# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Forlorn Gaza — the world's shame" by Abbas Nasir, Published in Dawn on June 7th, 2025:* The article examines the ongoing *Gaza crisis*, highlighting how exactly *one month* before *US Independence Day*, the *US representative* to the *UN Security Council* vetoed a resolution demanding an *immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza*. The resolution, which received *14 votes in favor* with only the *US* voting against, also called for the *immediate release of all hostages* held by *Hamas* and the *unconditional lifting of restrictions* on *humanitarian aid* in *Gaza*. Coordinating with the veto, *US Secretary of State Marco Rubio* announced *sanctions* against *four judges* of the *International Court of Justice* for issuing *arrest warrants* against *Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu*, having previously sanctioned the *ICJ prosecutor* for the same reason. The *International Committee of the Red Cross* head, *Mirjana Spoljaric*, described *Gaza* as *"worse than hell on earth"* and stated that *"humanity is failing"* as it witnesses the horrors. The article argues that *Israel*'s policy, backed by *US-led Western allies* and *Arab governments*' acquiescence, aims at the *ethnic cleansing of Gaza*, with *Israeli coalition leaders* explicitly stating their *military objectives*. The *systematic destruction* of infrastructure supporting human life is nearly complete, with *water*, *power*, *homes*, *schools*, *universities*, and *hospitals* bombed to rubble. Of *Gaza*'s hospitals, only *two remain functioning*, while the *UN* reports rising *malnourished children* due to *Israel*'s *food blockade*. *Israel* has established its own *food distribution points* where dozens of starving *Palestinians*, including women, have been killed by *Israeli tank-mounted machinegun fire*. *UK Conservative MP Kit Malthouse* defied his party's *pro-Israel policy*, describing *Gaza* as *"an abattoir where starving people are lured out through combat zones to be shot at"* and exposing *Western hypocrisy*. The article reveals that *Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu* confirmed arming the *Abu Shabab clan*, led by former *ISIS commander Yasser Abu Shahab*, who is allegedly an *Israeli intelligence asset*. This group of about *300 men*, officially tasked to *"protect food trucks"*, is actually *commandeering trucks* and *looting vital food supplies* from starving *Palestinians*. The *one-sided ethnic cleansing* is facilitated by the *US* and envoy *Steve Witkoff*, who has been accused of being *economical with the truth* after agreeing with *Hamas* and then reneging on promises. However, *European public opinion* is shifting, reflected in more robust questioning of *Israeli Hasbara spin doctors* in media, who are outraged by basic journalistic questions after having a *free pass* since *October 2023*. A recent *YouGov poll* across *Europe* showed *Israel* viewed most unfavorably since polling began in *2016*, with *Gaza actions* seen as *disproportionate and unjustified*. Despite this, *European leaders* only express unease in words without concrete measures like *arms embargos*. *President Trump* believes his *Gaza Riviera plan* is on course for *Palestinian displacement*, while *Arab leaders* opened their *cheque books* for the *US president* but applied little pressure to end the *genocide*. The article notes that Pakistan's *resource-starved government* co-sponsored the vetoed *UN resolution*, but its *powerful elite* queued for hours to celebrate *US Independence Day* inexplicably on *June 4*, a month early. The article concludes that *ethnic cleansing* in *Gaza* and the *West Bank* will continue, as the *collective conscience* of global people cannot stop it alone. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: The *US* vetoed a *UN ceasefire resolution* for *Gaza* (14 votes in favor, 1 against) and sanctioned *ICJ judges* for *Netanyahu arrest warrants*. The *Red Cross* calls *Gaza* *"worse than hell on earth"* with only *two hospitals* functioning. *Israel*'s *systematic destruction* aims at *ethnic cleansing*, using *food blockades* and arming *ISIS-linked groups* to *loot aid*. *European public opinion* shifts against *Israel*, but leaders only offer words, not action. *Arab governments* prioritize *US relations* over *Palestinian lives*, while *ethnic cleansing* continues in *Gaza* and the *West Bank*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Enforce International Law* Implement *ICJ arrest warrants* and hold *war criminals* accountable regardless of *US protection*. ## *2. Break US Veto Power* Reform *UN Security Council* to prevent single-country vetoes on *humanitarian resolutions*. ## *3. Implement Arms Embargo* *European nations* should impose comprehensive *arms embargos* on *Israel* immediately. ## *4. Humanitarian Corridors* Establish *UN-protected corridors* for *food*, *medical supplies*, and *civilian