Stop the suffering in Gaza
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Israel’s retaliation to Hamas’ terrorist attack in Israel 3 weeks ago exceeds what can be defended. The suffering Israel inflicts on the civilian population is extreme. No one can defend a collective punishment in this way. Closing the Gaza Strip to humanitarian aid while bombing the small densely populated area is reminiscent of ethnic cleansing. The sympathy Israel received after the attack by Hamas has turned into condemnation for large parts of the world community.
Recognize each other
Both parties must recognize the other party’s right to exist. Read my blog about this. Only when both parties recognize each other’s right to areas can a dialogue begin that includes a two-state solution. Only then can the suffering end.
The Oslo agreement that was signed in 1993 was a hope. The hope at the time was that the protracted conflict would lead to a lasting reconciliation between the two warring parties. The iconic handshake between Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin is a moment the world would not have believed until then. The handshake was only temporary. Since then, the parties have again drifted apart. The Oslo agreement feels like a distant dream.
To achieve lasting, stable peace, both parties must give a little. The racism from both parties is unsustainable. Racism based on not tolerating each other’s existence.
The suffering is ethnic cleansing
It is reminiscent of an attempt at ethnic cleansing that Israel is doing now. Ethnic cleansing to try to wipe out the Palestinians in Gaza once and for all. Such ethnic cleansing Israel itself should understand that it does not lead. No people have a greater experience than the Jews when it comes to ethnic cleansing.
Israel is engaged in a form of ethnic cleansing that strongly resembles what the Jews themselves experienced during Hitler’s rule in Germany. The difference is that it is the Jews themselves who are now responsible for this ethnic cleansing. Bombing Gaza, a military invasion by ground forces and a virtual blockade of the area do not lead to peace, but to more hatred.