September 8, 2025

A historic and massive petition on Gaza has surprised the world! On September 4, over 4,500 top scientists from across the globe, including fourteen Nobel Prize winners, five Fields medallists, and twenty Breakthrough Prize awardees, came together and raised their voices. They are deeply upset about the tragic situation in Gaza. The petition states: "We are deeply distressed by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We find it unbearable that an artificial shortage of food appears to be leading to a famine like situation. We are shocked by the enforced denial of medical facilities, the absence of even a modicum of education for children, the systematic annihilation of civil infrastructure (including universities) and the apparent general disregard for the rights, well being, and life of the civilian population of Gaza. …We call upon the Government of Israel to act immediately to end this human made humanitarian crisis." The scientists didn't stop there. Their call is urgent: "The humanitarian emergency demands immediate intervention. As scientists working collectively for humanity, we urgently call upon all governments, and all relevant international institutions around the world, to exert all available means so there is a halt to this tragedy." This petition is more than just words. With famous names like Nobel laureates Roger Penrose, Kip Thorne, James Peebles, and many others from fields like astrophysics, quantum physics, and brain research signing it, the message is loud and clear. These scientists, including 85 Israelis, refuse to let accusations of anti-Semitism silence them. Instead, they push for peace and justice. The timing is striking. The 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will discuss the Palestine issue this month. Western nations like Britain, France, Canada, Belgium, and Australia – many with veto power in the UN Security Council – have announced plans to recognize Palestine. The UNGA could take serious steps, similar to those that ended Apartheid in South Africa in 1990. India is also a key player here. Twelve of the first 40 signatories launching the petition are Indian scientists from top institutes like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. In total, over 310 Indians have signed. This will surely nudge India's government to take a clear stand instead of sitting on the fence. In short, this giant petition is setting the world stage to stop the suffering in Gaza fast. It shines a bright light on the urgent need for peace, proper food, medicine, and safety for innocent civilians. The scientists say the time to act is now, demanding the world come together to save lives and restore hope. Vivek Monteiro, Mumbai Meanwhile, in a different note, M. Jameel Ahmed from Mysuru warns about Donald Trump's unpredictable behaviour. He says, "India must treat Donald Trump’s volte face as tactical noise and invest in resilient statecraft. His second term has swung between effusive praise for Prime Minister Modi and harsh tariffs on Indian exports, not to mention the dehumanising manner in which illegal Indian immigrants were deported. Today’s 'friendship' can quickly turn into tomorrow’s pressure. This blow-hot-blow-cold approach is vintage Trump."

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Tags: Gaza petition, Scientists, Nobel laureates, Un general assembly, Palestine, Humanitarian crisis,