I thought your point was about the uniqueness of the situation. "Whataboutism" is exactly what you need if you're questioning the uniqueness!

So I agree that the Israel-Palestinian situation has its own blend of factors that makes it unique, but I think all the concerns separately exist elsewhere--putting geopolitics above human suffering and dignity (U.S./Turkey, U.S./Saudi Arabia, U.S./Israel all have that aspect). And you can find historical ethnic suffering used to excuse current atrocities (Tigray is perhaps the best current example).

If you're not making a uniqueness argument, only a this-is-bad argument, then sure, "whataboutism" isn't relevant. You can judge the situation on its own merits.