Thread: The conflict in Gaza.

Originally Posted by English

Hands up anybody who would like to be a Palestinian at the moment.

I'll pass, the Israelis dont seem to fool around!

As I am from the generall area (S W Asia/middle east) I might give some perspective maybe..

Anyway media in Sweden depict the conflict just as Kristofer said they do in Norway, i.e. on the palestinian side. In my view it was Hamas that started the whole thing by launching rockets at Israel. Israel has the right to protect itiself and it's citizens, just as they did in Lebanon a couple of years ago. It is unfortunate and a pitty that civilians have been killed on both sides. And here we can definitly say that the Israelis are responsible. However Hamas are to blame (as well) for this as they deliberatly involove the civilaian population and make them targets.

This is Israel vs Hamas not against the palestinian people. Fatah on the West Bank have quite good relations with israel and if I'm not wrong Israel gives the largest financial aid to the palestinians, not the arab countries.

The only solution that I see is two separate states and Jerusalem to be considered a neutral zone or an international zone. However Hamas and other islamist organizations do not recognize Israel, so there is clearly a problem with having Hamas as administratiors in the palestinian areas(only Gaza after the internal fight with Fatah). But then again they were elected by the people mostly due to that the people were fed up with the corruption of Fatah..

I'm not planning on getting into a debate on this. Especially in a public forum, from my warm office, while people are dying. I will say, it saddens me that Norway would recognize the Hamas as anything but a terrorist organization. Their primary objective is to eradicate Israel.

It wasn't the Israeli's that ignored the cease-fire. You kick a bear long enough, and he decides to tear you to pieces, whose fault is it?

It's way too early in the game to be deciding much about the outcome. Keep in mind that the world is seeing only one side of this right now-- Hamas' side. Israel learned in the last war (Second Lebanon War) that Hizbollah was watching TV and could figure out what the IDF was doing. For that reason, Israel decided against allowing media in the battle areas. We know from past experience that Jihadist claims are way inflated-- did anyone hear the guys who were saying that 3,000 Palestinians had been killed? That was a few days ago when the UN (which is now an almost-useless organization) was saying 300.

My belief is that Israel learned its lessons from the 2006 Lebanon War and is now getting it right. You can bet that there are a number of countries that denounce Israel and ask it to stop, but inside, they're happy that Israel is taking a bite out of Hamas. I think we're going to be seeing Hamas screaming for a cease fire before long-- they're getting their a** handed to them right now.

Let's hope that not many innocent lives will be lost.
Bob

This whole mess and all the others around the world can all be characterized thusly: As long a Humans hate each other because they have a different religion, or look different, or have a different economic or social standing or different tribal affiliation and about 20 other reasons things will never change. Probably the most defining constant throughout Human history is war of one kind or another. Unless we are all exactly the same in every way I don't see any chance for change. And even then I'm sure people will find something to hate about others.

Originally Posted by pavelaw

...

My belief is that Israel learned its lessons from the 2006 Lebanon War and is now getting it right. You can bet that there are a number of countries that denounce Israel and ask it to stop, but inside, they're happy that Israel is taking a bite out of Hamas. I think we're going to be seeing Hamas screaming for a cease fire before long-- they're getting their a** handed to them right now.

Let's hope that not many innocent lives will be lost.
Bob

I agree - Given both sides clearly believe killing each other is the long-term solution to this situation, let's hope the collateral damage is minimised.

Someone asked earlier what diplomatic solutions could be used to reduce or eliminate the support base of these organisations. Let me ask two questions in return:

(1) If there are no diplomatic solutions, and the only resolution to this thing is "handing people their asses", what is the logical end point? You think these people are going to say "Oh, good show! You handed us our ass! Well, fair's fair. We'll stop now."

(2) Why would someone strap a bomb to their body and set it off? Fanaticism is only part of the answer in my opinion.

A long term solution treats the cause, not the symptom.

James.

This all words ... But half an hour back Hizbala has started rockets in the north of Israel.

Originally Posted by manah

This all words ... But half an hour back Hizbala has started rockets in the north of Israel.

I hope you and your family will be safe.

regards Kristoffer.

Originally Posted by KristofferBodvin

I hope you and your family will be safe.
regards Kristoffer.

Thanks. If will be as in 2006, the wife and the daughter will leave to Europe, and I will be in army.