As the world observes World Humanitarian Day on the 19th of August, two Pakistani students have come up with a unique form of protest to draw the world’s attention to the ongoing atrocities and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The World Humanitarian Day has been observed on the 19th of August every year since 2009 when the United Nations General Assembly dedicated the day to humanitarian workers and organizations who are working for the welfare of the people.
This year, when the world is reeling through various conflicts, with the most notable among them being the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war, World Humanitarian Day’s theme focuses on the protection of civilians during wars. This agenda has been pushed forth this year by the UN through the hashtag #ActForHumanity.
UN-KAKHTAH Spokesperson Dr FM Bhatti said in a press release that the students’ protest is meant to highlight the systematic targeting and victimization of children in conflict zones such as Gaza, Congo, Haiti, Myanmar and Sudan.
Blood-written notes have been produced by 10-year-old Ubaydah al Fiddhah Hafia and her 12-year-old brother Ghulam Bishar Hafi. Titled ‘Humanitarian Eyes Needed to See the Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza’, the note is scheduled to be presented to the UN on the 19th of August, whereas previously a note titled ‘A Voice for the Voiceless’ was presented on the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2024.
The blood-written notes underscore the gravity of the situation and are an urgent call to action, especially as the international community fails to prevent innocent deaths in these conflict zones.
Humanitarian crisis
The Israel-Hamas conflict is wreaking havoc across Gaza, with casualties mounting by each passing day. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has also highlighted how the humanitarian zone in Gaza is constantly shrinking, leaving little room for civilians to seek refuge from the war.
Recently, in another deadly attack on Gaza, a couple and their four children were killed. These six were among the 25 casualties that were recorded in the past 24 hours. According to the grandfather of the slain children, their mother worked for the UN and was killed along with her family while sleeping peacefully in her home.
The conflict has now been going on for 10 months, and so far 40,000 Palestinians have been killed while many others have been injured. The lack of facilities for the refugees in the humanitarian zone is also a cause of concern for the people, who fear the spread of diseases.
As the conflict rages on, there is little respite for the Palestinians, especially as they face an offensive from both ground and sky. While the fighter jets bomb buildings, the ground forces also continue their operations.
Ceasefire?
The prospects of a ceasefire were mellowed following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Talks had been ongoing for the past few days, with the world anticipating a positive outcome. However, on Sunday, Hamas categorically rejected the proposal pushed forth by the United States, who termed this as “maybe the last” chance to secure the release of Israeli hostages.
Hamas, while rejecting the proposal, blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for changing conditions and accused him of doing so to deliberately prolong the conflict. Hamas’ refusal of the proposal came as a setback to the US, which had claimed that progress had been made.
The fact that both sides could not agree to a ceasefire despite third-party mediation further raises the risk of escalation in the Middle East, as both Hezbollah and Iran are yet to avenge the assassinations carried out on their soil.