After a recent widely-reported debate, the celebrated Oxford Union of famed Oxford University overwhelmingly voted 278 to 59 for the proposition that “This house believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide”. Genocide, as defined by the UN Genocide Convention, refers to acts committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It is estimated that 273,000 Gazans were killed in the first year of the present Gaza Massacre and Gaza Genocide.
The Oxford Union Debate
The Oxford Union debate centered on the terms “apartheid” and “genocide”. The debate featured prominent speakers advocating for and against the motion. The motion sparked a heated debate marked by passionate speeches, interruptions, and accusations from both sides.
Understanding Apartheid and Genocide
The International Convention for the Suppression and Prevention of the Crime of Apartheid defines “apartheid” as the inhuman acts committed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining domination by one racial group over another. On the other hand, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide defines “genocide” as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
Articles 55 and 56 of the Fourth Geneva Convention emphasize the obligation of an Occupier to provide its conquered Subjects with life-sustaining essentials. However, this obligation was egregiously violated by the Israeli blockade of Gaza and the imposition of a siege, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
The Human Cost
Famed Palestinian writer Susan Abulhawa participated in the Oxford Union Debate and estimated a high number of Palestinian deaths in Gaza. The destruction in Gaza has been catastrophic, with thousands dead, injured, and missing.
Recent reports indicate that the death toll in Gaza could be much higher than previously reported. The undercounting of Gaza deaths by Western mainstream media is a troubling issue that needs to be addressed.
Implications and Consequences
The ongoing violence and deprivation in Gaza have led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with a significant number of children and civilians among the casualties. The eradication of Gaza's cultural heritage and historical sites is a loss for humanity.
In the face of these atrocities, the world must unite to demand justice for the Indigenous Palestinians and hold Apartheid Israel accountable for its actions. Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Apartheid Israel and its supporters are crucial steps towards ending the cycle of violence and injustice.
Conclusion
The situation in Gaza demands urgent attention and action. The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering and genocide being perpetrated against the Palestinian people. It is time to stand up against injustice, hold perpetrators accountable, and work towards a peaceful and equitable resolution for all.
Israel, apartheid, genocide, Gaza, Palestinian, human rights, Oxford Union, debate
