I want to raise the stakes here, but in as neutral a way as possible. Also, I want to once again highlight the fact that I will not be accepting any violent or intimidating comments. I don’t want to isolate readers, so I want to clarify at this point that this is not a political post. For those of you who are going to read this post all the way through – all I ask from you is 10-15 minutes of your time…. ok? Cool, good… let’s get on with it.
Firstly, I have a video around which I want to write this post. It is 5 minutes and 39 seconds long, but its worth a listen. The person speaking is Sir Gerald Kaufman MP, a member of the ruling British Labour Party.
Ok, watched the video? I would appreciate, if you had an opinion on those 5 and a half minutes, and let me know what you think at the end of the post.
Now, my next exhibit is this image. Just have a look at it, nothing more. This image was picked up from this news article from the BBC news website. This picture briefly summarises the bombing in the last 3 weeks in Gaza, Palestine.
Right, so what is the objective of this post? Well, I want to voice my opinion on how things are looking to shape out over this weekend and the next few days.
I mentioned a few days ago (on twitter, and as comments on a number of forums and blogs), that this conflict will come to a close around the 20th of January 2009, and amazingly – the ceasefire which seemed impossible, will be feasible. The Israeli cabinet is set to meet tonight to vote and almost certainly approve the ceasefire, maintaining their stance that almost all the pieces of the puzzle are in place.
My question is this – what has changed in the last 18 days, that has brought about the change of objectives from Israels perspective. Israel‘s main objective in Operation Cast Lead has been to end Gaza militants’ ability to fire rockets at Israel and stop them smuggling weapons through tunnels from Egypt. They claimed that specific targets were being hit by precision bombs. If this was the case, I would be “OK” with Military Hamas targets being hit with a single precision missile – I strongly condemn the Military wing of Hamas, and always have; I see them in the same light as Hezbollah – a terrorist organisation. I want you readers to turn your attention to the image above. Have a very very very good look at this image and tell me – what is so precision-esq about that bomb? I am not a military or an ammunitions person, but that bomb looks more specifically like a cluster bomb. How is this precision targeting. Also, wiping Hamas off the map – well I think they are still alive and kicking and firing rockets into Israel. My question is – what has changed NOW, compared to 18 days ago, that the ceasefire is coming into place? Is it because the current United States administration has had it’s last business day on Friday? Is it because Israel has run out of ammo? Or is it because there is absolutely nothing left to bomb in Gaza?
I want you guys to have a look at this post; it is a picture post. I just want you guys to know that it contains very very disturbing images, but shows how precise the bombing has been over the last 18 days. Please note from the pictures – the people killed are regardless of any religion; there are photos of Christians in coffins as well.
Christian Fraser is the first British journalist to independently enter Gaza since the Israeli offensive started. Have a read of his Eyewitness report from Rafah.
Jeremy Bowen (BBC journalist in Jerusalem) has written another excellent diary entry, which sums up the situation on the ground. There are now cries of war crimes, which ofcourse have been rebuffed by Israel. I am not going to comment on this; I am not on the ground, but I hope that the truth is spoken by the people who are – I will leave this to the media, and let’s see how they sell this to the world.
I want to share 2 more resources which I picked up in the last 2 days. One is this article from the New York Times titled – Weighing Crimes and Ethics in Urban Warfare.
The other is this video which was taken in New York, made by Max Blumenthal shot on January 11th 2009 – A Pro-Israel Rally against Gaza. Just listen to what the people who are interviewed have to say. I have been very frequently been saying – A little bit of knowledge can be fairly dangerous and destructive, I think this is very clearly demonstrated in the thoughts and views of the people in the video.
The ceasefire is coming, which is great. However, this has been 3 weeks too late.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I want to share this BBC article with everybody too – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7834700.stm
I think it’s an rather known secret that Israel went ballistic (pun intended) because they aren’t sure whether the new US Govt. would give them as much support as the previous administration. This, despite the fact that Obama has appointed a pro-Israeli as a high-ranking member of the administration – don’t ask me for names and all as I’m quite crappy with politics.
And hence they’re doing whatever they can and get away with whatever murder before the 20th. Which is now ultimately their undoing. Because even pro-Zionists are thinking twice.
Let’s hope that this finally opens many eyes and can lead to a proper peace plan that benefits both the Palestinians and the Israelis.
@Mars
I hope so… We’re getting news through now that the ceasefire has been declared. Let’s see if Hamas hold back.
The guy in the Obama administration may be Rahm Emanuel (whose middle name is Israel btw
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