Asem Mustafa Awan Islamabad: As the Israel-Palestine conflict escalates, the world’s attention is drawn to the region due to mounting casualties and destruction. Israel’s commitment to eradicate Hamas has raised international concerns, highlighting the need for a restrained response. The recent outbreak of violence represents one of the deadliest escalations in decades. In Gaza, the death toll has exceeded 1,200, with over 338,000 people displaced. Understanding the immediate context requires unraveling the complex web of political tensions, historical grievances and regional dynamics. The international community, led by the United States, has closely monitored the situation. The upcoming visit of Secretary Blinken serves a dual purpose: assessing the ground situation and reaffirming Washington’s support for Israel while urging restraint in response to Hamas’s unexpected offensive. Amid this tragic conflict, the global community must prioritise civilian protection, aid delivery, and a lasting peace addressing root causes in the Israel-Palestine conflict The plea for restraint is essential, given the scale of violence and the resulting displacement. Israel’s response has been robust, with Prime Minister Netanyahu vowing to eliminate Hamas. Gaza’s skyline is dominated by the plumes of smoke from relentless bombings, leaving entire city blocks in ruins. Concerns are mounting about the fate of more than 150 hostages, primarily Israeli citizens. These individuals are held by Hamas in Gaza and it’s been reported that four of them have tragically lost their lives in Israeli strikes. The hostage crisis serves as a stark reminder of the grim realities faced by civilians on both sides and underscores the urgency of finding a resolution. The displacement of over 338,000 Palestinians in Gaza is another pressing concern. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)has reported a significant increase in the number of displaced individuals. Continuous heavy Israeli airstrikes target the Palestinian population, forcing thousands to flee their homes in search of safety. The Palestinian cause has garnered attention worldwide, with advocates like Waleed Siam, the envoy of Palestine in Japan, speaking out. In a press conference held in Tokyo, he addressed the ongoing conflict and criticised Western countries for their narrow perspective on the situation. Siam emphasised that Palestinians have endured years of suffering, with no end in sight. Situational: Israel-Palestinian Conflict He went on to condemn the dehumanising rhetoric used by the ultra-right-wing Israeli government which has branded Palestinians as animals. He highlighted the prolonged nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which has caused immeasurable suffering for both the Israeli and Palestinian populations. Siam’s message was a plea for a broader view that recognises historical grievances and human suffering. Waleed Siam’s speech aimed to shed light on the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, emphasising the scarcity of basic necessities such as electricity, water and medical supplies. He likened these conditions to those found in concentration camps, and he called for global awareness and action to alleviate the suffering. He also pointed to the alarming presence of illegal settlers in the region who are provided with weapons to assault Palestinians. This, along with attacks on religious holy sites, further complicates the situation. In his address, Siam noted that under international law, the occupying forces cannot claim self-defence. The United Nations affirms the right of occupied people to resist in any form they choose. Support for the Palestinian cause extends beyond the region. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. He stated that supporting Palestine is not merely a political stance for the Islamic Republic; it is an ideological and religious matter. Ayatollah Khamenei called for unity among Islamic nations, emphasising the significance of a collective approach to the issue. The Palestinian cause is a matter of shared concern for nations that value justice and the rights of oppressed people. Jewish State Committing ‘War Crimes’ Through ‘Collective Punishment’: UN experts The Palestine-Israel conflict has also garnered attention in the United States. President Joe Biden addressed Jewish community leaders at a round table, referring to a claim made by the Israel Defence Forces regarding Hamas beheading babies. The mention of such a gruesome incident highlights the intensity and complexity of the conflict. However, it is essential to clarify that later reports indicated that President Biden was referring to media reports, not personal observations. The media has been a source of various narratives and images, adding to the complexity of discerning fact from misinformation. Claims and counterclaims underscore the need for verified information amid the ongoing tragedy. In the digital age, misinformation and disinformation can exacerbate conflicts. Videos and images circulate rapidly, sometimes without proper verification, leading to the dissemination of unverified information and potentially further escalating tensions. In the fog of war, sifting through credible sources and facts becomes paramount to maintaining an accurate understanding of the situation. Amid this tragic conflict, the global community must prioritise civilian protection, aid delivery, and a lasting peace that addresses the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Understanding the complexities and sensitivities of the region is essential as solutions must be tailored to the unique context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. A comprehensive approach that addresses the concerns of all parties involved is necessary to move towards a sustainable resolution. As the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to escalate, the international community must work together to alleviate the suffering of those affected and pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future for the region. The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.  The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy. Post Views: 464