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The true horrors of Gaza continue to be revealed, but we are at a crucial crossroads. If we want the full extent of Israeli crimes to be uncovered, there must be large-scale, international efforts to interrupt and sanction the work of Trump's so-called "board of peace," which met for the first time yesterday in Washington D.C.
There has been a clearly stated plan that will cover up Israel's crimes in Gaza and bury evidence. The plan, outlined by Jared Kushner in a speech he gave in Davos, would turn Gaza into a waterfront riviera, and would require that the rubble be bulldozed and covered up in order to make room for new real estate developments. Indeed, the process of bulldozing and flattening the rubble has already begun.
Can you imagine? The bodies of thousands of Palestinians that are still under the rubble could be buried forever, with no one ever knowing who they were, and survivors never knowing where their loved ones are buried. Luxery condos would be built over mass graves. The rich and powerful aim to build their Mediterranean playground on the back of Palestinian suffering.
It's unclear what mechanisms there are to resist the Trump administration's plans for "new Gaza," especially since it has the backing of a UN resolution. But it is clear that we cannot let this moment pass without at the very least bearing witness to the monstrous injustice that is being perpetrated. As always, this is not the time to turn away.
Recently, I received an email from my very conservative senator with a poll, asking his constituents if they support Israel. I was all too happy to let this senator, who is a stauch supporter of Israel, that I did not. To me, this is further evidence of cracks in the pillars of US support for Israel. We need to exploit those cracks, make them wider and wider until the pillars themselves collapse. If we can do that, maybe we can begin to force change. To be sure, there is a long way to go, and it may feel impossible right now, but as the popular proverb says, sometimes, the impossible will take a little while. Not to mention, our faith tells us that with God, even the impossible can become reality.
So, do not give up hope. As Palestinians will often tell us, they do not have the luxury of despair, therefore, to be in solidarity with them means we must hold onto hope as well. Keep fighting the good fight. Keep speaking out. Keep working for collective liberation. And keep all eyes on Palestine.
Rev. Sara Ofner-Seals
UCC MPS Steering Committee Co-chair
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