I’ve seen some posts on blogs and forums that continue to blame Israel for the current outbreak of violence (or let’s call it by the name the Israeli media uses: the Gaza War).
I consider myself very left-wing when it comes to the Israeli-Arab conflict. I am very pro-peace, and like many Israelis, I am more than willing for my country to move forward with perceived “concessions” when it comes to borders, or any other issue at the heart of the conflict.
I am also more than willing to criticize my own government for many things. However, in this particular case, I just can’t see how anyone doesn’t see that this is entirely the Hamas’s fault.
I am not saying the Palestinians’ fault, as even the West Bank Palestinians are opposed to the Hamas and their Prime Minister specifically blamed Hamas for the whole ordeal. This is one organization at fault – not an entire people. I truly believe that those who care for the Palestinian people should carefully look at the current situation and try to control that old reflex of always blaming Israel for everything.
It just doesn’t do the Palestinians themselves any good.
Bottom line is that Hamas has openly declared its will to destroy the State of Israel. It acts accordingly too, constantly firing thousands of rockets into civilian settlements in Israel.
This isn’t about the so-called siege or blockade. I am sorry, but the siege is just an excuse. During this “siege” Israel has sent in tens of thousands of trucks loaded with food and medicine. More would have been sent in, had the Hamas not allowed its people to fire at those very trucks bringing in the food and medicine. Still, even now, right before and during this operation, Israel allowed trucks of medical equipment and blood into the strip – during an active war.
There were other ways into Gaza as well, namely the famous tunnels, through which the Hamas very successfully smuggled in tons and tons of… yup, weapons. They didn’t have all of these Grad rockets back when Israel withdrew from Gaza – these are all recent imports: tons of metal imported through the tunnels while Gazans are “starving for food and medicine”. One has to wonder – why weren’t food and medicine brought in through the tunnels then?
Last, but not least – Gaza shares a border with Egypt too. Israel cannot blockade Gaza from all directions, even if it wanted to. If we could do that, maybe there would have been no Grad rockets launched at us now. You see, Egypt controls Gaza’s southern border, and apparently is quite strict about that area too. I don’t see Hamas launching rockets at Egyptian military bases over there though. If the “siege” is the reason for the hostilities, why shoot at Israel and not at Egypt?
My heart goes out to the people of Gaza. From talks I have had online with people living there, it is a living hell indeed. Those with an internet connection and direct access to the international media are aware of the truth and do not support Hamas one bit. I just wish more supporters of the Palestinians would realize this simple thing:
If you support the Palestinians and have their best interest at heart, you should not be supporting Hamas. This current clash is between Israel and Hamas – not Israel and the Palestinians – so think carefully before you rush out to show your support.
on Dec 31st, 2008 at 3:08 am
Great post. The insanity of the Hamas position seems like the single most myopic view of the world I think I have ever seen.
on Dec 31st, 2008 at 3:25 am
It is important to note that Gaza was part of Egypt until 1967
on Dec 31st, 2008 at 10:30 am
I appreciate your well written post. I am nowhere near as up on current events as I should be and I prefer hearing from someone I trust who is in the thick of things, than whatever the media may be spouting at the time.
I pray that the conflict will soon come to an end and I pray for peace in your region of the world. Blessings, friend!
on Jan 2nd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Mind you, HAMAS was democratically elected by the Palestinian people. HAMAS is their government.
on Jan 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Thank you for your comment, Amer.
Yes, Hamas were elected for government, but I doubt that they can still be considered as representing the people in the democratic sense of the word.
Most importantly, they do not allow for the existence of any real opposition. They literally shot down the opposition in the big PLO-Hamas clash. People in Gaza are not free to express their views in public and so no real opposition can evolve within Gaza.
