Israeli Massacres of Palestinian Civilians in Gaza
The Gaza strip measures about 5x25 miles on the southern coast of the Mediterranean. It is one of the most densely populated locations on earth, inhabited by 1.5 Palestinian refugees more than half of they are less than 15 years old, and have been displaced multiple times by Israel. About 70% of Gaza’s population live under extremely poor conditions, and are largely dependent on foreign aid. Frequent Israeli ‘military incursions and deliberate destruction of crops and producing trees exacerbates the shortages of foods and add to the population’s misery. Military checkpoints impede Palestinian free movements, day and night raids of homes, and arrests of activists and subsequent imprisonments without charges or trials has the resulted in 11,000 Palestinians behind bars.
On November 19, 2007, Israel declared Gaza to be enemy entity as means of legitimizing its military operations against the strip. Over the past 18 months, Gaza has been turned into a virtual prison for its 1.5 million inhabitants. Israel has refused to allow delivery of basic foods, needed medical supplies, and fuel deliveries, resulting in closure of bakeries, shutting off power plants, resulting in inability to operate medical equipment, or sewer plants, leading to serious threats to life. This is purely collective punishment of the entire population of 1.5 million, a crime against humanity under international law. However, under US umbrella and protection, Israel managed to escape accountability that others are expected to adhere to.
While Israel blames Hamas for the hostilities, in fact, it was Israel’s continued assassinations and frequent incursions into Gaza that precipitated the latest hostilities. It is a simple fact that applies to man and beast that, when you imprisoned and starved, any living being fights for its survival regardless of the risks. The Palestinians have endured Israeli atrocities for over 60 years, and have reached the inevitable conclusion that, death is a better choice than living under humiliating Israeli occupation. The Palestinians have every right to free themselves from an endless Israel suffocating control, using all available means.
This latest Israel attack on Gaza has been in the plans for some time, its timing was chosen for political gains in the upcoming elections in Israel. The aim of this military is to achieve a quick victory over Hamas and to prove to the Israeli public just how tough the current ruling party could be. Now it appears that the Israel army is bogged down in a quagmire and is unsure how to extricate its self; that is the reason for the feverish bombardment of everything standing. This random and aimless firing of heavy gunfire has resulted in heavy loss of life in the civilian population; the number of casualties thus far has reached 650, about 25% of them are women and children. Hospitals and ambulances were targeted, and so were schools and mosques, universities, and the government buildings, homes and any institution of civil society were hit and flattened by rocket fire from American made F16s.
The international community has a responsibility to end the bloodshed now, and not a day later. The united States, being Israel’s keeper and protector, should step away from being the only arbiter of peace, as it lacks credibility that is gained out of being impartial, just and fair, characteristics that have been lacking thus far. A first step is to end Israel’s attacks, offer desperately needed humanitarian assistance, and open all crossing in and out of Gaza, on both Israeli and Egyptian sides all crossing to Gaza to allow foods, medicines and money to allow the Palestinians to live a life of dignity. Israel has to understand that its time as the darling of the United States does not grant immunity from its international obligations and responsibilities.
End the War and Save the Children
January 10, 2009