Annexation of Palestine

Countries across the globe are condemning Israel for their plan on annexing Palestine on July 1st, but will the thousands of signatures and global outrage be enough to put a stop to their plan? World powers such as the United Kingdom and France express their discontent with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. His election campaign was focused on the annexation of Palestinian territory, specifically the West Bank, and he is devising to fulfill his promise on behalf of his right-wing supporters. By forcefully extending Israel's territory, their illegal occupation of Palestine will leave thousands without refuge.

Israel was created shortly after World War II as a haven for the Jewish where they took territories of neighboring Arab countries. When the Palestinians fought back, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) ultimately left places like the West Bank and Gaza in turmoil. The Oslo Peace Treaty was created in hopes of bringing mutual understanding to both Israel and Palestine but as their issues piled up, they have not been able to make border agreements. Israel has a GDP (Global Domestic Product) surpassing $245 Billion and having support from the United States, they had the necessary means to gradually consume Palestinian land. To this day, they have violated various human rights sanctions put into place to protect Palestine. Although powerful world leaders turn a blind eye, Palestinian voices are heard and continue to be amplified by activists around the world.

Students for Justice in Palestine, SJP, is an organization aiming to give Palestine a platform while educating individuals of all ages on what is happening behind the scenes. What the media does not depict is how lethal Israel is towards Palestinians, hence why families back home communicate with their relatives to inform them of the nightmare they experience while they are awake.

Countries like America benefit from Israel expanding their empire, at the end of the day the only reason why world leaders stay silent is that they are economically benefiting from Netanyahu's expansion. Romanticizing presidents like Barack Obama is part of the problem, by illustrating leaders as charismatic and relatable, everything they do behind closed doors stays behind closed doors. The most Israel has faced is a slap on its wrist but as long as they extend deals, they will face no consequences. Innocent civilians have been killed in cold blood by the IDF, properties have been stolen, and what is supposed to be sacred land for both Islam and Judaism has now turned into a symbol of power for Israel.

But how far is Netanyahu willing to go to further Israel's status and agenda? When Israel invades West Bank and Jordan Valley on July 1st, they will disregard international law despite the United Nation's attempt to put their plan to a halt. Potentially over 300,000 Palestinians will be exposed to displacement and ruthless IDF soldiers, as Israel will take control of the majority of natural resources, food, and property. By denying Palestinians equal rights and citizenship, every peace treaty will be off the table.

Despite Israel's despicable locus, there are ways YOU can help. Keep sharing information on the Annexation of Palestine, donate, and sign petitions. But most of all, discuss ways you can help by contacting your SJP chapter, your respective educational institution will lead you to more resources. If you are unable to get a hold of a specific SJP chapter, contact Loyola University Chicago's SJP and they will assist you.