Sir: I am writing to your prestigious newspaper to address the gross violation of human rights in Palestine by the Israeli government, which cannot be properly explained through words. The Israeli government has been ruthlessly oppressing Palestinians, and that has been the case for decades now. However finally On August 3, 2018, 137 of the 193 member states of the United Nations and two non-member state recognised the State of Palestine as a sovereign state. Countries like Colombia and Santos have given recognition to Palestine as a “free independent sovereign state” stating that “just as the Palestinian people have a right to constitute as a sovereign state, Israel has a right to live in peace alongside its neighbour”. We as a nation need to give official recognition to Palestine and allow their voice to be heard at an international forum. This will not only give Palestine a chance the freedom they deserve but strengthen the Muslim community as a whole. SYEDA RABIA Karachi Published in Daily Times, August 11th 2018.