Comments on: Gaza Strip in Darkness

By: ck

ck — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:30:08 +0000

There is a terrible irony about the impossibility of the whole situation. Hamas are reliant on a State they refuse to recognise for their survival and Israel are compelled by international commentators to open the blockade so as to potentially allow the supply of fuel that may be used to transport weapons. The situation is one where children on both sides of the divide are afraid to leave their houses. I choose to hold Israel to a much higher standard, as an elected government seeking to ensure security and the viability of a peace process they cannot respond in ways that so blatantly violate human rights. I am of course in no way exempting Hamas from an obligation to move to stop the rocket attacks. The actions of Israel, should rise above PR spinning of Palestiniahn motives. They control the borders, air space and much of the infrastructure of the Gaza Strip so defensive actions should be more focused and considerate of the needs of an already deprived society.

By: simon

simon — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:10:18 +0000

Jean isreal aredoing the same mistake that the Brits did in Northern Ireland for decades mistaking the people for Hamas

stop attacking us and we will stop hurting you.

this blockade by Israel is not hurting Hamas it is hurting the people who will only turn to Hamas for protection. Read up on the British armies attivities circa 1971. IRA had little support British army had more support then the IRA amongst catholics. IRA attacked the brits thought all catholics were the IRA, acted accordinly. A hell of alot of catholics started turning to the IRA for protection. If you think that cutting water supplies will lessen Hamas support and increase Israels you are very nieve. I myself am not israels greatest detractor certainly not on CK’s scale but they just don’t seem to get the idea of hearts and minds.

By: Jean G

Jean G — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:08:59 +0000

Your comment, though evoking a powerful image of Israeli oppression, is unfortunately rooted in sentiment and not any form of fact-based evidence.

Your article fails to mention that the Gaza strip is currently under the control of Hamas which has pounded southern Israeli settlements with daily rocket fire since Israel’s voluntary withdrawal from the area in 2005.

70% of power supplied by Israel (64% of Gaza’s total power supply) is supplied by electricity cables and these were never compromised. Israel only suspended the supply of fuel in an effort to curtail the transportation of weapons.

The action by the Israeli government is ceasing tomorrow as planned, before water and sanitation is compromised and before food and medical supplies reach dangerous levels. However, there is a possibility that the blockade will resume is rockets continue to fire on Israel. Therefore, the ball is effectively in Hamas’ court: stop attacking us and we will stop hurting you.

Surely your concession that their actions are to “protect democracy and the security of their citizens” automatically elevates the Israeli government above those who seek to undermine democracy and show little regard for human life.

While I do not wish to see a humanitarian crisis erupt in an already vulnerable area, your Comment paints a one-sided and inaccurate portrayal of the situation.