As the massacre of Palestinians in Gaza becomes more macabre, we are confounded by the indifference of some powerful nations that not only have the ability to stop it, but are, in fact, actively enabling the horrific actions.

Some claim to be the birthplace of the lofty philosophies of humanism, others are brothers in faith to the Palestinians. Gaza is the mirror in the fairytale in which the evil stepmother can no longer see her reflection as the most beautiful in the realm.

The history of humanity has sadly been almost continuously trapped in wars fed by rage, revenge, greed or the desire for expansion. What shocks the world today is the cold indifference with which this one is waged. Instead of the shattered limbs of children, there is talk of real estate and historic trade deals. This is a far cry from the literature, art, philosophies and religious beliefs that have formed the narratives that have shaped the world thus far.

Is this the crescendo of an orchestra that has been playing for some time? Direct or indirect colonisation unravelled the social systems of many nations and replaced these with their own values, promising salvation and a place at the table of plenty.

The theatre of war in Gaza has exposed the moral bankruptcy of systems that once claimed to uphold human dignity. So, has the........

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