Let’s face it. Arabs have done precious little in support of Palestinians since Israel’s unfolding massacre in 2024, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, inhumanity and yes, genocide in Gaza. If you don’t act now, all future generations of Arabs will be ashamed of their Arab heritage. All Muslims should be right behind you in support. And if there is any humanity left in us at all, we must all join the chorus of support.

There is little point in discussing the fine legal points.

The facts:

The Israeli response to the brutal attack of October 7 is unacceptable and is over the top:

- The cold-blooded massacre of over 33,000 Palestinians in Gaza (about 80 percent women and children) alone and on top of the continuous carnage on the West Bank is morally repugnant.

- Israel’s defiance of a call from nearly all members of the United Nations for an immediate ceasefire is morally unacceptable and an indication that Israel may not deserve a place in the community of nations.

- For years, Israel has flaunted international law with its illegal annexation and occupation of Palestinian lands.

- Just today (March 22), Israel announced the largest annexation of Palestinian lands since the 1993 Oslo accords.

- Israel’s shameful violations of all norms of human decency have been enabled by the United States of America, its protector in chief.

- America’s financial aid, lethal arms (with no restriction on their use, in contravention to even U.S. laws), dozens of vetoes at the UNSC to protect Israel’s violations, mounting pressure to silence dissent under the guise of anti-Semitism and political pressure on the weak to abstain from judgement have enabled Israel’s belligerence and crimes.

- President Biden pleads and talks peace but puts no meaningful pressure on Netanyahu or Israel.

- Arab countries have been cowards! Arab rulers are scared to stand up to the United States in order to buttress their rule. Some Arab leaders, such as Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), have even rewarded the United States after facilitating the complete takeover of Jerusalem by giving billions to Jared Kushner. Shame!

- The bravest act in opposition to Israeli crimes has come from South Africa (with others riding on its coattails)—referral of a case for genocide to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that would also target countries that are complicit (possibly the United States) and referral of a case for crimes committed by Israeli officials to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Arabs must immediately act to preserve a sense of decency and honor for all future generations of Arabs, in weekly step by step measures, until (i) they reach an agreement for a ceasefire and for an irrevocable commitment to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and (ii) obtain a consensus for reparations for the remaining annexed Palestinian lands:

Step 1: Recall their ambassadors to the United States (and to Israel for those that have relations with Israel).

Step 2: Impose primary trade and financial sanctions on Israel.

Step 3: Refer Netanyahu, his cabinet and military leaders to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Step 4: Expel all U.S. military personnel.

Step 5: Begin talks on the closing of all U.S. bases and cancelling all joint military cooperation and exercises.

Step 6: Restrict oil and LNG production in order to increase oil and gas prices.

U.S. politicians will not voluntarily stand up for humanity and morality. They are selfish. Their election and re-election is all that matters to them. They only respond to pressure. Arabs, with unconditional Muslim support, must unite, put extreme pressure on Israel and the United States and demand justice for Palestinians. It is a chance for Arabs and Muslims to unite and be a force in the world.

*Hossein Askari is emeritus professor of business and international affairs, George Washington University