“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr., often quoted by President Barack Obama
“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” — President Ronald Reagan
“The United Nations exists not merely to preserve the peace but also to make change—even radical change—possible without violent upheaval.” — President John F. Kennedy
Under the watch and leadership of the United States and the United Nations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has repeatedly carried out actions that starkly violate fundamental human rights and international laws—actions that are not only shameful but also hypocritical.
The recent massacre of over one hundred worshippers during Fajr prayer in Gaza is a glaring example of such transgressions. This incident, as poignantly noted by British politician George Galloway, would have incited a global outcry if the political unity of the Muslim world were a reality. However, the silence that follows speaks volumes about the current state of global governance and human rights advocacy.
The global human rights community, alongside international law custodians such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and Muslim-majority countries, bears a significant responsibility in addressing and curbing the actions of rogue nations like Israel. These powers, equipped with diplomatic, economic, and legal tools, should not merely observe from the sidelines as atrocities unfold. Instead, they must act decisively to uphold the principles of justice and humanity that international law is founded upon.
In guiding Muslim-majority countries, it is imperative to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He said, “Do not oppress and do not be oppressed.” This Hadith emphasizes the dual responsibility of Muslims: to refrain from committing injustice and to resist being subjugated by oppression. Muslim countries, therefore, have a moral and religious duty to not only ensure they do not partake in or support acts of oppression but also to stand firmly against the oppression of others. Their unity and action against the injustices faced by Muslims in Gaza should be grounded in this profound teaching.
“Injustice, poverty, discrimination—these are forms of violence. The powerful must act with humanity, or they risk losing their very humanity.”
— António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
The United States and the United Kingdom, often seen as key allies of Israel, must reevaluate their foreign policies to ensure they do not inadvertently support or condone actions that violate human rights. China and Russia, as global superpowers, have the capacity to influence international discourse and should use their positions to advocate for the protection of innocent lives and the enforcement of international laws.
Muslim-majority countries, in particular, must rise to the occasion, uniting in their response to the oppression of their fellow Muslims. Their inaction not only weakens their collective power but also emboldens those who perpetrate such crimes. The massacre in Gaza should be the catalyst for a unified stance, ensuring that such violations of human rights are met with the strongest possible condemnation and action.
The global community must not allow Israel to continue its oppressive actions unchecked. The responsibility lies not only with Israel’s allies but with every nation that claims to value human rights and the rule of law. The time for mere words has passed; it is now the time for concrete actions to ensure that such massacres do not continue under the guise of political or military objectives.
As we reflect on the gravity of the excesses of Israeli government, we are reminded of the powerful words of Pastor Martin Niemöller: “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
This quote serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of silence in the face of injustice against the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza. When the global community fails to act against injustice, killing and oppression, it paves the way for greater atrocities. The implications are clear: if we do not stand up against the massacre of innocent people in Gaza today, we risk allowing such injustices to continue unchecked, potentially affecting us all in ways we cannot yet foresee. It is incumbent upon every nation, every leader, and every individual who values human rights to speak out and take action now, before it is too late.
* Dr. Lukman Raimi is an entrepreneurship educator, legal researcher, and good governance advocate.
