In a recent podcast at NHS Media, Dr. Qamar Cheema discussed the ongoing situation in Palestine.
Key Points:
- Bolivia, a significant South American country, severed diplomatic ties with Israel due to alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, based on violations of international laws.
- The ongoing bombardment in Palestinian refugee camps by Israel is unjustified, despite claims by IDF to minimize collateral damage.
- There’s a contrast between the vocal support for Israel in the West and the relative silence from the Muslim world despite civilian casualties in Gaza.
- Israel’s ground invasion is condemnable, particularly labelling the recent attack on the Jabalia refugee camp as a war crime.
He mentioned that Bolivia, a small but significant country in South America, has severed its diplomatic ties with Israel. The President of Bolivia declared this decision due to Israel’s alleged war crimes in Gaza, which breach international laws, leading to the termination of relations.
It has been reported that Bolivia has consulted with foreign officers from neighboring countries to gather their viewpoints on the matter. The ongoing bombardment by Israel, especially in refugee camps, has been considered unjustified. Although the IDF spokesperson claims efforts to prevent collateral damage, such damage continues to occur.
Dr Qamar Cheema highlighted that the conflict is perceived as a Jewish versus Muslim war, an opinion echoed by the Western world. Public opinion, particularly in the media, is largely against Israel. However, governmental stances condemn Hamas’s actions, advocating for alternatives beyond diplomatic and political means. This situation reflects a historical pattern where smaller states facing larger adversaries with limited resources tend to face significant challenges, similar to the current scenario.
He emphasized the need to question Israel’s justification for violating international humanitarian and international law. Dr Qamar Cheema pointed out the obligation of global powers to uphold the principles outlined in the Global UN Charter. Selective usage of these international laws or unilateral actions by powerful countries creates a perception of ‘might is right,’ undermining established legal frameworks.
Dr Qamar Cheema noted the silence of the Muslim world in contrast to vocal public sentiments in the West supporting Israel. He highlighted the civilian casualties in Gaza caused by the conflict, stating that the situation is gravely concerning.
He discussed the challenges faced by those attempting to protest, underscoring the necessity of strong military power in conflicts. Dr Qamar Cheema urged for the protection of unarmed civilians by human rights organizations, emphasizing that neglecting this responsibility could breed extremism and erode trust in major institutions.
He expressed concerns about potential lone-wolf attacks, urging immediate intervention by the international community. Dr Qamar Cheema criticized Israel’s ground invasion and labeled the recent attack on the Jabalia refugee camp as a war crime. Notably, he mentioned Egypt’s reluctance to allow refugees into the country, contrasting it with Pakistan’s generosity towards Afghan refugees.
Dr Qamar Cheema highlighted the discrepancy in international response, attributing it to the perception of Palestine as a weak and neglected nation. He urged for a critical evaluation of the prevailing global systems and stressed the need for Muslim countries to take a stand, inspired by Bolivia’s action.
Conclusively, Dr QamarCheema lamented the violation of international law through the killing of innocent civilians. He expressed uncertainty about the actions the Muslim world might take, the role of the media, and the future involvement of the US and Western nations in the ongoing conflict.