When talking with a friend in Gaza, he was telling me how most people around him strongly oppose them. He is very much against the Hamas policies vis-a-vis Israel and thinks that shooting rockets in Israel was a huge mistake. Now, I asked him if I could quote him on my blog, maybe run an interview with him. He freaked out when he realized I was asking about posting his full name. He said there is no way he can be identified with these things in public, even though he thinks the majority of people in Gaza think like him.
So much for democracy. Hamas may be their elected government, but I believe that have lost the right to call themselves a democratic regime a long long time ago. When you shoot the opposition, you’re no longer a democratic government
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 am
Very well said. You wrote the post that I was too lazy to write.
Liza Rs last blog post..The Choice of Israel
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 11:41 am
[...] would like to dedicate this post by Israeli Mom to our fine Egyptian administration to know what some people in Israel believe and think [...]
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
@Israeli Mom….Yes, Hamas were elected for government, but I doubt that they can still be considered as representing the people in the democratic sense of the word…..
Is this opinion of yours the excuse for the murthers and crippling of now thousands of innocent Palestiniens ?
I cannot beleive that you can imagine that these mass murders will bring any good to Israël.
Stop de carnage now please.
Israël
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Gaza wasn’t part of Egypt. Administered by Egypt, yes, between 48 and 67. (Some like to use the term occupied: fine by me!)
I’ll let you know though that there have been clashes on the Egyptian border, and that Hamas has killed an Egyptian officer there.
And as for opening the border: simply put, we (Egypt) have little control over that. The Quartet, the PA, and Israel need to approve the opening of the border (the interim agreement determined that that the border would be managed by a the PA on one side, by the EU border monitoring mission on the other, with Israel observing the crossing through a CC broadcast.
Mo-ha-meds last blog post..The Israeli Media and Advocacy War on Gaza
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
@ December:
I am not saying that their internal problems are reason for Israel to attack. Not one bit. We’re surrounded by dictatorships in this region, and trust me, no one here would go out of the way and fight them just because they are not democracies.
Israel is fighting for one reason only: to stop the Hamas from shooting rockets on Israeli civilians. As simple as that. It’s called self defense and is a recognized and legitimate casus beli in international law.
And no, the response doesn’t have to be “proportionate” either. We need to stop the rockets. Period. It’s heartbreaking that Palestinians get hurt (“only” hundreds so far btw – though we’ll see after tonight
) – but it’s up to the Hamas to stop shooting rockets at Israel.
As I posted elsewhere, all Hamas has to say is declare that it will no longer shoot rockets at Israel and honor that. As simple as that – and this war will cease immediately.
I am not sure where you are from – but show me one, just one country in the world, to be hit by thousands of rockets over eight years and not respond? What would your country have done in Israel’s place?
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Mohamed – you bring up important points. However, let me ask you this:
Do you really feel that the Egyptian government is behaving like someone is bending its arm now? From what I gather, both the Egyptian minister of defense and Mubarak himself are clearly blaming Hamas for this latest clash. I think they said something like Hamas delivered the cause for war to the Israelis on a silver plate. Something along those lines.
I think this goes deeper than international agreements or American pressure (though I agree that is part of that). I think – and I may be wrong here, not that familiar with Egyptian politics – that maybe it’s the natural response of a regime that is threatened by radical Islamic organizations within Egypt?
Oh, and thanks for the comments, folks – I appreciate feedback and I am learning here too
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 6:21 pm
before i say anything about my opinion , i am palestinean american , i am anti war (or any kind of violence i). never ever support hamas . i agree with u on some points but what i was desponted when u say the siege is an excuse . u tell me how can u buil;d a country without any control of its borders .
if u think the trucks of medicin and food israel give palestinean is enough please imagine (u little kids in gazan hospital) believe me u would not like it.
if u ask me the roots of all problems in the world is that some people feel superior and that excatly where every thing goes wrong .
i just want to ask u one question do u thinkl palestinean deserve the basic human rights ( tranportation , for example )b even though they do not make the choice that please the israeli goverment
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Hello.
