Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah is renowned for her compassion, unwavering commitment to justice, and defense of the weak and oppressed. She is renowned for her outstanding abilities and perceptive manner while interacting with people, including the Western community, and has made a significant contribution to the Palestinian cause, especially in the media. The world has been made aware of the pain endured by the Palestinian people in Gaza by the Queen of Humanity through her interviews.
Her Majesty Queen Rania was hosted by American journalist Joy Reid. Joy Reid asked Queen Rania a number of questions throughout the conversation. Her Majesty opened the interview by saying:
We were all really shocked by what we had seen over the previous seven months in the Arab world. Despite the horrifying events of October 7, there is no justification for this war. This isn't your typical war. Though all wars are brutal, this one... Despite having seen everything under the sun, humanitarian personnel claimed to have never seen anything like this. 1.7 million individuals were uprooted from their homes as a collective punishment, with many of them experiencing this more than once. the fact that women and children made up 70% of the 35,000 martyrs. To put things in perspective, during the course of these five months, more children were killed in this fight than in all previous four years of global conflicts combined. This is the highest death rate since the 1994 Rwandan genocide; no child has ever died at this rate in recorded history. As a result of what we are seeing, there is a lot of resentment in the Arab world as well as worldwide. However, there is also resentment at the world's apathy and for letting this occur. The entire world denounced such atrocities after October 7th, but the response to what is happening now is different. People are letting Israel break both international humanitarian law and international law with no repercussions. The Arab world is disappointed by this, and it calls into question why international law is being applied selectively. For what reason is our life worth less? Do we really matter here on Earth? This, in my opinion, signifies a change in our perception of the world system. Even with all the horrors occurring in Gaza, I think the current status of our global system is even worse."
Joy Reid: "All right, now let's talk about some reactions. South Africa has filed a case against Israel for its acts during the war at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. In a recent video message, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his worry that he and other members of his cabinet could face arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court in The Hague for their actions during the war. How do you feel about that? Is this the appropriate action to bring about justice? Do you feel confident about that?
Queen Rania: "Well, words like apartheid or genocide frighten Israeli authorities, who brush them off as lofty abstractions that people employ interchangeably. The world's top court, the International Court of Justice, has now concluded that there is a good chance Israel is killing Palestinians. Since then, it has issued interim directives requiring Israel to cease genocide and allow relief to enter the country without hindrance. We cannot wait for the court to render a final decision, even though it might take years. Nowadays, people are dying. We are writing our own history now. It's already too late. The bigger the stain on the conscience of the world, the longer we wait. Let's just argue terminology: is this genocide or not? Even just discussing that ought to cause tremors in our global society. Who would want to take a chance on a genocide? Furthermore, individuals who criticize the rulings of the International Court of Justice are genuinely weakening the international framework that guarantees governments follow particular conduct guidelines. Therefore, while I do believe that the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice should act, we do not want these to be symbolic actions.
In the end, we have noticed a shift in the rhetoric and tone used by the US toward Israel, where they are attempting to exert pressure on Israel to either permit more aid to enter Rafah or refrain from doing so, for example. Ultimately, though, Israeli officials have demonstrated a reluctance to heed any advisories, cautions, or recommendations. In order to successfully put an end to the unlawful settlements, guarantee the admission of aid, and prohibit the distribution of offensive weapons that claim thousands of innocent lives, or at the very least make the supply of weapons conditional, action must be taken on the ground. In addition to diplomatic pressure and ending the use of the veto, which lets Israel avoid accountability in contrast to other nations, these efforts are vital. People get upset when international law is broken with no repercussions and when UN resolutions are disregarded or rejected because it sets a very dangerous precedent. What does it mean to apply international humanitarian law selectively? Or when certain nations face consequences for their subpar human rights records, but Israel, which is suspected of committing genocide, receives rewards in the form of additional weaponry? In what sense is that just? This, in my opinion, aggravates people greatly. I think there is a need to look at the reality of Palestinians and life under occupation to try to find a reasonable and just way forward."
Joy Reid said, "Do you think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal?"
Queen Rania: "My opinion is irrelevant. What important, in my opinion, is what international law states. I shall thus leave it to the legal system. I'm not an authority on law. What I can say, however, is that what is occurring in Gaza right now is collective punishment and a war crime when people are starved and help is blocked from reaching them. It is a war crime to indiscriminately kill so many civilians and to uproot entire populations. The entire defense of human shields seems flimsy. It is a war crime to indiscriminately kill so many civilians and to uproot entire populations. The entire defense of human shields seems flimsy. How can you not murder civilians when using an unprecedented amount of huge bombs, those 2,000-pound bombs, or the unguided bombers known as dumb bombs, on a little strip of land like Gaza, one of the most densely populated locations on earth? Furthermore, if you mention "human shields," there will inevitably be bystanders nearby Hamas officials. Are we to assume that Israel, which likewise employs AI systems to maximize targets and kill as many people as possible, is disregarding the distinction between civilians and combatants and all proportionality principles? They have in fact disregarded this rule; are we to assume that they are making an effort to prevent the deaths of defenseless civilians? In an era where bombs have destroyed 60% of houses, 80% of schools, and 80% of health facilities, was a Hamas agent present in every clinic, school, or ambulance? Should we really think that? It is quite evident that Israel devalues Palestinian lives and has little trouble pursuing civilian targets. Israel punishes all Palestinians for the deeds of a few when it comes to acts of violence against it. Thus, that becomes a war crime and this is collective punishment."
Joy Reid: "What about President Biden? How do you evaluate his handling of this situation so far? And what would you like to see the United States do?"
"Well, I just want people to understand that, in the eyes of the world, the United States is a part of this war," said Queen Rania. They believe that this war is being enabled by the US. "We could not wage this war without U.S. support," Israeli officials openly assert, citing the country's provision of weaponry, total support, veto power, and other benefits. It's obvious that America has a big say in what happens in Israel. Although the unwavering support for Israel has outpaced any sane political calculation, for many this power has not been exploited efficiently.
President Biden has undoubtedly changed his tone and vocabulary; that much is certain. He's attempting to apply pressure. Nevertheless, in my opinion, words are insufficient. Because, as I mentioned, Israeli authorities have a strong sense of impunity—I could even say hostility—and believe that they are exempt from the application of international law.