The tension in the Middle East is reaching yet another boiling point in light of the recent conflict between Israel and Palestine. Palestinians are finding themselves on the defensive, with Israeli security forces continually cracking down on their rights to express their grievances in light of the current civil war. Many Palestinians are fearful for their lives, and those of their families, if they voice their opinions or sympathy for the violent events taking place in the Gaza Strip.
The most recent conflict between Israel and Palestine has led to a huge swell of international outcry, with many world leaders speaking out in anger and frustration. However, inside Palestine, there lacks a similar level of support. Palestinians are facing a considerable amount of pressure to stay quiet in regards to their stance on the conflict, as they are fearful of the consequences of speaking out publicly. This includes possible arrests for voicing sympathies for the people of Gaza and protests for mournful vigils for those lost in the fighting.
The Israeli military has been enforcing a heavy-handed approach to silencing any form of protest or demonstration of sympathy for Palestine. Israeli police have been posed in several Palestinian cities and villages, notably in the West Bank, looking for any violations of the war-time rule. Those caught protesting have been charged with a range of criminal offenses, which can result from fines, jail time to travel bans.
Such drastic measures have served to quell any meaningful support of the people of Gaza amongst Palestine’s citizens. Palestinians are afraid of reprisal attacks from the Israeli military forces if it is discovered that they are vocal about their political stance. This has left Palestinians feeling helpless as they do not have the freedom to express themselves safely without the threat of being arrested.
In this devastating conflict between Israel and Palestine, Palestinians are left with few options to voice their disfavor and sympathy for the people of Gaza. It is clear that their right to express themselves is being actively destroyed, leaving them with limited means of protection. Those who do not feel comfortable speaking up against the violence must remain silent in fear of any legal or physical ramifications for simply speaking their mind.
