Don't let Gaza become just another open wound in the Arab world

Abruptly, the world remembered Syria when a devastating earthquake struck its northwest in February.  However, despite numerous communications, appeals, aid efforts, and diplomatic measures, the underlying issues persist, swiftly fading from the world's collective memory, leaving Syria grappling with its deep-seated wounds, enduring suffering, ongoing occupations, and persistent afflictions.

In Libya, two regions are delineated by boundaries: oil wells and water dams. Likewise, it was thrust into the global spotlight following the inundation caused by the Derna flood last September. Yet this calamity only reminded the world of another catastrophe.

The two warring parties exchanged blame for what happened. Both the government in Tripoli and the army in Benghazi swiftly asserted their innocence concerning the flood's casualties. A post-Gaddafi Libya, which transformed over a decade ago, now finds itself immobilised in the wake of the flood despite sitting atop considerable wealth.

Similarly, in Iraq, the post-Saddam era witnessed a shocking tragedy when the populace awoke to the September wedding disaster that tragically transformed into a funeral. Limbs were strewn within a wedding hall. The fire engulfed the scene, prompting politicians to momentarily set aside their political disputes.

However, the respite was brief, as politicians swiftly resumed their routine disputes, exchanging accusations of corruption and negligence. The recurring cycle of disasters persists, with Iraq receding once again into oblivion, punctuated only by "national" squabbles among politicians, clashes, and air strikes between Iran-backed militias and US forces.

Poignant reminders

These disasters served as poignant reminders of other calamities. Instead of prompting a search for fundamental solutions to underlying crises, they often led to exchanges of accusations, evasion of responsibility, reliance on soothing sedatives, immersion in festering wounds, and dwelling within stark divisions.

It is imperative that we not let Gaza be forgotten. We must not become used to reports of casualties and displacement. Every crisis presents an opportunity, and each hardship is a call to action.

Consequently, there exists an urgent obligation for Palestinians and Arabs to take proactive measures rather than adopting a passive stance.

Initiatives should include pursuing a ceasefire, facilitating aid distribution, engaging in political dialogues, and formulating arrangements to address the conditions in both Gaza and the West Bank. Settling for mere "containment" agreements and understandings is inadequate — a more proactive approach is required.

The gravest option is for the shattered and wounded Gaza to slip back into the shadows of obscurity and blockade. The worst scenario is for its populace to become displaced, refugees, deceased, or mere statistics forgotten by the world.

It is imperative that Gaza not become an ordinary piece of news or be relegated to the roster of chronic and forgotten Arab crises.