In this editorial, Atul Mishra, an international relations professor at Shiv Nadar University, presents a sharp and urgent critique of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Through a detailed analysis, he not only lays out the dire situation but also evaluates the recent international response to Israel’s actions, calling for moral clarity, political will, and global solidarity to end the suffering.
Condemnation of Israeli Actions
At the heart of the editorial is a recent joint statement by 30 Western countries, including the UK, France, and Italy, which strongly criticizes Israel’s military actions and its blockade on Gaza. The author highlights this as the strongest Western condemnation of Israeli conduct across Palestinian territories to date.
The statement condemns Israel’s “drip feeding” of aid, which refers to the extremely limited and slow provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. The statement criticizes Israel’s denial of basic necessities like food, water, and fuel, especially calling it “unacceptable” to withhold “essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.”
Mishra underlines that the joint statement also condemns Israel’s plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians, calling such attempts to “sequester and eventually force Palestinian citizens out of Gaza” as unacceptable.
Genocide Allegation and International Law
The editorial then addresses a pressing question: Is Israel committing genocide? Mishra notes that while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) may take years to provide a verdict, several jurists and scholars already believe that what is happening in Gaza is tantamount to genocide.
Rather than debate this legally, Mishra says the focus should be on the human suffering, especially with over 60,000 people wounded and more than 38,000 killed, most of whom are women and children. He refers to the UN data showing extreme population density and inhumane conditions in Gaza, such as 4.3 lakh people per square kilometre and starvation-like deprivation.
Tel Aviv’s Strategy: Deliberate and Systematic
According to Mishra, this isn’t just a case of war gone wrong. He warns that what Israel is doing is part of a “deliberate and systematic” campaign. He calls it a “scorched earth” policy, comparing it to Tel Aviv’s larger game plan of starvation, denial of aid, and targeting civilian infrastructure.
He explains that Israel’s actions show a new “old” strategy where it tries to destroy the possibility of a livable Gaza, ensuring that the Palestinians are forced to flee. He emphasizes that this isn’t merely warfare, but a plan to “make Gaza unlivable.”
A Wake-Up Call to Western Allies
One of the article’s most important observations is the changing tone of Western countries, who have until now been unwavering supporters of Israel. Mishra notes that although Germany, the UK, and the US had historically shielded Israel from accountability, the recent joint statement signals a possible shift.
However, he cautiously adds: “It is a sign that there has been no change in their policies and may be another reason why Israel is unlikely to stop.” This signals his concern that even strong words may not lead to real action unless Western governments impose costs on Israel for its conduct.
Call to the Global South and the United Nations
In a poignant plea, Mishra urges countries of the Global South, especially India, the Gulf countries, and Turkey, to stop their “fence-sitting.” He challenges them to take a moral stand and not wait for Western leadership to dictate action.
He reminds readers that the UN has failed to protect even the “last lifelines” to keep people alive, calling this a shameful episode for the international community.
Ending Note: A Moral Crisis for All of Us
In closing, the author delivers a strong ethical appeal:
“There are some who do not know what is going on in Gaza is an assault on the idea that humanity is one and universal.”
This is arguably the most powerful line of the editorial. Mishra warns that if global leaders and citizens do not act now, future generations will look back at this time and question the silence, just as we now question past genocides and inactions.
Conclusion
Atul Mishra’s editorial is a bold and timely reflection on the Gaza crisis. Through careful citation of facts, data, and legal perspectives, he constructs an urgent argument that the international community must not merely issue statements but take decisive action. He frames the Gaza tragedy not just as a humanitarian disaster, but as a moral test for the world, concluding with the haunting reminder.
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