engage in trade, flights, and maintain communication with Israeli embassies. A common proverb in the Middle East encapsulates this sentiment: “Arabs are lions, but lions are led by donkeys.”
The Israeli military is intensively bombing Gaza from the air with the apparent intention of exterminating as many Palestinians as possible. Additionally, their aim is to ensure that no structures, shelters, tunnels, hospitals, schools, or streets are left standing before a ground invasion commences. This strategy is reminiscent of the actions of Ariel Sharon, the “butcher of Palestinians,” who ordered the invasion of Beirut in 1982. It was observed that the Israeli military would face significant resistance if the battle took to the streets of Beirut. The order to invade Beirut was shelved as it was noticed the Zionist state would have lost a huge number of soldiers. This lesson was reaffirmed in 2009 when the Zionist army launched a ground assault on Gaza which caused heavy loss on the Israeli army. The current Israeli state, motivated by racist sentiments, is determined to minimize resistance to their occupation. They are ruthlessly demolishing Gaza, while the rest of the world watches this unfold on their television screens.
The resolution of this conflict will not come from the USA, United Kingdom, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, or any other governments. It can only be halted through the collective efforts of Palestinians and their allies, including the working class, trade unions, oppressed groups, and militant socialists. This can be achieved by establishing a mass solidarity campaign that includes boycotting apartheid and the racist state of Israel.
The recent protest in London on October 21st serves as an indication that people are ready to take to the streets and demand an end to their government’s unconditional support for Israel. The march involved a significant number of participants, with estimates ranging from 150,000 to as many as 300,000 individuals. Various trade unions, including RMT, UCU, Unite, Unison, PCS, and NEU, joined the demonstration. Tens of thousands of students, schoolteachers, university lecturers, postal workers, firefighters, nurses in uniform, and doctors in hospital attire, along with militant socialist activists displaying unwavering courage and energy, made this demonstration distinctive.
This moment is an opportunity for left-wing, socialist, trade unionists, workers, and militants to mobilise their influence, not only to express solidarity with Palestinians but also to challenge their own governments. Another Nakba (catastrophe) would not only result in the annihilation of the Palestinian people but also pave the way for repressive governments to criminalize, ban, and persecute those who advocate for a more just, equal, and socialist society.