I find it odd that you’d describe the tunnels between Egypt and Gaza as a means to smuggle weapons only when in reality they have been used to smuggle such fierce goods as Food, Petrol, Medicine and even livestock. I must say these items are a real threat to israel…
Maybe if israel would not have blockaded Gaza, the people there could have had a chance to build a strong civil society and the rockets which have killed less than 30 israelis in seven years(some who have been palestinian israelis) is not a par with the slaughter undertaken now. The death toll (in this conflict alone)is approx. 450 Palestinians dead and 2300 injured. Injured people who have no medical care available because israel have starngled the supply of medical equipment.
I mourn any civilian killed in this conflict but You seem to have no sense of proportion.
bouhamzas last blog post..Gaza II
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 1:47 am
….I am not sure where you are from – but show me one, just one country in the world, to be hit by thousands of rockets over eight years and not respond? What would your country have done in Israel’s place?….IM
Well, in Ireland the attacked civilians, police stations with bombs for years but it never crossed the mind of England to destroy Ireland !!!
In 8 years of bombing from Gaza there were 20 kills and some of them where arabs. In 2 days Israël killed 300 and wounded thousands not counting the horror for old people, children and mothers.
Israël is NOT a democracy with it’s second class citizen. Either you think we are stupid or you are faking ignorance yourself. Shape-up.
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 9:18 am
@ salma
Not only do I think Palestinians deserve the basic human rights – I think they deserve a lot more. I think they deserve, like anyone else does, to live in a free democratic society, where they can live as free people, and enjoy a sound economy, good health services, good education etc.
What’s more, I strongly believe that it is in Israel’s best interest to have a strong Palestine as its neighbor, where people enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
I don’t and never have felt superior to Palestinians/Arabs/Muslims. We live together on a daily basis – although I wish relations would have been better. I have no reason to feel superior to my doctor, pharmacist or dentist – occupations where you are very likely to see Arabs in Israel.
Is there prejudice against Arabs in Israel? Very much so, IMO. Some of it is indeed driven by a false sense of superiority in some people. Are all Israelis like this? the majority of them? I hope and believe that the answer to all three questions is no.
We are at a sad point in time, where you will fine many Israeli Jews who will tell you that they hate Arabs. Pure and simple. You will find just as many, if not more, Arabs that will tell you that they hate Jews.
These are all interesting topics, and I’d love to keep on debating them, but since this post is about Gaza, let me just say that the current clash with the Hamas has nothing to do with prejudice/racism in Israel. It has to do with a government’s commitment to its citizens to prevent them from being under the constant shelling of rockets.
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 9:30 am
@ bouhamza
). So, yes, I guess Gazans brought in more than just ammunition. However, look at the amounts of rockets they now have – where did these come from? They were not there when Israel withdrew from the Gaza strip – they’ve been smuggled in, via tunnels, or via the sea. We’re talking many thousands of rockets already launched, and who knows how many still there. Imagine bringing in more food and supplies instead of armament.
You do bring up a good point. I did hear about the cows in the tunnels (must be some big tunnels – imagine if those natural born engineers and architects can do when it’s time to build Gaza
Again, as for the blockade, through out these eight years, Israel constantly tried opening the passages. The Hamas didn’t respond only with shooting rockets (although that as well), but with actually shooting at the trucks bringing in supplies. Can you please explain that bit to me? Because until today, I can’t figure out that one. Why on earth would you shoot at the trucks bringing in supplies through the passages? I asked a Palestinian friend living in Gaza that question once – he agreed that this is beyond stupid.
As for the death toll of the rockets in Israel: Yes, about 8000 rockets and “only” 30 casualties. I guess we can blame Israel for making sure its citizens have indoors sheltered spaces and get some sort of a warning when a rocket lands. It could have easily been 300 or more, if it wasn’t for that (plus some sheer luck).
