Written by Kevin Nguyen, Content Creator for UNSUGARCOATED Media and Edited By Aalia Lanius

December 14, 2023

With the resumption of hostilities, the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to claim thousands more lives, mostly children, since the end of the seven day ceasefire. Homes and other buildings have mostly been destroyed by the bombing in Gaza while aid to 2.3 million people has once again ground to a halt, marking the return of a horrifying reality for Palestinians across the Gaza Strip. 

Amongst the starvation, infections, and lack of access to proper medical care, Palestinian civilians are also facing a grim new threat: the rising risk of disease spreading in Gaza as health facilities and water and sanitation systems are wiped off the map. Worrying trends are already beginning to emerge as the shut down of desalination plants has led to the spread of contaminated water and the lack of fuel supplies has disrupted all solid waste collection, creating an environment that spreads disease. With approximately 1.5 million displaced people across Gaza forced to seek shelter in overcrowded areas, the risk of infectious disease transmission will continue to soar as the ability to maintain basic infection prevention becomes impossible. (Source: WHO)  At this time the situation is evident, there is nowhere in Gaza that is safe and winter is coming.

As we witness the unfolding events in Gaza, as well as the increased violence in the West Bank, it is crucial to acknowledge the power that collective action and international solidarity can wield. The struggles of the Palestinian people are not isolated; they resonate with the broader pursuit of justice, equality, and a world where all individuals can live free from the shackles of conflict and oppression. The return of violence to the Gaza Strip and occupied areas of Palestine should not be met with silence but with a resounding chorus of voices demanding an end to the cycle of suffering. It is in our hands to shape a world where the principles of justice, equality, and compassion are not just ideals but lived realities.

In a report by Al Jazeera on December 12, 2023, a school in Northern Gaza where displaced families were sheltering, including women, children and infants were killed execution style by Israeli forces. According to the news outlets, men were separated from the women and children, when forces entered the rooms filled with the defenseless victims, they were massacred. 

As the climax of the holiday season approaches, let us not forget the values that define us as compassionate beings. The truth of the matter is, people will be distracted by the holidays and may unintentionally overlook the urgency of the situation that is actively occurring in Palestine. The festive cheer and joyous celebrations should not serve as a veil that blinds us to the pressing humanitarian crisis but as a reminder to extend our empathy beyond our immediate circles. 

It may be easy for us to move this crisis to the back of our minds but it is important to remember that the suffering doesn’t end for the millions of Palestinians and others in the midst of this crisis, including the remaining hostages. They will continue to be plagued not just by an unending stream of bombs that destroy homes and infrastructure, but also by the persistent challenges of securing basic necessities like clean water, food, and medical care. 

Now more than ever, these people need the help of the international community to give them a voice. From the bottom of our hearts, we here at UNSUGARCOATED Media urge you all who still want to make a difference to please remember your humanity. 

With that being said, we continue to ask those who are still looking to make a difference to continue reaching out to your government officials, expressing your concerns and urging them to actively engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving this crisis. Your voice matters and your advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring action takes place. Make your government listen to you, work for you and remind them as their constituents, you place great importance on protecting human rights. Hold them accountable, become a catalyst for positive change and together as a united global community, we can work towards a future where the Palestinian child does not need to live in a state of constant fear and oppression. 

We would also like to encourage you all to continue the fight on social media and keep raising awareness of the ongoing crisis. The simple act of sharing information and stories keeps focus on the crisis and drives home the message that this urgent situation will not fade from the people’s mind. 

Remember, change is often a cumulative result of individual efforts coalescing into a collective force. By leveraging these platforms, you not only expand the reach of your advocacy but also inspire others to join the cause. Now more than ever, these people need our help and solidarity. As the crisis for Palestinians persists, the voices of solidarity must grow louder, echoing the shared call for justice, peace, and humanitarian action. 

Through the collective power of online activism, we can create a ripple effect that transcends virtual spaces, influencing real-world change and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by the ongoing crisis.