Right Sider 
Cuba has spoken out forcefully against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, stating that the systematic human rights violations occurring there are unjustifiable.
Cuba has spoken out forcefully against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, stating that the systematic human rights violations occurring there are unjustifiable. The Caribbean nation urged accountability and action as tensions continue rising.
Decades of Occupation and Violence
The recent clashes are part of a decades-long cycle of occupation, violence, and violations of international law perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians. Gaza specifically has faced a stringent blockade since 2007, severely limiting freedom of movement and economic activity. Mass casualty events are also common – conflicts in 2021 alone led to the deaths of over 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.
Critics point to the vast power asymmetry between the two sides, as Israel possesses overwhelming military superiority thanks to Western support. Palestinian militant groups have far more primitive weapons, and their indiscriminate rocket attacks, while sometimes deadly, rarely lead to significant Israeli casualties. The majority of Palestinians killed in clashes are civilians.
Arbitrary Arrests and Property Destruction
In addition to periodic heavy bombardment, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank face regular human rights violations. Hundreds at a time are detained without charge, including women and children. Home and infrastructure demolitions are also routine – over 1000 Palestinian structures were demolished in 2021.
Cuba highlighted the cruelty of these actions, emphasizing that fundamental freedoms are being trampled systematically. The recent uptick in West Bank raids has been particularly devastating, causing dozens of deaths with indiscriminate force. The violence has even spread within Israel itself, with mob attacks targeting Palestinian citizens in Israeli cities reported.
International Complacency and Support for Israel
Cuba slammed the tepid response from the international community, questioning why major world powers continue to arm and fund Israel despite its human rights record. The US in particular has blocked dozens of UN resolutions aimed at protecting Palestinian rights or condemning Israeli actions. Critics allege this gives Israel impunity.
The US also provides $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel every year. Other Western powers have extensive economic and ideological ties as well. Cuba insists Palestinians are treated as second-class by the global order, without the ability to assert basic self-determination. It demands the international community recognize the power imbalance and take real steps to protect Palestinians’ safety.
Ongoing Tensions with No End in Sight
With inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli politicians contributing to conflict, and the peace process stalled for over a decade, there appears no near-term resolution in sight. Cuba insists that the causes of Palestinian resentment – occupation, blockade, and dehumanization – must end. The island nation continues utilizing its diplomatic voice to advocate for accountability and Palestinian human rights. But substantial change relies on world powers finally applying real pressure.
