No protest against Hamas is unfair because they caused the situation in Gaza. It's understandable why people feel that a lack of protest specifically targeting Hamas is unfair, given their role in initiating the October 7th attacks, which were a direct catalyst for the current devastating situation in Gaza. Many international observers and governments hold Hamas responsible for these actions and their consequences. The perspective that Hamas's tactics, including the killing and kidnapping of civilians, are acts of terrorism that provoked the Israeli invasion is a significant part of the discourse surrounding the conflict. From this viewpoint, accountability for the ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza should heavily focus on the group that triggered the immediate escalation. When considering why some protest movements focus more on Israel's actions, it's important to recall the multifaceted reasons discussed earlier: Focus on State Accountability: International law and activism often differentiate between state and non-state actors, with a particular emphasis on the responsibilities of recognized states in armed conflict, especially those with significantly greater military power and which receive support from the protestors' own governments. Scale and Nature of Response: Many protests are driven by the sheer scale of Palestinian casualties and the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from Israel's military operations. Protestors often focus on the party whose actions are currently causing widespread civilian suffering and destruction, irrespective of the initial provocation. Pre-existing Conditions: Some activists and observers point to the long-standing blockade of Gaza, the ongoing occupation, and the broader history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as crucial context. They argue that these conditions contributed to the desperation and radicalization that fueled Hamas's actions and that addressing the root causes is paramount. Influence and Complicity: Protestors in Western countries often feel a particular responsibility to scrutinize and challenge the actions of Israel because their own governments are often close allies of Israel, providing military aid and political support. They may believe they have more leverage to influence their own government's policies towards Israel than towards Hamas. Ultimately, the targets of protests often reflect a group's specific analysis of where the primary responsibility lies for the issues they are most concerned about, or where they believe their advocacy can be most effective. While you see the lack of focus on Hamas as unfair due to their direct role in instigating the current crisis, others may prioritize challenging the response to that instigation, particularly when it comes from a recognized state actor and results in widespread civilian impact. Both perspectives highlight different facets of a deeply complex and tragic conflict where accountability and the path to a just resolution are subjects of intense debate. By Jo Ikeji-Uju https://afriprime.net/pages/Anything