Version imprimableThe summer was hellish for Gazans: in addition to extreme temperatures, without drinking water, hygiene products, food, evacuation orders, bombings, systematic destruction, tent cities and hygiene problems. Nearly 500 people have died of starvation since famine was declared by international bodies, including the UN. “Humanitarian” distribution areas remain deadly traps. Words fail to describe the horror. Witnesses are also lacking: Israel is targeting journalists. The emblematic Anas el-Sharif was murdered along with four colleagues, bringing the number of journalists killed to more than 210 — a world “record”. Israel also used the double-tap technique, which involves aiming twice in the same location within minutes of each other to kill evacuation workers and journalists.
Genocidal propaganda and practices
The massacre at the Nasser Hospital is an example of this. Israel first spoke of a “tragic mishap,” then claimed to be targeting a “Hamas camera.” Israel claims to “limit civilian casualties” but a report by its own services reveals that 83% of Palestinian casualties are civilians. Israel funds far-right influencers to deny the famine in Gaza, while members of the government make explicitly genocidal remarks. Finance minister Smotrich calls for the destruction of the people of Gaza and has announced the de facto annexation of a large part of the West Bank, the E1 area, which will nearly cut the territory in two. Defence Minister Katz spoke of “dark catastrophes” and “curses on the firstborn” in Yemen, just before assassinating half of the Houthi government. Israel is still bombing southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire and refusing to sign one for Gaza despite Hamas’ acceptance of all its conditions. Israel has become the enemy of all the peoples of the region.
Fierce resistance
If Benjamin Netanyahu refuses the ceasefire, it is to continue invading Gaza and emptying the territory of its Palestinian population. But on the ground, this battle is far from being won for the occupying army. The various armed groups are effectively coordinated. Israeli human and material losses are piling up, and Netanyahu is having great difficulty in obtaining reinforcements. Disarming Hamas remains an unattainable goal. In August, all the warring factions affirmed their determination at a conference in Cairo. International popular resistance is not to be outdone: demonstrations have continued throughout the summer, pressure on Western governments is strong, and the resignation of half of the Dutch government over the Palestinian question is a sign of this. Several European countries are considering renegotiating their trade agreements with Israel. The new Sumud flotilla, which set off from Barcelona and Marseille this weekend with dozens of boats and 44 countries represented, illustrates this international solidarity. These initiatives are a point of support that must be expanded.
Persistent international complicity
The main Western states remain complicit with Netanyahu. The United States has revoked the visas of all Palestinians invited to the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of September, where a “historic” declaration of recognition of the Palestinian state by the last states that have not yet done so is to be delivered. This insult adds to the humiliation of seeing a Palestinian state recognized without recognition of the genocide. Two years after its beginning, massive initiatives must revive international solidarity. In France, around the government crisis and the mobilization of 10 September, questioning a government complicit in a genocidal state must be a central issue.
3 September 2025
Translated by International Viewpoint from l’Anticapitaliste.