Even if we were lucky not to have a single person killed – if you don’t think 8000 rockets on civilian towns is cause for war, I am not sure what is. It disrupts daily living, the economy, everything. I know I couldn’t have lived like that – could you?
And finally – the disproportionate reaction. I wish Hamas could be deterred not with 30 casualties, but with zero casualties. I wish no harm to any Palestinian, man, woman or child. Unfortunately, limited strikes in the past weren’t too effective in that respect. Will this be effective? Who knows. I think it was with the Hezbulla, who seem intimidated enough these days to stay out of the game, despite the rhetoric spewed by Nassaralla. Hopefully, once the dust settles this time around, Hamas will be the same.
Again, it’s tragic that this comes at such a huge death toll. I don’t like it anymore than you do. I am not a policy maker in Israel, alas, but if you have any suggestion of what Israel should do to stop the rockets from being fired without inflicting damage in Gaza, I’d be happy to listen.
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 9:43 am
@ decembre
Look up “Operation Banner”. The British army killed over 3500 people in Northern Ireland. I don’t think people in NI would agree with your assessment of their occupiers…
Also -
1. See my reply above to bouhamza about the numbers. I know, it’s probably in Israel’s best interest to tell people to live life as normally and get a few hundreds of its citizens killed, to appease world opinion. Hmmmm… on second thought, we’ll stick to homefront defense and saving lives.
2. Israeli citizens can be Arab or Jewish (or other things too, actually) – I don’t know why the distinction. Don’t you think a government should defend its citizens regardless of their ethnic identity? Or do you think that Arabs shouldn’t be treated fairly?
I am writing with full respect to your intelligence btw. I would appreciate the same kind of respect back – thank you
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 10:33 am
England NEVER attacked Ireland. Their soldiers killed many “terrorists” and some who were put in jail were released for false accusation and the same thing exist in Israël. All these killings served nothing ‘cos now they live like civilized people not savages.
Israël calls terrorist all palestinian male. They are not even counted in the numbers of dead in Gaza now !
How can you call a democracy a country that move people into camps, push people like animals into “reserves” like Gaza and practice collective punishment cutting water, fuel, electricity and demolishing the infrastructure.
The arabs in Israël are not treated fairly and there are dozens of proofs sometimes on video very easy to find on the net.
The main reason for all of this ; Israël must defend itself.
How can you not feel safe with 100 nuclear warfare (estimated because secret, although paid for with american tax dollars)
How many bombs an armement do you need to cure your paranoïd state ?
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Israeli mom.
I now feel a little bit (but just a little) bit ashamed. I might have been to harsh lining you up with the regular sionist hawks in Israel. You do seem to be a reasonable and fair person. I’m sorry for my brutish tone.
I still hope that you can see that the aggression of the state of Israel is what triggers palestinians and us other arabs into reactionary and extreme positions. Israel must respect the UN resolutions and withdraw from occupied terretories before any peace talks may start.
Best wishes
/Egyptian Father!
bouhamzas last blog post..Norway has courage
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Thank you for that last comment, bouhamza – that was nice to see before going to bed. You know, while waiting for the kids to finish their classes this afternoon, I’ve been thinking this over. I was thinking how many of the people commenting on this blog are actually people with whom I probably have a lot in common. We are all anti-war, in a sense, and hoping for peace, so it’s a great place to start.
I think the problem is that at times of war, people get more emotional. I know I sure do. It brings out a patriotic streak that is usually more subdued. Normally, I’d be the left-winger here, arguing with the Israeli right-wingers and to some extent, saying the things that you and other commenters are saying
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Israeli Mom,
You are trying to get attention into your ideas and your philosophy in a situation where any human being from any nationality, race or religion should feel this is unacceptable.
Get your piece of cake and justify the dead of so many innocents, I hope one day the veil of ignorance will fall and then you will be ashamed to read your own words.
on Jan 4th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
…..Israel must respect the UN resolutions…Egyptian Father!
hahaha. Israël never obeyed an order from no one else than himself and the israelis love their country just for that !
