Waiting for a ground offensive in Gaza
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We are waiting for the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza. An offensive that should have started a day ago. When it will come and if it will come, hardly anyone knows for sure. Most believe Israel is launching an attack to crush Hamas. Crushing Hamas will most likely lead to unimaginable suffering, including among the civilian population. Whether the expected ground offensive from Israel will be successful is highly uncertain. Such an offensive could further escalate the conflict and lead to a major war in which Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran are drawn into the war.
A ground offensive can be a solution in the short term
Israel’s announced attack on Gaza may be a short-term solution for Israel. In the long term, the solution is not to inflict even greater suffering on Gaza. This will lead to even more despair and produce more hatred. This in turn provides fertile ground for extremism.
Israel cannot wipe out a people group. It is time to think of a solution rather than escalation. It is time to think peace, rather than hate. As long as a people group is kept confined in a small area like Gaza, Israel will not succeed in winning the peace. Both sides must recognize the other’s right to exist and human rights.
Accept a two-state solution
Both sides must accept a solution where both Israel and Palestine are separate, independent states. This is the first condition for achieving a lasting peace. The racism displayed both by Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel does not lead to peace, only hatred.
Israel has no right to engage in the annexation we have seen over several years. Areas taken from the Palestinians and settled by Jews are violations of international law. These areas must return to Palestine. occupation of Palestinian territories is prohibited.
Israel was established as a state in 1947. At the time, the UN decided that there should be two states, a Jewish and an Arab state. Those who lived in the area (the Palestinians) felt overrun. They were almost chased away from areas they had lived in for several generations. A lasting peace would mean that Israel withdraws to the areas that applied according to the UN decision in 1947. In return, Palestine and other neighboring countries must recognize these borders and Israel’s right to its own land.
3 religions
The area is dotted with religious historical sites. The area is very important for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. This is something that must be taken into account in a peace agreement. The agreement must imply that religious places must be freely used by the various religious groups and preserve them for the future.
Jerusalem is in a special position. After 1947, the city was seen as an Arab and Jewish city that was divided in two. A solution that all parties can accept is important and a prerequisite for future peace.
Such a solution must also be acceptable to countries such as Iran, Jordan, Syria etc. The key lies in dialogue and conversation, not in occupation and oppression.