Things could be worse. Things could be better. Some thoughts on Holocaust Memorial Day.

Today seems to be an ‘it could be worse” day. Out and about, at least three of the people I spoke to commented on how grey the day is and then went on to say, “Still, it could be worse; at least it’s not raining” or “Thank goodness that cold wind has stopped”. Yes, it could be worse. And from time to time the sun even tries to come out!

As the ICJ has not ordered an immediate ceasefire, I suppose Israel might also be feeling that things could be worse, but they are still complaining that they are being unfairly criticised for exercising their right to defend themselves. 

A lot of people, however, feel that things could be better. 

Zarah Sultana has written to the Prime Minister reiterating her demand that he and his government should support the call for a ceasefire. After all, as she points out in her letter, the only way for Israel to prevent the death of innocent civilians is to stop dropping bombs on them. 

Meanwhile, things like this are going on: 

“Italy has decided to suspend financing of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says.

The decision follows allegations that some UNRWA workers were involved in the October 7 attacks in Israel carried out by Hamas, though Tajani made no direct reference to those suspicions.

“The Italian government has suspended financing of the UNRWA after the atrocious attack on Israel on October 7,” Tajani posts on social media platform X, adding that some of Italy’s allies had already taken the same decision.”

Just as not ALL Palestinians are Hamas, and not ALL Israelis want Palestine to disappear, so not ALL UNRWA workers were involved in the events of October 10th.

 

And there is this, posted by a German friend:

“Suspending financial support to UNRWA (as so far announced by the US, Australia, Canada and Italy) is *absolutely disgusting*! SHAME ON YOU! (And I wouldn't be surprised if Germany joined them, too, but maybe, they will be a bit more "cautious" after yesterday's ICJ interim ruling?)

"Suspending support for UNRWA involves 'great political and humanitarian relief risks', says senior Palestinian offical

The decision by some countries to cease support for the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) entails great political and relief risks, Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) said on Saturday, reports Reuters.

In a post on X, al-Sheikh wrote:

We call on the countries that announced the cessation of their support for #UNRWA to immediately reverse their decision, which entails great political and humanitarian relief risks, as at this particular time and in light of the continuing aggression against the Palestinian people, we need the maximum support for this international organization and not stopping support and assistance to it.””

And this:

“A German lady, waiting outside The Hague in the Netherlands, expressed her shame regarding her government's stance on Israel's war on Gaza. 'We do not all believe what our government is telling the world,' she said, expressing hope for change in Palestine after 70 years.”

Although the interim ruling by the ICJ (urging Israel to refrain from impeding aid delivery into Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation. The ICJ also ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide in the besieged enclave and to punish incitement to genocide) has come promptly, it seems that it will take years before any decision is made about whether or not current events amount to genocide. The wheels of justice turn slowly. 

And today, by the way, is Holocaust Memorial Day. 

Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!