There is no disputing that human rights discourse safeguard the interests of former and current colonial powers. When the ceasefire was announced, it carried strong symbolism for the international community, as it provided the veneer of having acted in cohesion to halt a genocide that it willingly allowed in the first place. Almost three years since Israel commenced its genocide in Gaza, Palestinians are still being killed, suffering the consequences of extreme temperatures due to inadequate shelter, and deprived of food and other basic humanitarian needs including health care access. Palestinians are living, resilient proof that hope and symbolism translate to nothing other than further impunity for the coloniser, all under the hypocritical banner of hope.

Last week, Paris granted honorary citizenship to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, as well as Palestinian journalists working in the Middle East. According to Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, the honorary citizenship was “more than a symbolic gesture” and reflected “a political and moral commitment to........

© Middle East Monitor