Your questions about Gaza – answered

If you’re still finding your words or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Here are some of the questions people often ask, with answers to help you speak up.


Is what’s happening in Gaza a genocide?

Yes. Palestinian human rights groups, like Al-Haq, called it genocide from the first weeks. Israeli scholar Raz Segal described it as “a textbook case of genocide unfolding in front of our eyes.” Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, and Israel’s own B’Tselem reached the same conclusion.  

How did this all begin?

In 1948, Israel expelled around 75% of Palestinians from their homes and land. Palestinians call this the Nakba or “catastrophe”. Since 1967, Israel has occupied Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. For the last 17 years, Gaza has also been under blockade, with Israel controlling all sea, air and land access. Israel has also expanded settlements and imposed an apartheid system on Palestinians under its rule.

Is the history in the region too complex to take a stance?

No. The history is long, but the law is clear: attacking civilians, collective punishment and starving people are war crimes. As the occupying power, Israel has a duty to protect Palestinian rights. Bombing and starving civilians breaks that duty. 

You don’t need to know every detail of the history to take a stance. Speaking up for human rights is enough.

Do Palestinians have the right to self-determination?


Yes. International law and UN resolutions recognise it. Military rule and settlement expansion violate that right.

For Palestinians, this means checkpoints, blockades, mass imprisonment and the constant threat of losing homes and family. That reality makes the right to self-determination urgent – and demands action. Palestinian organisations like Addameer and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights have documented these violations for decades.

But didn’t Hamas start this?

No. Hamas’s attacks on October 7 killed civilians — that is a war crime and cannot be excused. But this did not start there. Palestinians have lived for decades under displacement, occupation, blockade and apartheid.

One crime does not justify another. Nothing in international law allows genocide or collective punishment of civilians.

Don’t both sides commit violence?

Violence against civilians is never acceptable, whether by Hamas or Israel. But this is not a conflict between equals. Israel is a nuclear-armed state with a technologically advanced military, carrying out occupation, blockade and apartheid against a stateless people.

Pointing to “both sides” hides the reality: one side holds overwhelming power, and one side is facing genocide.

Does Israel have the right to defend itself?

No state can claim self-defence on territory it illegally occupies – just as Russian troops cannot claim self-defence in occupied Ukraine. And genocide is never self-defence. International law forbids targeting civilians, collective punishment and disproportionate attacks. Attacking civilian ships in international waters is also illegal – no country has the right to do it. These rules apply to all countries, including the powerful.


What about the hostages?

Taking hostages is illegal under international law, whoever does it. Families of Israeli hostages say their government has shown little interest in bringing them home. Hamas signalled willingness to release hostages early on, but Israel rejected those deals – as it has repeatedly with ceasefire proposals.

Since 1967, Israel has detained approximately one million Palestinians, including children, and thousands of them are still in prison. This means 70% of families have had at least one relative imprisoned.

During the November 2023 ceasefire, Hamas released 110 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners, most never been convicted of a crime.

Why can’t there just be peace?

Because peace without justice is impossible. Palestinians live under occupation, apartheid and land theft. As long as one side holds all the power and the other is trapped under military rule and blockade, “peace” is just a word.

Why can’t there be just two states?

The UN has recognised the right to a Palestinian state for decades. But Israel has blocked it by expanding settlements, annexing land and denying sovereignty.

Today, many argue that two states are no longer realistic. What matters is not the slogan but the principle: Palestinians have the same right to freedom and equality as anyone else.

Why don’t Arab states just take Palestinians in?

Because Palestinians have the right to live in their own land. Forcing them out is ethnic cleansing, not a solution.

Arab states already host millions of Palestinian refugees. But accepting them all would mean giving up on Palestinian self-determination and letting Israel erase Palestine.

Why focus on Palestine? What about the other genocides?

Other conflicts matter too. But they don’t make action for Palestinians less urgent. We focus on Palestine because:

• This genocide can be stopped. Israel depends on Western weapons, money and political cover. Ending that support can end the killing.
• Our governments are directly involved. Supplying arms or blocking UN action makes them complicit.
• International law is at stake. If it fails here, it fails everywhere. 
• The impact goes beyond Palestine. Gaza is a testing ground for weapons and repression, with risks of wider wars.

