World history has its turning points that change everything. Right now, we're living through one such moment. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, described by Israeli scholar Raz Segal as a \"textbook genocide,\" is affecting nearly 2 million Palestinians. This isn't just a regional issue—it's causing a global divide, splitting humanity in profound ways.
Since the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, there's been a global consensus that genocide is never justified. But today, we're seeing a stark split: on one side, those who steadfastly oppose genocide, and on the other, those who quietly support or ignore it.
While the Gaza situation is still overshadowed by historic genocides like the Holocaust and Rwanda, it's unprecedented in another way. For the first time, so many people are witnessing a genocide in real-time. Israeli leadership's rhetoric and the sharing of distressing videos by soldiers make Gaza impossible to ignore—not just for the victims, but for all of us watching.
To move beyond feelings of helplessness and understand the global changes happening, we need to ask two key questions: What defines the groups opposing and condoning genocide? And what does this divide mean for humanity's ability to peacefully coexist in our diverse, multipolar world?
This global split isn't just between countries; it's happening within them too. Many Western governments are backing Israel with military and diplomatic support, often overlooking urgent calls from the UN's International Court of Justice about the need to protect Palestinians. Meanwhile, outside the Western sphere, countries like Brazil, China, Russia, and Türkiye are voicing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Even groups like the Houthis in Yemen are pushing for a ceasefire.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it's crucial to seek common ground and stand against atrocities no matter where they occur. Only then can we hope to bridge the divides and build a more just and peaceful world.
