300 Hours of Silence: Former Israeli Negotiator Demands Justice for Gaza’s Children
Former Israeli peace negotiator, Daniel Levy, recently addressed the UN Security Council with a poignant call for accountability. Levy urged global recognition of Gaza’s child casualties, equating their loss to a 300-hour silence.
Levy, a British-Israeli analyst and president of the U.S./Middle East Project, advised Israeli governments during Oslo Accords negotiations. A co-founder of J Street, he advocates Palestinian rights and criticizes Israel’s policies.
A Stark Tribute to Gaza’s Children
“A minute of silence for each of the Bibas children would be appropriate, as would a minute of silence for each of the more than 18,000 Palestinian children murdered in Israel’s devastation of Gaza. That silence would extend to over 300 hours,” he said, emphasizing that Gaza’s devastation stems from political failures, not unavoidable tragedy.
Moreover, Levy rebuked Israel’s claim to the “moral high ground,” accusing it of undermining international law. In addition, he voiced strong criticism against Israel’s actions aimed at undermining established international legal institutions, specifically mentioning the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). “Our task is to prevent further suffering,” Levy asserted, stressing codified rights, laws, and conventions must guide global responses, not emotional rhetoric.
Urging Global Solidarity
Levy’s appeal highlights urgent need for political solutions, demanding nations prioritize accountability, leveraging international institutions to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. His message resonates amid escalating regional tensions and stalled peace efforts.
By framing Gaza’s tragedy through silence, Levy challenges global complacency. His remarks underscore Saudi Arabia’s push for justice and adherence to international law in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.