Isn’t the media biased? Who do I believe?

Yes, the media is biased, especially when governments try to control the story. Palestinian voices are often sidelined, while official Israeli talking points get repeated without question.

Trust firsthand evidence and those most at risk: Palestinian journalists, who report under extreme danger. And check independent organisations like Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders. They’re more reliable than governments at war.

Where can I find reliable information?

Start with firsthand evidence: Palestinian journalists risk their lives to report the truth, and local initiatives like Children Not Numbers share facts from the ground.

For broader context, rely on independent organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders. These are more trustworthy than governments at war.

Does Bystanders No More have a fact-checking process?

Yes. We check our information carefully and rely on trusted sources like independent media, humanitarian organisations and human rights groups.

We also work with advisors who review our materials. Accuracy matters — because trust is the basis for action.

Does speaking out for Palestinian human rights benefit Hamas?

No. Civilians are not Hamas and calling for human rights is not the same as supporting any political group. Speaking out is about ending occupation and securing freedom and dignity for Palestinians.

Could I be accused of being antisemitic or supporting terrorism?

Yes. But supporting Palestinian human rights is neither antisemitic nor support for terrorism. Wanting safety, dignity and freedom for Palestinians does not mean opposing  Jewish people. Antisemitism must be condemned, just as Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism must be. 

Many Jewish groups, such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Jews Against Genocide, openly oppose Israel’s actions. Their voices show that criticism of the Israeli government is not antisemitism. Accusations may come when power is challenged, but the call for human rights will not be silenced. 

What if I’m Jewish and oppose Israel?

 You’re not alone. Many Jewish people and groups – like Jewish Voice for Peace and Jews Against Genocide – openly oppose Israel’s actions.

Criticising a government is not antisemitic. In fact, Jewish voices of solidarity make it even clearer: standing up for Palestinian rights is about justice, not about religion.

Who supports Palestinians?

Millions of people worldwide do. Polls show that most people oppose Israel’s aggression: in the UK, 55% said so, and 82% called it genocide. In the US, a majority also oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza. 

Countries from South Africa to Colombia have taken Israel to the International Criminal Court or cut ties. Palestinian civil society organisations have also built strong global alliances, from trade unions to student groups. You’re far from alone. 

What can I actually do?  

A lot. You can speak up in conversations, contact your elected officials, join protests, or support Palestinian-led campaigns. Even small acts matter when many people take them.

For more ideas, see our Take Action page.

How can I talk about this with friends or family?

Start from shared values like justice, safety and dignity. You don’t need all the facts — listening and asking questions often matters more.

It can feel uncomfortable, but silence only protects the status quo. Speaking up in everyday conversations helps break it.

For tips, see our Start Conversations page.

What if I don’t use social media for political issues?

You don’t need social media to support Palestinian human rights. Call or write your elected officials, talk with friends and family, join local actions, or support campaigns and organisations. And if you are on social media, even small acts like sharing or amplifying others’ voices matter.

I don’t have any power – what’s the point of speaking up?


You have more power than you think. When many people speak out, it shows we’re not alone – and that threatens the systems that rely on silence. Palestinian activists stress that international solidarity makes a real difference.

Change never happens on its own. Even small acts of solidarity matter, especially since not everyone can speak up in the same way. Speaking up is how change begins.

What if speaking up risks my job or career?

Speaking up can be risky, but silence has a cost too. Millions are raising their voices for Palestinians, knowing it’s the right thing to do. 

Risks aren’t equal: people of colour, migrants and Muslims often face harsher consequences. That makes it even more urgent for those with more safety and privilege to use their voice. 

The more of us who speak up, the safer it becomes for everyone. Silence protects the powerful – speaking up protects the vulnerable.

Can I get in legal trouble for protesting or boycotting?

In most countries, peaceful protest and boycotts are legal forms of free expression. Governments sometimes try to restrict them, but human rights law protects your right to speak out.

Know your local rules, and take precautions if needed. And remember: the more of us who act together, the harder it is to silence us.