An freshly coined term came to light several months after the start of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Referred to as WCNSF, it stands for “Child casualty without any family left”. This term is found only in Gaza, as stated by medical experts like child health specialists. Typically, it is uncommon for doctors to attend to a young patient who has been bereaved of their entire family. But, there has been no semblance of normality concerning the genocide in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been obliterated and the number of child amputees is greater than that of any other place in the world. Nothing normal about scores of doctors coming back from a sea of ruins with testimonies of children being deliberately targeted.
The Gaza Strip continues to be an utter catastrophe. Essential medical supplies are failing to reach those in need, and groups like Amnesty International contend that genocidal acts are ongoing. Officials disputes these claims, consistent with how it disavows each claim it is charged with. Yet as traumatised orphans are now enduring frigid conditions in temporary shelters, there is a piece of uplifting information: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision song contest from pursuing its declared purpose of “togetherness and cultural exchange.” Eurovision will continue to extend a welcoming platform for Israel, although at least four European countries have now pulled out in protest. Since this, apparently, is what global togetherness resembles.
The contest, notably excluded Russia from taking part in 2022 over the “serious conflict in Ukraine”. Yet the conflict in Gaza seems completely different.
Disregard the reality that Israel was accused of irregular participation methods last year in what seems to have been an attempt to politicise Eurovision. Set aside the news that a young child was reportedly killed in Gaza on a recent Sunday. Forget the fact that attacks by settlers and coerced removal in the West Bank have escalated. Overlook the situation that global media are still denied unfettered access in Gaza. This entire context, it would seem, should be permitted to obstruct of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.
The contest reaches its seventieth anniversary next year – roughly two times the current lifespan of a person in Gaza today. The event will proceed, but it will never be able to restore the camp joy it was formerly known for. A competition that once promoted harmony has devolved into a cynical way to provide a cultural veneer for conflict.
Elara is a passionate gamer and tech writer with years of experience covering industry trends and game analysis.
Timothy Haynes
Timothy Haynes
Timothy Haynes
Timothy Haynes