Here is a video on an attack on the 3rd. If you think your hearth can survive this atrocity, take a look.
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Leaked_graphic_video_shows_carnage_in_0104.html
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Maryam, I am not sure which philosophy you are referring to. I’ve said countless times that I hurt for the people of Gaza. Nobody has a monopoly over feeling sorry about human beings suffering.
Note, that at no point did I even try to compare the suffering going on in Gaza today with that of the Israeli civilians living in the south. To quote my husband, I would rather lose a leg than be living in Gaza (and that goes for “regular” times too – not just during the current clashes). My point is that the suffering was brought on these people by Hamas. It’s not really a philosophy – more like an analysis.
@ decembre -
Do you really need the graphic videos to realize it’s hell over there?
I don’t, tyvm. It’s not just the blood and body parts either – it’s hundreds of thousands of children, emotionally scarred. I am not sure which is worse, btw. What really makes my stomach turn is thinking about the parents living in Gaza, having to take care of their babies and children at a time like this. My heart goes out to them.
Unlike many Israelis, I don’t even think that these people support Hamas or its actions against Israel. Some do, probably, but others don’t. They all suffer though, regardless of their opinions. Is it really worth it? Whatever weird kick they get to their national pride from shooting those silly rockets really worth all of this? Why not just declare that they will from now on move to political pressure, and stop shooting rockets – it’s as simple as that, and all of this bloodshed will cease.
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 10:00 am
…Do you really need the graphic videos to realize it’s hell over there?….IM
Can’t live without it.
….Unlike many Israelis, I don’t even think that these people support Hamas or its actions against Israel….IM
You’re too kind.
…Why not just declare that they will from now on move to political pressure, and stop shooting rockets – it’s as simple as that, and all of this bloodshed will cease….
Ok so they just have to admit they were wrong and israël will stop killing their family and friends ?
And what after that ? Will Israël make a proper accusation in a Court of Justice or will it shoot them right away like it is doing now without having to proove who through the artisanal bombs ?
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Dear Israeli Mom,
Your analysis is as painful as the bombs, you justify what has no justification.
This is not about politics or rationalizing to show how smart we all are. This is covering the hearts of all of us, as witnesses, of a thick darkness. And your rationalization is part of this darkness, in your intent to justify the killing of hundred of innocents with no mercy. This is not the first time this happens in the history of humanity, but it is becoming more and more difficult to manipulate the truth. If you enjoy going around in circles creating debates and finding solutions to terrorism (which by the way, nobody has found yet), go ahead. But don’t disguise the truth, what is happening leaves no room for doubts.
on Jan 6th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Maryam,
I am sorry if you find my analysis painful. I mean to cause no one no pain. I share your pain for the people of Gaza too. In fact, I began typing a comment here, but I feel it’s worthy of a post in its own right.
Decembre, I hope it will answer some of your questions as well.
on Jan 6th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Decembre.
To clarify something (if I was studdering?)
I blame ONLY the Israeli state in this conflict. To call for a mutual cease-fire is to equate the executioner and the victim. If you feel like arguing my stand-point you are welcome to do that.
However, you must realise that israelimom is not the Israeli government. She cannot be blaimed for the atrocities done in Gaza as we write, she can only be adressed at that wich she is doing. And that is bloging on the subject from her point-of-view.
Israelimom as well as you and I are morally responsible for this conflict and we are morally obliged to end it by any means necessary.
on Jan 8th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
To:Maryam
What do you say to the Hamas official stance to wipe all Israelis of the face of the earth?…. how is that peaceful? Just because Israel can cause more damage is there action worse than Hamas firing rockets in to civilian areas?
on Aug 24th, 2009 at 11:39 am
It breaks my heart to realize that Hamas has openly declared its will to destroy the State of Israel. Unless the right authorities intervene, more chaos will ensue.
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