Palestine Vs. Covid19 - The Invisible War

News opinion piece by Farah Termos, Staff Writer

April 15th, 2020

COVID-19 has distinguished itself as the newfound enemy of man: over 100,000 casualties have been identified and 1.6 million infected globally. This virus has crossed international borders and created panic over the sheer idea of a fever. For over 210 countries and territories have had coronavirus outbreaks, and amongst them is the occupied Palestine. 

Ever since 1967, Palestine has been a victim of tyranny: and as this tyranny continues, Palestine unfortunately loses its people and land to Zionism. For it remains to be a huge problem that Palestine is facing, and if this battle is not already enough – added to it is the new novel coronavirus.

So far, Palestine has had 268 coronavirus cases and two deaths – and despite these being low registered numbers, many do not see the disastrous effects of this virus over the already suffering Palestine. A lack of resources, a forceful occupation, an already existing war, terrorism, and murder, along with apartheid continue to set Palestine behind other countries, and with a current pandemic taking place – Palestine becomes subjected to newfound biological threats. 

Palestinian workers get ready to disinfect mosques and churches as a preventive measure against the coronavirus in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on March 7, 2020 [AP/Majdi Mohammed]

As international help ceases to exist, and the UN lessens its assistance – Palestine is suffering now more than ever. In fact, many regular citizens of the world have access to proper, or any healthcare in order to somewhat increase their likelihood of fighting this virus – yet, Palestinians in the occupied Palestine do not have this ‘privilege’.

Furthermore, in 2020, as the number of those infected continues to multiply, COVID-19 increases the number of those critically hospitalized in Gaza, as well as the fatalities. This essentially presumes the following reality: Palestine is NOT equipped to handle corona. 

This would beg a newfound war with COVID-19: one that is invisible, yet severe: A pandemic that embodies a biological murderer, per say, that creepily enters individuals and decides on whether to end their lives or not. For Palestine, now, has two enemies to fight: one taking its freedom, and another threatening it.