MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANTUL – More than a year has passed since Israel launched its devastating attack on Gaza on October 7, 2023. The toll on Palestine has been immense, with approximately 45,000 lives lost, over 100,000 people in need of medical care, and half of the infrastructure, including homes and schools, destroyed.
The director of the Witness Center for Citizens Rights and Social Development, Palestine, Kayed Al-Maery, emphasized that what’s happening in Palestine goes beyond a humanitarian crisis. It is part of Israel’s broader goal to alter the demographic and cultural landscape of the Palestinian population.
“The civilian death toll will significantly affect the population growth in Palestine. The destruction of infrastructure, especially in educational facilities, will further retard the development of the nation. Palestine will need at least 20 years to rebuild its education system capable of properly educating its people. This disruption in education is what alters the demographic structure, impacting life expectancy and the quality of education in the country,” said Kayed in a public lecture at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on December 13.
The population ratio between Palestinians and Israelis is currently nearly equal. Kayed stressed that Israel aims to change this balance by increasing the number of Israelis, which he describes as part of a genocide against the Palestinian people. He explained that this is part of a broader strategy that includes diplomatic efforts to modify peace agreements with Arab countries such as Jordan, while also bolstering its military presence in the region and normalizing relations with Islamic countries.
Despite these challenges, Kayed pointed out that Palestinians are not intimidated. Their belief in their legal right to the land continues to drive their resistance against Israel and the United States.
Meanwhile, a member of the Muhammadiyah Department of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Yasmi Adriansyah addressed the international response to the crisis in Gaza and Palestine, as well as the role of global organizations in working toward peace. He mentioned that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been a vocal supporter of Palestine since its founding.
“Indeed, the OIC was established in response to the fire at Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1969. Since then, the OIC has shown unwavering support for Palestine,”stated Dr. Yasmi.
Dr. Yasmi noted that while the OIC plays an important role, its influence is not as strong as that of the United Nations. He explained that the UN Security Council holds greater authority, particularly when it comes to peacekeeping missions, because of its military capabilities. However, the OIC continues to play a crucial role in shaping political decisions and providing humanitarian aid to Palestine.
