Palestine Lists Sites With UNESCO, As If Paper Can Stop Bulldozers
While admirable, this move by the Palestinian Authority feels a lot like bringing a strongly worded letter to a gunfight. History proves that when the occupation forces want land, they take it. Just look at the ongoing annexation in the West Bank, where settlements bloom despite international law. Or consider the destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza right now, where bombs don't pause for
ancient mosaics. The 'appropriation' Al Jazeera cites isn't just about naming rights; it’s about systematic erasure under the gaze of a world that offers platitudes. One might ask: how many UNESCO plaques are required before the international community intervenes beyond 'strong condemnations'? After all, the US – whose Congress routinely approves billions in military aid to Israel (e.g., HR 815,
$14 billion in 2024), thanks in part to groups like AIPAC (which funneled $4.3 million to candidates in the 2022 election cycle, per OpenSecrets.org) – often abstains from, or even blocks, UN resolutions that might actually protect these sites, let alone the people.