Palestinians are suffering in silence, especially those who continue to live under occupation. There are basic human rights that are being abused and the world community is obliged to bring an end to an injustice that has been taking a very long time to correct.

But bringing about an end to a series of human rights abuses would require that various parties take on their responsibilities and play a more active role with regards to the issue. This would include the United Nations, the Middle East Quartet as well as the major powers.

Palestinians have recently invited the UN Security Council to visit the West Bank, Gaza, and occupied east Jerusalem.

This visit aims at allowing the 15 Council members "to see with their own eyes the reality of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Territories", including the illegal colony building that Israel has so far been carrying out, said Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN observer. It is important to understand the Palestinians' perspective.

The peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis has long been off the tracks and in fact, has been nullified by the continuation of the Israeli aggression. All the facts on the ground indicate such a reality.

Israel has disregarded all previous agreements and treaties regarding the building of colonies and has instead been consistently expanding the current colonies including those in the West Bank.

In addition, Israel has forced Palestinian families to evacuate their homes in occupied east Jerusalem even though the status of the city has yet to be decided in the final peace plan.

There is no doubt that the Palestinian issue needs urgent attention. And it is time for the Security Council to see the matter as it really is on the ground, not just be exposed to fabrications and half truths.