The United States Has Allowed The U.N. To Pass A Ceasefire In Palestine
But does it mean anything?
I understand the importance of symbolism. It can make us feel good, it can give us hope when things feel hopeless, but I’m not sure if it can stop Israel’s bombing of Palestine.
The United States abstained during the most recent U.N. vote for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Israel’s most recent bombardment of the Gaza Strip. And the U.S.’ abstinence is a big deal because it allowed the measure to pass, putting greater pressure on Israel to essentially stop perpetuating a genocide against Palestinians.
But the question remains if Israel will actually listen, or better yet, if the United States will force Israel to actually listen.
And that remains to be seen. As of writing this, Israel is still bombing Rafah — the last section of Gaza that isn’t completely decimated. The United States is still arming Israel despite the recent ceasefire rhetoric out of Washington.
Kamala Harris recently stated that she hasn’t “ruled our consequences” if Israel pursues a ground invasion in Rafah, but Netanyahu says he will follow through with the invasion with or without U.S. help.
But Netanyahu is completely full of shit. The Rafah invasion, along with the rest of the decimation of Gaza would be impossible without the United States. Israel has never done anything on its own. Except for the Waze App… Which I like, but I have stopped using because genocide is bad.
There is a silver lining, and that is the Biden administration has proven that they are sensitive to public backlash. Confronting politicians and demanding they call for a ceasefire does appear to be bearing fruit.
Keep doing it. If you see a politician, it doesn’t matter if they’re a Democrat or a Republican, scream at them. I know it sounds like I’m being facetious, but I am not. Scream “Free Palestine” or Ceasefire now” when you see them.
I don’t give a fuck if it’s their wedding day or their mother’s funeral, let them know you don’t condone Israel’s actions.
It’s working.
Without the tireless work of activists, this likely wouldn’t have happened. If people, Jews and Gentiles alike, didn’t storm into public spaces and drown your timeline with Pro-Palestinian posts, this rhetorical shift would likely have never occurred.
This rhetorical recalculation is the first victory in an otherwise long fight with our political establishment. The next victory would be a cessation of U.S. arms into Israel, and then, hopefully, at least a two state solution, if not a one state solution where both Arabs and Jews are treated equally under the law.
I know that seems like a longshot, but it sure as hell beats seeing Israel murder children in cold blood.
Keep fighting because one holocaust doesn’t justify another.
Free Palestine.