In the wake of the full-scale assault on the Gaza Strip by the Israeli army, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as airstrikes relentlessly target the Palestinian population. The conflict, deemed a war between Israel and Hamas, was triggered by an assault on Israeli soldiers and civilians by the military wing of Hamas. In response, Israel declared its intention to eliminate the group, resulting in widespread devastation and displacement in Gaza.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza and the United Nations, over 8,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, with a staggering 40% of them being children. The number of displaced residents now exceeds half of the population. Furthermore, thousands of Palestinians have been reported missing, raising concerns about their well-being and the conditions they may be subjected to in detention.

In addition to its assault on Gaza, Israel has also engaged in violent invasions of Palestinian towns and refugee camps in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 individuals. These actions have prompted international condemnation and calls for urgent action to address the escalating crisis.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, a parallel battle is taking place on social media platforms, with volunteers and professional pundits seeking to shape public opinion on the crisis. However, much of the discourse has been marred by insensitivity and the trivialization of Palestinian suffering. Some posts make light of the loss of Palestinian lives, while others glamourize the Israeli Defense Forces. Such content has sparked outrage and a renewed focus on the need for responsible and balanced reporting.

Two main narratives have emerged among Israel's apologists - one that portrays Israel as the victim without considering the broader context of its actions, and another that seeks to present Hamas and Israel as equals in a tragic cycle of violence. The latter narrative poses a challenge to pro-Palestinian messaging and impedes the condemnation of Israel's actions.

Notable figures and officials, particularly from the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, have overtly embraced the narrative that frames Israel as the victim, ignoring its systematic expansion and disregard for international law. This unwavering support has hampered efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

However, there have been recent statements from leaders acknowledging the need for peace and humanitarian aid. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the crimes committed by Hamas but emphasized the pain experienced by both sides. US President Joe Biden has committed to providing humanitarian assistance, while British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recognized the suffering of Palestinians. Notably, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the indiscriminate attacks.

Critics argue that focusing on condemning both parties equally detracts from the historical and contextual injustice endured by the Palestinians. The drastic power imbalance, with Israel possessing advanced weaponry and control over occupied territories, renders the equivalence between the two sides implausible.

Protests against Israel's actions have erupted worldwide, from Sanaa to Washington DC, with tens of thousands taking to the streets demanding an end to the violence. However, there is a pressing need to convince political leaders to assume a firm stance and take action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

As the crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, it is crucial for international attention and condemnation to be focused on the atrocities committed by the Israeli state alongside the actions of Hamas. Public opinion plays a pivotal role in holding Western powers accountable to intervene and prevent further loss of innocent lives in what has been described as an encroaching genocide of Palestinians.