There's a place where time seems to stand still—but not in peace.

In Palestine, the people are experiencing trauma, loss, and a daily battle to survive.

Despite international headlines, temporary ceasefires, and promises of diplomatic resolutions, the people of Palestine—particularly in Gaza—continue to endure what feels like an unending war.

A Ceasefire in Name Only

Earlier this year, the world briefly exhaled as news of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced. For many, it felt like a glimmer of hope after months of relentless airstrikes, civilian casualties, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Families who had been displaced, orphaned, and battered by war held onto that hope.

But it didn't last.

In what was supposed to be a period of calm and rebuilding, Gaza remained under siege. Israeli forces continued their military presence, launched air raids, and expanded operations, citing the need to eliminate "remaining threats." The ceasefire was more of a rebranding—a pause on paper but not in practice. For the people living in Gaza, the difference was negligible. Bombs still fell. Children still died. Water and medical supplies remained scarce. The silence expected from a truce was replaced with the haunting sounds of drones and explosions.

Brief History

Though much of the global narrative focuses on events after October 2023, the conflict goes back several decades.

In 1947, after the displacement of Jewish people due to WWII, The UN General Assembly passed Resolution 181 - calling for the partition of the British-controlled Palestinian territories into two states, one Jewish (now Israel) and one Arab.

However, the perimeters of the two states changed drastically over time. With various conflicts and reactions to the Israeli occupation. Decades have gone by - more and more Palestinian land has been occupied and most notably, the death toll has risen.

‍

The Human Cost of Politics

The numbers alone are staggering—tens of thousands dead, a significant majority being women and children. Hundreds of thousands more are injured or missing.

Entire neighbourhoods are gone, leaving a once-vibrant community in ruins. Schools, hospitals, and mosques are not just collateral damage—they are targets. And in the face of such destruction, one has to ask: is this still about military defence, or has it crossed a much darker line?

International bodies are debating the definition of genocide, while on the ground, Palestinians are simply trying to stay alive.

What complicates the matter further is the disproportionate scale of force. Israel, with one of the most advanced military systems in the world, is using its power against a population with limited means of defence.

This imbalance is not just military—it's existential.

Gaza has been under blockade for years, its residents unable to move freely, trade openly, or even access basic services. It's not just a war zone; it's a prison being shelled from all sides.

The conflict that began in October 2023 has resulted in the displacement of approximately 1.7 million Gazans

‍

Global Silence and Selective Outrage

In a time when global movements stand up for social justice, many Palestinians feel abandoned. Governments that champion human rights in other regions often go quiet when it comes to Palestine. Sanctions, investigations, and peacekeeping that are quick to emerge in other conflicts are noticeably absent here.

There's also a chilling double standard in how civilian deaths are reported. When attacks happen in Western countries, it's called terrorism. But when entire Palestinian families are wiped out overnight, it's framed as a necessary military operation. That narrative—one that repeatedly diminishes Palestinian lives—only deepens the injustice.

‍

Accountability in International Systems

A lack of accountability is also a reason for this ongoing, decades-old apartheid regime. Institutions like the United Nations, the International Criminal Court and other humanitarian organisations are designed to monitor conflict, document violations and ensure justice is carried out

But when these bodies fail to act decisively, allowing bias to interfere with preventing humanitarian crisis - what does that say about these systems?

Political pressure has allowed for the Palestinian injustice to go on far too long. As auditors, we understand the importance of our role in governance. This breakdown in service is troubling - can we still call them into accountability?

‍

A Generation Lost—and Still Fighting

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the current crisis is the loss of an entire generation of children.

Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Those who survive are growing up with trauma as a constant companion. They've never known peace. Their childhoods are filled with rubble, fear, and the constant sound of war.

Yet, amidst this, the Palestinian spirit remains remarkably unbroken. Whether through protests, art, storytelling, or simple acts of survival, the people of Gaza resist erasure. There is power in that resilience—a quiet but unshakable refusal to disappear.

‍

What Comes Next?

That is the question the world keeps asking, but not answering. A true path to peace requires more than temporary ceasefires or emergency aid drops. It demands accountability, justice, and a recognition of the basic humanity of Palestinian lives. Political leaders must do more than issue carefully worded statements and take a stand.

The cycle of violence must be broken—not just for the sake of stability, but for the sake of morality. For the sake of

• The children who go to sleep unsure if they'll wake up. For the
• The mothers who dig through rubble with their bare hands. For the thousands of dreams buried in the dust.

This is not just a war. It is a humanitarian failure. And unless the global community confronts it with urgency, honesty, and empathy, it will continue to be one of the darkest stains on our generation's legacy.

At Accensis, we believe in integrity, transparency, and fairness—values that extend beyond the boardroom. The unfolding tragedy in Gaza challenges all of us to think critically about justice, accountability, and the role of global systems. While we may not be able to influence foreign policy, we can choose to remain informed, aware, and vocal in the face of injustice. For professionals in industries built on trust and oversight, silence can no longer be neutral.

‍