People make their way through the heavily damaged historic market of Nabatieh in Southern Lebanon following air strikes by Israel on June 15. The right to self-determination for the Palestinian people is not a threat to peace but a prerequisite for it, says the writer.
Dr. Reneva Fourie
My Palestinian friend recently spoke with a deep and troubling despair. He remarked that before, Israel killed hundreds of people a week, and now they kill just seven or ten. In his view, the numbers have changed, but the indifference remains.
I have observed him exhaust himself under the weight of grief while members of his family, who also originate from Gaza, struggle to support him despite carrying their own trauma and heartbreak. I battle to find words that might ease his pain, overwhelmed by the shame of watching some in our government proclaim solidarity while acting in ways that undermine it.
It is impossible to recall 16 June 1976 and not reflect on the brave youth of Palestine. Across Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, children and teenagers continue to endure violence, displacement and insecurity. Many resist in whatever ways they can.
