War on truth                           Author Maleeha Lodhi

Israel’s brutal campaign in Gaza has not only unleashed widespread destruction but also turned into a war on truth. The deliberate targeting of journalists, including the killing of Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif, speaks volumes about Israel’s intent to silence voices that shed light on its war crimes and man-made famine. With 242 journalists killed in two years, the UN has called it the deadliest conflict for the press in history. Yet, despite bans on international media, local reporters have made this genocide one of the most documented in modern times. Israel justifies its acts by labelling journalists as militants, a ploy exposed by credible sources, while international outrage from the UN, human rights bodies and worldwide protests paints Israel into a corner. But US backing keeps Tel Aviv’s hands untied, enabling it to bulldoze international law while the cries of starving children echo louder than ever across screens worldwide.

At the political front, Netanyahu has doubled down on his plan to seize Gaza City, a move denounced globally but greenlit by Washington. The tide of Western opinion is shifting, with European nations and Australia moving towards recognition of a Palestinian state—147 UN members already acknowledge Palestine. Still, the US stance, hardened under Trump, blocks consensus and emboldens Israel’s expansionist dream of “Greater Israel.” Even the talk of a ceasefire has proven hollow as American military, diplomatic, and financial support flows steadily to Tel Aviv. The irony is stark that Israel stands globally isolated yet invincible because of unwavering US cover. The article shows not only the destruction of Gaza but also the collapse of moral responsibility on the world stage, where outrage remains high but meaningful pressure is absent.

Overview:

The article highlights Israel’s systematic war on truth by targeting journalists, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the global divide over recognition of Palestine. It underscores the complicity of US policy, which enables Israel to continue defying international law and carrying out its genocidal war.

NOTES:

The article portrays Israel’s war in Gaza as both a military and an information Assault, where deliberate targeting of journalists, including the killing of Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif reflects a broader attempt to silence reporting on atrocities and famine. With 242 journalists killed in two years, the UN has called it the deadliest conflict for the press, yet local reporters have made this one of the most documented genocides in history. Despite global outrage and condemnation by the UN, human rights organisations, and widespread protests, Israel continues with impunity, shielded by unwavering US support. Netanyahu’s plan to capture Gaza City has been condemned worldwide, yet Washington’s backing emboldens Israel while 147 UN member states already recognise Palestine and more Western nations are moving towards recognition. Still, American policy under Trump blocks consensus, supports Israel’s vision of “Greater Israel,” and weakens global accountability. The article highlights how humanitarian catastrophe, famine, and war crimes have turned Gaza into a symbol of moral failure at the international level.

Related CSS Syllabus/Subjects:

• Current Affairs: Global conflicts, humanitarian crises, US foreign policy.
• International Relations: Role of UN, Security Council, multipolar diplomacy.
• Political Science: State sovereignty vs humanitarian intervention.
• Pakistan Affairs: Pakistan’s diplomatic stance on Palestine.
• Essay Paper: Topics on war crimes, international law, global silence, and recognition of Palestine.

Notes for Beginners:

This article explains that Israel is not only attacking Gaza militarily but also trying to stop the world from knowing the truth by targeting journalists. In just two years, 242 reporters have been killed including well-known figures like Anas al-Sharif, making this the deadliest conflict for journalists. Even though global organisations and the UN call this a war crime, Israel keeps acting freely because it has strong support from the United States. Many countries, including 147 UN members, already recognise Palestine as a state, and more are now moving in that direction due to the humanitarian crisis and famine in Gaza. However, the US stands firmly with Israel, which allows it to ignore global pressure. In short, the article shows that while the world condemns what is happening, little real action has been taken to stop the suffering of Palestinians.

Facts and Figures:

• 242 journalists killed in Gaza in two years (UN report).
• 4 Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas al-Sharif, killed in one attack.
• 147 of 193 UN member states recognise Palestine.
• Over 1,400 Palestinians killed while seeking food at Israeli-controlled aid points.

To sum up, the article is a indictment of Israel’s war on both people and truth, exposing the silence of global powers and the complicity of the US. It shows how Gaza has become not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a test of international morality, where outrage is abundant but effective action remains absent.

Difficult Words with Meanings:

• Onslaught: Fierce attack (Synonyms: assault, offensive; Antonyms: defense, retreat)
• Genocidal: Relating to the mass killing of a people (Syn: extermination; Ant: protection)
• Impunity: Exemption from punishment (Syn: immunity; Ant: liability)
• Disingenuous: Lacking sincerity (Syn: deceitful; Ant: honest)
• Extrajudicial: Outside legal authority (Syn: unlawful; Ant: lawful)
• Calamity: Great disaster (Syn: catastrophe; Ant: blessing)