النهار

"We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians." Nelson Mandela declared in a 1997 speech on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. And here is South Africa, 27 years later, addressing the UN's highest court on January 11 in a bid to end the mass killing of civilians in Gaza, accusing Israel of carrying out genocide against Palestinians. After more than a hundred days of nonstop fighting, and for the first time, our TV screens are split in two: the first displays a live feed of the battle in Gaza, while the second displays a live broadcast of the Hague Court. In other words, we may see both the genocide occurring and the International Court "trying" to take some immediate action. The scene appears sarcastic, bitter, and unbelievable, but yet it's real. The concept of officially claiming these war crimes and being prepared to take legal action against them is like a tiny dot in the midst of a dark tunnel of injustice. Many speeches and videos showing major political and military figures are used in court to prove that the response is out of proportion to the attack. Starting with ministers referring to Palestinians as "animal creatures” and soldiers proudly “gifting” the explosions to their loved ones. Celebrating the deaths of women and children is not only unhuman but will definitely not bring the hostages back home safely. Their families, who suffer legitimately and profoundly, understand this. Many of them have expressed their frustration about losing loved ones as an effect of the constant violence and revenge. As citizens of the world, we wonder if we are allowed to dream about justice again, or shall we be realistic and admit the new fact that international organizations must act carefully around Veto members? Any decision-making country on the global map cannot have any judicial decision applied to it, not even by force. Briefly, there is no way to impose a cease-fire, and the conflict will go on. The only hope this court gave was about not giving up on democracy and fighting back.