evacuation*. ## *5. International Protection Force* Deploy *UN peacekeeping forces* to protect *Palestinian civilians* from *systematic targeting*. ## *6. Economic Sanctions* Impose *targeted sanctions* on *Israeli officials* and *companies* involved in *ethnic cleansing*. ## *7. Media Accountability* Challenge *Israeli propaganda* and ensure balanced reporting of *Gaza atrocities*. ## *8. Arab Leadership Action* *Arab governments* must prioritize *Palestinian solidarity* over *US economic relations*. ## *9. Global Boycott Movement* Strengthen *BDS movement* to pressure *Israel* economically and diplomatically. ## *10. Rebuild Gaza Infrastructure* Plan massive *reconstruction efforts* for *hospitals*, *schools*, and *water systems*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *US* vetoed *UN ceasefire resolution* exactly *one month* before *US Independence Day*. - Resolution received *14 votes in favor*, only *US* voted against. - *US* sanctioned *four ICJ judges* for *Netanyahu arrest warrants*. - Only *two hospitals* remain functioning in *Gaza*. - *Abu Shabab clan* comprises about *300 men* armed by *Israel*. - *Yasser Abu Shahab* is former *ISIS commander* and alleged *Israeli intelligence asset*. - *YouGov poll* shows *Israel* most unfavorably viewed since *2016*. - *Pakistani elite* celebrated *US Independence Day* on *June 4* instead of *July 4*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Gaza* has approximately *2.3 million* inhabitants (*UN*, 2024). - Over *45,000 Palestinians* killed since *October 2023* (*Gaza Health Ministry*, 2024). - *90%* of *Gaza*'s population displaced multiple times (*UNRWA*, 2024). - *Israel* receives *$3.8 billion* annually in *US military aid* (*Congressional Research Service*, 2024). - *500,000 tons* of bombs dropped on *Gaza* (*Euro-Med Monitor*, 2024). - *70%* of *Gaza*'s buildings damaged or destroyed (*UN Satellite Centre*, 2024). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *How many votes did the UN ceasefire resolution receive in favor?* A. 12 *B. 14* C. 15 D. 13 ### 2. *How many judges did the US sanction from the International Court of Justice?* A. Three *B. Four* C. Five D. Six ### 3. *How many hospitals remain functioning in Gaza according to the article?* A. One *B. Two* C. Three D. Four ### 4. *Who leads the Abu Shabab clan mentioned in the article?* A. Abu Mazen *B. Yasser Abu Shahab* C. Mohammad Dahlan D. Khalil al-Hayya ### 5. *Since when has Israel been viewed most unfavorably according to YouGov poll?* A. 2014 *B. 2016* C. 2018 D. 2020 # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Veto* (ویٹو) – Right to reject or prohibit a decision 2. *Ceasefire* (جنگ بندی) – Temporary stopping of fighting 3. *Humanitarian* (انسان دوستانہ) – Concerned with human welfare 4. *Sanctions* (پابندیاں) – Penalties imposed to force compliance 5. *Ethnic cleansing* (نسلی صفائی) – Systematic removal of ethnic groups 6. *Infrastructure* (بنیادی ڈھانچہ) – Basic physical systems of a place 7. *Malnourished* (غذائی کمی) – Suffering from lack of proper nutrition 8. *Blockade* (ناکہ بندی) – Act of sealing off a place 9. *Abattoir* (ذبح خانہ) – Slaughterhouse 10. *Hypocrisy* (منافقت) – Practice of claiming moral standards one doesn't follow 11. *Commandeering* (قبضہ کرنا) – Taking possession forcibly 12. *Looting* (لوٹ مار) – Stealing during war or riot 13. *Hasbara* (ہسبارہ) – Israeli public diplomacy efforts 14. *Disproportionate* (غیر متناسب) – Too large or too small in comparison 15. *Displacement* (بے گھری) – Forced movement from home 16. *Genocide* (نسل کشی) – Deliberate killing of ethnic groups 17. *Acquiescence* (خاموش رضامندی) – Acceptance without protest 18. *Unequivocal* (واضح) – Leaving no doubt 19. *Rubble* (ملبہ) – Broken pieces of stone or brick 20. *Collective conscience* (اجتماعی ضمیر) – Shared moral awareness of group 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *Forlorn Gaza — the world's shame* *Abbas Nasir* *6–8 minutes* EXACTLY a month ahead of her country's independence day, the US representative to the UN Security Council was vetoing a resolution demanding, "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza" to be respected by all parties, and the "immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups". The draft resolution vetoed by the solitary US vote received 14 in favour. It also called for the "immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling for safe and unhindered access for UN and humanitarian partners across the enclave", said a UN release. In what appeared to be a move coordinated with the veto, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the US was sanctioning four judges of the International Court of Justice for 'targeting' with arrest warrants Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier, the US had sanctioned the ICJ prosecutor for the same 'crime'. These US actions came as the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, described Gaza as "worse than hell on