Thoughts on Gaza
Just 2 years ago, I was there at the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip. Even then there was this ominous feeling in the air as we sensed the building powder keg of unrest just a few kilometers away.Now as I read each day about what is happening, I can’t help but feel a rising anger for all the senselessly lost lives on both sides of the border. I am angry because
– Hamas has relentlessly continued to send rockets into Israel, with longer distances and better aim, resulting in the random loss of life.
– Iran is keeping Hamas well supplied with munitions.
– Israel has killed innocent civilians in the attempt to bring Hamas under control.
– The Palestinians in Gaza have not figured out how to extricate themselves from this group which continues to hide among the civilian population, thereby exposing places like the UN-run school to attack. (See video below of children being used as human shields.)
– Israel may have blocked the Red Cross from giving humanitarian assistance to the wounded in Gaza.
– Much of the world simply lays the blame on Israel, not for a moment thinking that they too would fight back if pushed long and hard enough.
I am reminded that many people in Israel and in Gaza are living through the current hell, hoping it will end and looking for the lasting peace that always seems so elusive. We received the following e-mail message from a friend in Israel:
***
It is a hard period in Israel. 5 km from where we live the schools are closed.
25 km from us bombs fall. You know Israel is so tiny.
But the civilian people in Israel are so brave and behave wonderfully.
In Sderot 8 years they are under fire!
So the war is inevitable.
Liron's husband is a doctor and he is in Gaza.
It is hard for me, and as long you are older it is harder.
We do not know how it will end. We hope for good news!
***
I saw the following comment on someone else’s Blog:
***
I live in Israel and let me tell you, don't worry. We had enough of all the world's fake concerns. My friends live in the Gaza Strip and I call them every day to check out what happened and if something is wrong. It is hell. But please, mind your own business. And it's not with bad feelings, but all the world is against us. Do you know how it feels? Likely not.
***
I’m encouraged to hear of the upcoming talks in Egypt to include Israel and the 2 Palestinian entities. But part of me wonders if they will ever be able to achieve a lasting peace, or whether any cease fire will simply be a time for Hamas to rearm itself and prepare for a fresh assault.
Meanwhile the death toll on both sides continues to rise and people on both sides of the border live in perpetual fear for what will happen next. Most of us have no idea what it would be like to live through this day in and day out.
posted by Barbara at 7:59 AM
9 Comments:
Ever since I was a little boy, the conflicts I would hear about all changed over the years.
Czeckislovokia (sp) changed at least twice.
Cuba changed.
Russia waxed and waned its way into some kind of Democracy.
China, India, vietnam and Ireland....all those conflicts changed.
Africa is so old but it is in real convulsions right now.
Even America, home of the free changed. its even more free than when I was a boy.
The whole world seems to be getting to be a better place overall.
But, man, the israeli/Palestinian thing just hasn't changed. We see a new treaty eevery half dozen years and the ink isn't even dry before Rockets get fired or bombs go off.
I think its a real shame that the Palestinians keep getting the shaft as far as a home goes, but they keep shooting themselves in the foot. I sure hope they get sumpthin worked out soon.
Bulletholes -- I remember a time when the conflict in Ireland was in the news every day with atrocious things being done in the name of religion. But now we never hear much about unrest in Ireland. I keep hoping I can say the same thing of Israel-Palestine in a few years. All of the people living in this little area smaller than the state of New Jersey would be happy to get on with their lives and find out what peace is really like. Besides I'm convinced the smoking rate would go way down if the conflict ever ended. But unfortunately we're still a long way from that point.
it is tragic and disheartening about what is going on in gaza
It's pretty shocking to read the hate being spewed againt Israel on the so-called "liberal" blogs. I have no idea how this became a right-left issue. Nations have the right to defend themselves against actual attacks. If so many people excuse or encourage terrorist attacks deliberately aimed at Israeli civilians, and instead condemn Israel in the most hateful way for responding, then I don't think there will be any basis for serious discussions on how to achieve a peaceful 2-state solution.
Israel has made peace with Egypt and Jordan. No rocket attacks. No terrorist attacks. No armed response. I would love to hear the Israel-haters explain that.
Thank you, Barbara, for this even-handed presentation of the situation in Israel. An impressive representation of what is occurring daily now in this region of the world where survival is a constant concern.
(Looking forward to seeing you in about 2 weeks!)
Mouse -- Yes, tragic and disheartening are two good words to describe the situation. If only there were an end in sight...
MC -- Egypt and Jordan wisely determined they had more to gain by burying the hatchet. Unfortunately Hamas may never reach that conclusion until it no longer exists. And yes, hate, especially against Israel, seems to be rampant once again. What would these people say if Canada or Mexico started sending daily rockets into the US?
Kate -- The situation makes me very sad for the majority of both Israelis and Palestinians who want only peace.
I'm looking forward to your upcoming visit!
If only those involved felt they had the freedom to consider options besides the tit-for-tat model of conflict. I'm sorry to see either "side" get blasted in media of whatever bias; as you indicate, Barbara, both "sides" have legitimate issues, and the whole heartbreaking mess is the entire world's problem.
-- F.
Anon -- "The whole heartbreaking mess is the entire world's problem." Your last statement is so important and so often overlooked. Maybe if we all looked at it this way, we would quit trying to assign blame and start trying to find a solution.
I don't blame Israel for taking action. But I think the problem is that extremism seems to hold appeal for some people on both sides.
Ultimately, the only solution is to help Palestinians achieve a more stable, prosperous environment in which to live -- because poverty and instability, a sense of deprivation and an envy of Israel's relative wealth -- help fuel the anger that, in turn, fuels Hamas.
(Shocking video!)
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