The Palestinian conflict has been one of the most complex and prolonged issues in modern history. The struggle of the Palestinian people to gain their independence and basic rights has never escaped the attention of the international community, especially Muslims. Nonetheless, their suffering seems unending, raising important questions for all of us: Are we still indifferent to them?
Understanding the long history of the Palestinian struggle and our responsibility as fellow human beings is the first step to realising the importance of our support and care for them.
History of the Palestinian Struggle: From the Beginning to the Present
The struggle of the Palestinian people dates back to the early 20th century when the region was under Ottoman rule and later became part of the British mandate after World War I. In 1947, the UN passed Resolution 181 which divided Palestine into two states, one for Jews and one for Arabs. However, this plan was not accepted by Arab countries, and conflict erupted after the creation of the state of Israel in 1948.
Since then, tensions between Palestinians and Israelis have continued to rise, characterised by major wars, such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the 1967 Six-Day War, and several intifadas. Each chapter of history recorded the suffering of the Palestinian people, including mass displacement, loss of life, and repeated human rights violations. To this day, Palestinian statehood remains an international dispute with millions of Palestinians living in a state of uncertainty.
Under prolonged occupation, Palestinians face a range of severe challenges, from an economic blockade that makes it difficult for them to fulfil basic living needs to movement restrictions that hinder their access to healthcare and education. In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, many Palestinians live in extremely difficult conditions, where access to clean water and electricity is often limited.
In addition, thousands of Palestinians, including children, have been detained or imprisoned for various reasons. Israel’s construction of illegal settlements in areas that should be part of the Palestinian state has further exacerbated the situation, reducing residential land and disrupting the livelihoods of our friends there.
Muslims’ Responsibility to Support Palestine
For Muslims, Palestine is of great historical and religious importance. The Al-Aqsa Mosque located in Jerusalem is one of the holiest places in Islam, being the first Qibla of Muslims before the Kaaba in Makkah. When we talk about Palestine, we are not only talking about political issues or borders, but also about protecting one of the holiest places in Islam.
Islam teaches us to always care for our fellow believers, especially those who are oppressed. The Prophet said, ‘Whoever does not care about the affairs of the Muslims is not one of them.’ (HR. Al-Hakim). This is a call for all of us to show solidarity and provide tangible support in various forms to ease the burden of our friends in Palestine.
The difficult living conditions and uncertain future require special attention from all of us. There are many ways we can support our friends in Palestine, both directly and indirectly. Here are some forms of support that are urgently needed:
- Food and Logistic Aid
Our friends in Palestine, especially those living in the Gaza Strip, often find it difficult to obtain food and other daily necessities. Food, clothing, and other basic necessities can help them survive in challenging conditions. - Medicines and Medical Equipment
With limited access to health facilities, the need for medicines and medical equipment is urgent. Deliveries of medical aid, such as medical devices, masks, and medicines, are urgently needed to save lives and help those injured by the conflict. - Education and Psychosocial Support
The prolonged conflict has deeply traumatised Palestinian children. Assistance in the form of educational programmes and psychosocial support can help them recover and build a better future. - Clean Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Many areas in Palestine are facing a clean water crisis and have damaged sanitation infrastructure. Supporting the construction of clean water infrastructure and sanitation facilities can prevent the spread of disease and improve their quality of life.
Why should we care?
Supporting the Palestinian cause is not only a matter of empathy and humanity, but also of justice. The blockade and violence experienced by our friends in Palestine is a form of human rights violation that should not go unpunished. When we care and act, we become part of the fight to end this suffering.
As part of the global community, our role in raising awareness and providing tangible aid can have a huge impact. Our support can make a real difference in the lives of people at the centre of this conflict. Moreover, our concern for Palestine also reflects our commitment to defending the values of humanity and justice taught in Islam.
The struggle of the Palestinian people is not an easy journey, and we must continue to remember that every form of support, no matter how small, can give hope and strength to those who suffer. Given the long history of this conflict, it is our responsibility to continue to fight injustice and ensure that the rights of our friends in Palestine are recognised and respected.
Dompet Dhuafa invites you to be part of this struggle by donating humanitarian aid to our friends in Palestine. The assistance you provide will be used to provide logistics, food, medicine, clean water, and various other needs. Every donation that you make will be channeled directly to ease the burden of friends who are struggling in the midst of limitations. Let us together show that we are not indifferent to their suffering.
