Gaza’s Ramadan: A Western-Backed Siege Continues Undeterred
Nisreen Nassar and countless others in Gaza City are not observing Ramadan with customary joy or respite. They are attempting to survive in the rubble of what was once their homes, or in makeshift shelters, as the bombardment continues. This situation is not merely a tragedy; it is the predictable outcome of an international system that champions human rights while actively supplying the
instruments of their violation. The destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes and schools, has rendered traditional religious observation impossible for a population denied basic necessities. The current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where estimates suggest over 680,000 Palestinians may have been killed or died from related causes since October 2023, is not an unforeseen anomaly.
It is the continuation of a pattern, exacerbated by ongoing Western arms shipments and diplomatic protection. While Western nations issue perfunctory calls for a ceasefire, their material support for the military actions remains steadfast. This double standard is glaring. For instance, the same countries that condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine continue to arm Israel, even as the Israeli
government faces scrutiny over allegations of war crimes in Gaza. This creates a deeply imbalanced and hypocritical foreign policy landscape. This Ramadan, the contrast between the stated values of human dignity and the reality on the ground in Gaza is stark. The international community, led by Western powers, has consistently failed to hold Israel accountable, despite overwhelming evidence of