By Arun Arokianathan
The Gaza war enters its third year next month. Over 65,000 people are dead. Major Western nations—France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia—have joined over 150 countries recognizing Palestine’s independence. Yet there is no independence. Palestine faces annihilation under Israel’s onslaught, backed by the United States.
Last Friday at the UN, diplomats walked out when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rose to speak. The empty chairs represented Israel’s diplomatic isolation. Netanyahu’s defiance stems from US President Donald Trump’s unwavering support, now seven months into his second term.
The Sri Lankan Echo
A UN panel estimated over 40,000 civilian deaths. Bishop Rayappu Joseph of Mannar suggested the count was higher. The UN panel found Sri Lanka committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. Tamil groups claimed genocide.
Sixteen years later: no meaningful action against Sri Lankan leaders. Only symbolic travel bans.
If Sri Lanka escaped accountability, why would Israel fear consequences?
Photograph: A scene of devastation in Mullivaikkal pictured days after the Sri Lankan military had overrun the area.
Recognition Without Enforcement
Palestine has recognition from 157 of 193 UN member states—81% including four of five Security Council permanent members. Only the US opposes.
Recognition offers no material protection to civilians under bombardment.
Trump’s Role
Trump’s administration proposed a 21-point Gaza peace plan demanding Palestinian disarmament and “de-radicalization” for vague statehood promises. Trump claims negotiations are “very close” while Netanyahu continues military operations to dismantle Hamas.
Trump’s unconditional support enables Netanyahu to ignore international law.
Current Reality
Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 59 people across Gaza on Friday, health officials reported. In Nuseirat refugee camp, nine family members died in a house strike, followed by 15 more deaths including women and children. Five others were killed when strikes hit a displacement tent. International pressure for a ceasefire grows, but Netanyahu remained defiant during his UN address Friday afternoon.
Legal Findings
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry determined Israel committed genocide in Gaza, citing Israeli leaders’ statements and actions as evidence of genocidal intent. The report names officials and urges arms transfer halts.
The International Court of Justice issued provisional measures requiring Israel to allow humanitarian aid and prevent genocide acts.
Both have been ignored.
The Precedent
Sri Lanka’s escape from accountability created a template: commit mass atrocities with impunity if you have geopolitical backing. Gaza lives with these consequences.
The cycle repeats: Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Syria, Sri Lanka, Gaza. Mass violence, international condemnation, legal documentation, brief pressure, then attention shifts. Perpetrators remain unpunished.
The System’s Failure
International law without enforcement is theater. When legal orders can be ignored without consequence, law becomes meaningless.
The current approach—diplomatic protests plus continued Israeli military support—is moral posturing without practical consequence.
What Would Work
Concrete intervention requires: US conditioning military aid on international law compliance, European economic sanctions, ICC arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
None are politically feasible.
The Reality
As the war approaches year three, the dynamic remains: unlimited American support enables unlimited Israeli action regardless of international opinion.
Sri Lanka’s precedent suggests Gaza’s tragedy will fade from headlines while perpetrators escape accountability. The international system excels at documentation but fails at prevention.
Recognition of Palestinian statehood represents the ceiling of current diplomatic architecture, not the floor.
Gaza deserves concrete protection and accountability. Whether it receives either will determine international law’s credibility.
The question is not whether we will witness more Gaza-like situations—we will. The question is whether we will continue responding with moral outrage and practical impotence.
Based on current evidence: yes.