I’ve had to take a pause from writing because the intensity of the genocide taking place in the middle east is leaving many of us speechless. For all observers around the world, for those in the humanitarian world, for human rights lawyers and activists, and for those living within a few 100 kilometers from the site of this latest and most brutal calamity still, it is a watershed era. I thought that by the time I could verbalize again all that has been brewing, some perspective would have taken shape, but this is not the case – paralysis pursues as we bear witness to such barbarity currently at its fourth month. 

What is the difference, the contrarian amongst us asks, of this genocide compared to the multiple others past and present in the world? Well, it is one where those who pretend to be custodians of democracy and human rights deny it exists. It is one where Western states’ hate for a specific race and religion has been so violently and absurdly exposed it is not even worth analyzing. It is one where savage colonial oppressors insist that they are the innocent and oppressed. It is one where the duplicity and intellectual deformity of the pretty and popular have been revoltingly spelt out. It is one where the immoral venality of neighboring kingdoms is rancidly amplified. 

It is also one which triggered an awakening in our collective consciousness. The world can no longer unsee what it is seeing, in real time and in the palm of their hands. The undeniable feeling that the truth is finally being revealed is cementing in global discourse. Millions of people from every race, tribe, religion and color are taking to the streets, naming the hypocrisy of current power structures. For the many public figures that have been disappointing and repulsive to see, there has been a plethora of thought leaders, academic experts, special rapporteurs, international diplomats and lawyers who stayed committed to truth, justice and accountability. We can never repay or honour enough the lost lives of those who stood in the line of fire for a greater good and a cause outside themselves – the hundreds of aid workers and journalists killed by occupying forces. No matter the political failures of international humanitarian organizations, there are many who are using their experience, wisdom and expertise in defining the current catastrophe as it is and calling for action. And if we are willing to respectfully acknowledge their voice when they speak of violations taking place in the global south, then ask ourselves if its our dishonesty that stops us from acknowledging their despair with the genocide taking place today.