Who can the Palestinians in the fire of war count on?
The new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict has lasted for over a year, causing tremendous tragedies and humanitarian disasters to the Palestinian people. However, there seems to be little possibility of bringing the conflict to an end.
Granted, large-scale demonstrations in support of Palestine have been held in the US and Europe, and leaders from France, Germany and other countries have repeatedly urged Israel to protect the lives of civilians in the Gaza Strip and to open humanitarian aid channels. Some Western politicians have also been engaged in shuttle diplomacy for ceasefire negotiations. As a result, many are pinning their hope for the end of the war on Western countries.
However, Western countries' efforts to promote a ceasefire often take one step forward and two steps back, further exacerbating the regional crisis. More than 130,000 people have been killed or wounded in the Gaza Strip and hundreds of thousands rendered homeless, most of whom are women and children. Israel is still spreading the flame of war, and the Israel-Lebanon border situation is getting out of control, causing over 3,000 civilian casualties in Lebanon. The West is unable to restrain Israel, nor is it "an honest broker". Data shows that over 40 percent of bombs used by Israel in the Gaza Strip came from the US, making the West's postures for peace unconvincing.
In contrast, the collective action of the Global South brings hope for peace in the Middle East. At the recent UN General Assembly, over 100 developing countries jointly called on the international community to pay attention and render support to Palestine. The Global South countries also urged the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes in the conflict, with some severing or downgrading diplomatic relations with Israel. According to UN statistics, the Global South countries have provided Palestine with billions of dollars of emergency humanitarian aid, including food, medical equipment and shelters.
In the meantime, the Global South is forming a powerful campaign globally. More and more countries have stepped forward to uphold justice, providing new impetus and possibility for a just settlement. China has presided over two rounds of consultations among 14 political factions in Palestine, leading to important consensus on reconciliation and unity; Brazil is seeking to help Palestine become a formal UN member; India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia are actively offering diplomatic, economic and humanitarian assistance to Palestine. These concerted efforts of major countries from the Global South are changing the attitude of the international community, and creating favorable conditions for a just and peaceful resolution.
In the face of injustice and oppression, the Global South has not chosen to keep silent or sit idle, but to stand up to Western pressure with support in word and in deed for Palestine and for itself. The solidarity and self-reliance of the Global South is the key to a more just and reasonable international order. The Global South will further enhance cooperation and coordination among its members to jointly advance the Israel-Palestine peace process, and realize peace, stability and development of the world.