earth". In an interview to the BBC at the ICRC Headquarters in Geneva, she said "humanity is failing" as it watched the horrors of the Gaza war. The systematic destruction of any and all infrastructure that supports human life is near complete. Israel's policy, backed by its US-led Western allies and the acquiescence of the regional Arab governments, has always been aimed at the ethnic cleansing of Gaza, and its governing coalition leaders have been unequivocal in explicitly stating their military objectives. The systematic destruction of any and all infrastructure that supports human life is near complete, with water, power, homes, schools, universities and even hospitals bombed to rubble. Of the number of functioning hospitals in Gaza, only two remain. The UN has called for the protection of these last two hospitals, particularly providing emergency services to the Strip, which is being bombed and hit by missiles daily, causing dozens of casualties, young and old. The UN also says the percentage of malnourished children is rising by the day. This malnourishment is due to the Israeli food blockade on Gaza. Israel has brushed aside all aid organisations' protestations to introduce its own 'food distribution' points, where dozens of starving Palestinians, including women, have been killed by Israeli tank-mounted machinegun fire. The Conservative member of the UK parliament, Kit Malthouse, defied his party's pro-Israel policy to offer the most apt description of what is happening. Speaking in the Commons, he said Gaza has become "an abattoir where starving people are lured out through combat zones to be shot at". "If the situation were reversed, we would now be mobilising the British armed forces as part of an international protection force," Mr Malthouse said, exposing Western hypocrisy and his own government's inaction. Adding another twist to the food crisis in Gaza is the Israeli prime minister's confirmation — after Israeli defence sources had earlier told local journalists that accusations made by the opposition politician Avigdor Lieberman were correct — about the arming of a group that many believe comprises criminals. Mr Lieberman, according to the BBC, told the state broadcaster that the prime minister had unilaterally approved the arming of the Abu Shabab clan and transferred weapons to it. "The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with the Islamic State group." Sources in the know say the group is led by Yasser Abu Shahab, who was an IS commander, and is an Israeli intelligence asset. His band of about 300 men, according to the Israeli Occupation Forces, has been armed to "protect food trucks" trickling into Gaza. But sources on the ground say the group is doing the opposite in commandeering the trucks and looting the vital food supplies for the malnourished, starving Palestinians. It is this one-sided ethnic-cleansing, being facilitated by the US and its envoy Steve Witkoff — who has been accused more than once of being economical with the truth after agreeing one thing with Hamas and then reneging on his promise and blaming the armed militant group — that may be impacting public opinion in Europe at least. The public opinion is shifting, which is also reflected in the robust questioning of the Israeli Hasbara spin doctors in the media. These advocates for the Israeli cause are outraged even by some basic questions a few journalists are beginning to ask because they have had a free pass to spin their lies since October 2023. The European government leaders are beginning to express unease, only in words and not deeds, in calling the Gaza situation intolerable and unacceptable but stopping well short of any concrete measures such as an arms embargo. This rhetoric too is driven by the changing public mood reflected in a recent YouGov poll across Europe. The poll showed Israel as being viewed most unfavourably since they started polling on this issue in 2016. And Israel's actions in Gaza are seen as disproportionate and unjustified. Even then, President Trump is likely to be convinced his Gaza Riviera plan is on course and in the end the Palestinians will be displaced. With few friends in the Arab world, whose leaders generously opened up their cheque books for the US president and applied little, if any, pressure to secure an end to the genocide, the Palestinians seem to be on their own. The (resource-starved) government of the ummah's most potent military power may have co-sponsored the vetoed UN resolution, but its powerful elite queued up at the embassy gate for hours to be able to have the honour of celebrating US Independence Day inexplicably on June 4, a month earlier than July 4. The ethnic cleansing in Gaza and, don't forget, the West Bank will continue. The collective conscience of the people around the globe will not be able to stop it on its own. This is the world we inhabit. The writer is a former editor of Dawn. [email protected] Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2025