For some students, the genocide in Gaza, Palestine, is just another headline they scroll past. For others, it is deeply serious and impossible to ignore. 

Students at Hazelwood West High School are speaking out about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Palestine, as it has impacted many students across the community. 

According to the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, “Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” citing killing, causing serious harm, imposing deadly living conditions and measures to prevent births. The commission urged Israel and other nations to fulfill their legal obligations and hold those responsible accountable.

Many students at Hazelwood West are from Palestine, and the crisis deeply affects them. Hala Motan, a sophomore at West, was born in Palestine and moved to the U.S. when she was 5 years old. Motan suggests that students at West can help the Palestinian cause by posting about it on social media and talking about it openly in groups. 

Gizette Ahmed, a ninth- grade Palestinian American at West, said she used to visit Palestine every summer before the genocide began. I wish people would just speak of Gaza in general because nobody is speaking up about it,” Ahmed said. “ I don’t think anyone can fully understand what exactly is going on; The people in Gaza cannot leave or speak up for themselves. Everything there [Gaza] is limited. Israel cut off Wi-Fi, food and everything else. Gaza is isolated from the outside world.” 

However, Palestinians at Hazelwood West are not the only ones who care about Gaza. American students at West have been exposed to the genocide in Gaza via social media and are using their voices to speak up about it. 

Kingsley Hammond, a 10th grader at Hazelwood West, speaks up about Palestine, showing that concern for human rights extends beyond ethnicity. Hammond encourages others to stand up against what is wrong.

Hammond also encourages others to stand up against what is wrong.” Hammond said.” We are in an era where you have social media and should be able to educate yourself on what’s going on around you and be able to learn from it. It’s also important to know that people are spreading false information and you should do your own research and know what’s happening in the world.” 

Students from many different backgrounds at West say the genocide in Gaza has progressed into an issue of shared humanity rather than ethnicity. Their perspectives reflect the importance of global solidarity, as students recognize that human rights are beyond race, ethnicity, gender, religion or nationality. 

Selena Ruiz, a 10th-grade Black Mexican American student, believes every student’s voice makes a difference. 

“It does matter when you stay silent on issues such as the genocide in Gaza. Everyone has a voice and you should utilize it,” Ruiz said.” Being silent is parallel to being ignorant. We should speak up and educate others on matters like this.” 

According to the World Health Organization, the entire 2.1 million population of Gaza is facing prolonged food shortages, with nearly half a million people in a catastrophic situation of hunger, acute malnutrition, starvation, illness, and death. This is one of the world’s worst hunger crises, unfolding in real time. 

”Everyone is entitled to their own opinion; however, once a matter like what’s happening in Gaza occurs,  people should take action.” Yen Long, a 10th-grade Vietnamese immigrant at West, said. “There are children, parents and families- everyone in Gaza is being affected by the genocide. I just think everyone should be aware and learn more about the situation.” 

Shahed Motan,11, came to the United States from Palestine when she was six and said, “ People should care about what’s happening in Gaza because we all bleed red. It doesn’t matter if you’re Palestinian or not- at the end of the day we are all human.

Motan poses the question, “If it were American children dying, or any other children for that matter, then everyone would care. Why should Palestinian children be ignored?”