On April 20, Pope Francis passed away at the age of eighty-eight years. One of his final wishes was for the aptly named “popemobile” to transform into a mobile health clinic for the suffering children in the Gaza Strip. However, it seems that Netanyahu and the Israeli government have other plans for Palestine and its people.
After a ceasefire was brokered between Palestine and Israel, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) requested an end to the conflict. They requested for this to be settled before releasing the hostages they had taken after Israel killed over 52,000 Palestinians. Netanyahu claimed this to be radical and not agreed upon, following these statements up with a resumption of the conflict.
Muhammad Baig has choice words for Israel. “I can’t believe so many people in developed countries aren’t recognizing that Israel is off their rocker,” stated Baig. “They are slaughtering innocent people. Say what you will about Hamas, but they don’t have the capability or willingness to commit so many horrendous war crimes.”
While the late Pope’s plan appealed to people across the world, it is unlikely it will ever actually reach Gaza. Recently, the Israeli government approved measures to stop Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid and is dislocating as many Palestinians as possible for the goal of keeping them out of conflict. Many civilians are resisting Israeli aggression, however, trying to fight back against the tyranny many compare to apartheid South Africa.
The Human Rights Watch has long stood against Israel’s tyranny, pointing out the state-wide persecution of Muslims, the privilege of Jewish individuals in court and the robbery of land from native Palestinians. With Israel trying to stop aid to Muslim civilians, it’s clear where they stand on the apartheid issue. That being said, the popemobile, being a sign of help and assistance to the innocent children of Gaza will likely be turned away assuming it isn’t bombed.
“What Netanyahu is doing is pretty messed up but it’s important to remember that we can’t base people’s identity based on their nationality. The government is completely fair game for criticism, but don’t go harassing the civilians because of where they live,” stated senior Matthew Eilers.
Israel’s terrible crimes have also brought forth a new wave of antisemitism among many areas of the country.
“It’s up to Israel to decide if that small piece of land is worth the cost of human lives. The people of Gaza aren’t going to give up their homeland that they’ve inhabited for centuries just because the Israeli government’s book says they deserve it,” finished Baig. Hopefully the tragedies occurring in Gaza will end soon.
