The Great March OF RETURN: 'A cRY OF PAIN'

The conflict between Palestine and Israel (or rather I should say the oppression of Palestine) continues to spread like wildfire, with more vulnerable Palestinians being killed as each day passes. The international community has somewhat brushed this colossal crisis to a side, as more interesting headlines dominate the media, like what outfit one of the Kardashian sisters has decided to step out in.Then again, there's still people out there that use their lives to fight the oppression Palestine is enduring, by pressuring the government and holding protests, this Saturday being one of them. Exactly a year ago, on the 30th of March 2018, Palestinian journalist and poet Ahmed Abu Artema shared a facebook post online, calling all Palestinians to join him in protesting near the fence that imprisons them from the rest of the world. It sparked a monumental movement given the name the Great March of Return, which has given Palestinians a voice, to take back what is rightfully theirs, and return to their homes, which they were expelled from in 1948 by the Israelis. The expulsion in 1948 (also known as the Nakbah meaning disaster) tore the Palestinian people into shreds,700,000 were expelled, and several thousand massacred, including fathers, mothers, daughters and sons. In this period many lost their families, and were forced out of their birthplace, into a new controlled residence.
So last year, of course when Abu Artema ignited this rebellious retaliation, the Palestinians jumped at the first call, ready to return home. Since then, there have been regular Friday protests, not only demanding the right to return home, but also demanding to end the 12 year Israeli imposed air, land and sea blockade on the Gaza strip. The founder of the movement said in an interview: "We are people who want to live, instead of dying slowly in this confined place where we are besieged. The Great March of Return is a struggle for our rights. We are a people looking for a dignified life. We want our voices to be heard."
Not surprisingly, it seems Israel's cruelty has not diminished since then, as they resume to commit unforgivable war crimes. Between when the Great March of Return was initiated last March, Israeli snipers have injured more than 13,000, killed 189 Palestinians, including 35 children, medics and journalists according to a few sources like the Middle East Monitor and TRT.

Amongst them was 20 year old Razzan Najjar, who was a volunteer medic/nurse. She was shot in the chest and unfortunately didn't make it.


Another journalist Yasser Murtaja, who was in fact filming a documentary about the protests, was shot and killed also.

These are jut two I have plucked out of the hundreds, who remain nameless on mainstream media. On the first day of the protests, occupation snipers killed 15 people, and over the months of lat year, more names were added to the martyr list. Osama Migdad, 21, was killed on 11 May 2018. Hisham Sarsak, 17, on the 14 May 2018. Othman Rami, only 14, was killed just this summer on the 13th of July. In addition, it's only been two days since the anniversary on Saturday, and already 4 have been killed (two 17 year olds Tamer and Adham) and hundreds have been injured.(Source: Middle East Monitor).
It's important to note all the victims of the IDF, were young. Teenagers. Gaza has the highest unemployment rate (54%), with youth unemployment rocketing over 70%. And this isn't the only aspect of Gaza that is struggling. 50% are living in poverty, whilst 68% suffer from food insecurity and only 5% of the water is safe to drink. (Source: AlJazera).
So you see, Gaza's predicaments aren't just military/war related issues, but Israel's interference runs so deep that the people of Gaza are finding it difficult to work, eat and drink clean water. Their basic necessities, their human rights have been stripped. All that's left for them to do is protest for their rights to be given back. To be returned home.


And what about the man behind this injustice? What does he have to say about this ongoing conflict, as it rolls out page by page in front of him?  'If Hamas hadn't pushed the protesters there then nothing would happen. Hamas hold responsibility for this. Embrace life. Don't embrace death.' Although he may have never publicly claimed, Mr Netanyahu is a clear and passionate Zionist, oppressor and tyrant. Ofcourse he will point his finger at Hamas, and call the little Plestinian kids who throw stones at Israeli soldiers 'terrorists.' Palestinians whose only weapons are stones and words can be pinned as the terrorrists, yet the IDF and Israeli government who for decades upon decades have massacred, destroyed and annihilated Palestinians homes, nation and lives cannot be seen as terrorists. How preposterous.
Despite major powers like America, Saudi Arabia and the UK not giving enough attention to Palestine and it's needs, Stop The War Coalition is actively trying to aid Palestine by hosting events up and down the country and holding protests. On the first anniversary of the #GreatMarchofReturn just this Saturday, there was a protest in nearly every major city, with Muslims and Jews side by side to support Palestine against Israel. Join them today through their website and become part of the movement to free oppressed war torn countries like Palestine, Yemen, Syria etc.