Update Jan. 23 - Desperate times and desperate measures.
Seems it's not enough that this weekend Israel closed the borders to Gaza, keeping 1.5 million people from traveling for work or urgent medical care. Now Gaza's sole electrical plant has shut down, after Israel blocked shipment of fuel that powers the plant, as well as all humanitarian aid.
Israel prides itself as a democracy, yet what kind of democracy cares for the human rights of one people and not another? Because that's exactly what Israel is doing - collectively punishing an entire population for the bad behaviour of a few militants firing rockets into Israeli territory. Why are the lessons of history never learned?
Also this weekend, an Israeli air strike destroyed the unoccupied interior ministry building in Gaza. At least 20 people were wounded in collateral damage, most of them guests, including children, at a nearby wedding. In separate air strikes last week, more than 35 Palestinians were killed, including some militants.
UN and human rights agencies have condemned the Israeli actions and warned that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza territory is nearing crisis proportions. Further, with no raw materials entering Gaza and no finished products leaving, the industrial sector has collapsed. Local unions say in the last six months, over 100,000 Palestinians have lost their jobs.
Praying for peace. Photo of the Hand of Fatima on a door in Ranelagh, Paris. The symbol is popular among Arabs and Jews alike.
I am adding my prayer for peace, to yours - may all of the prayers continue to add up, till we can arrive at a solution!~XOXO
Posted by: tinker | 24 January 2008 at 00:19
Tara - thanks for your response, I almost missed it because I usually don't check back on my comments but I was interested in what other readers had to say and so read it. I understand that you know the region well and that your opinions are based on first hand experience, and why would I object to you voicing your opinion on your own blog? It is why I read it in the first place.
By the way, I found the subsequent comments about Hamas and how they have provided schools and basic services in a deprived region very interesting; you know, 70 years ago that is what Hitler did in Germany, building a much needed infrastructure, creating jobs and giving people hope and prosperity. We all know about the devastating consequences of Hitler's rise, aided by the fact that no-one tried to stop him although the signs were there.
But please, do not misunderstand me. I do not condone any acts of violence, whoever carries them out. And you know, just because I am lucky to live in a more peaceful and prosperous part of the world, does not mean that I don't have empathy for the pain and suffering of so many innocent people. But ultimately the people in Gaza are suffering the consequence of having elected a terrorist government that wants to destroy its neighbor. And that in itself is a tragedy because they did elect them for the best of reasons, their own personal basic human needs. Who can blame them for that?
Tara responds:
You seem to be suggesting the people in Gaza have created their own suffering by voting for the wrong party. Curious that you don't mention Israel's key role in their plight. The Palestinians have been suffering at the hands of the Israelis since 1948.
Posted by: Kerstin | 22 January 2008 at 06:10
The hand of Fatima is a well-chosen symbol of hope, maybe, considering that it is indeed a symbol beloved of both Muslims and many Jews.
As neither Jew nor Arab but still a member of the human race, I find the Mid-East conflict (Israel vs. Palestinians) a deeply confusing and painful struggle to witness and try to make sense of. For those who don't take sides, in terms of the great value and contributions of each civilization/culture, it's like having your two eyes at battle with each other, or the two halves of your brain. I can wish that all will lay down their arms and respect each other and live together peaceably but they would have to believe in something in common that is greater than their division.
Posted by: fleur | 22 January 2008 at 01:35
Oh, and not one of us would not vote for those who gave us food and shelter when we were hungry and needy. Let's be honest! It just so happened that Hamas was the one to do it. Where was the rest of the world???
Posted by: Colette | 21 January 2008 at 21:33
"As the late Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan came to realise, the Palestinians and Israelis must learn to live together, or they will die together."
This is the core of it.
Just because there are general elections, it doesn't mean there is democracy. I would not be proud of such a "democracy" where the deeds of the few dictate the actions on the masses. It's mind-boggling. I also think that as long as people say "There can never be peace in that region," there won't be. We have to push the humanity rather than the politics. Which is to say I completely agree with you!
Posted by: Colette | 21 January 2008 at 21:30
when we were children our parents told us about the horor that came upon the netherlands and how they managed to survive the german occupation.
at school we learned about the dutch resitance movement (underground)and their heroes during wwII. their actions against the german occupier grew with the years of the war.
they were secretly organized in every city, every single tiny village of the country.
anne frank became one of the symbols of the country, hiding for years in an attic in amsterdam.
the stories of these women and men who fought for our freedom and democracy and often gave their lifes in actions are still told. the courage of all these people of the resistant movement are still honored today... never ever called extremists or terrorists!!!
Posted by: marita | 21 January 2008 at 20:05
Thank you Tara. What you say about why they elected them speaks to me. That makes sense. It shows how true it is, that regular people just want the things they NEED first. I think all people are like this, and is actually some of what is happening here in the States, too, right? The "bigger" questions mean not as much, when you are just trying to take care of your kids. It is the simple hierarchy of needs... It gives the term "winning hearts and minds" a real meaning. And certainly what is happening now will only push people farther from a middle ground. *sigh*
And you are right about Bush. I have been saying the same thing to Kory. What is the point NOW??
And I was thinking last night trying to fall asleep... I was thinking how the extremes always seem to be the loudest voices, getting the most attention-- and then power. WHY is that? It is SO bad for all of us. In our own election, I worry that the two extremes of both sides are gaining ground, and how that will make for another four years of partisan crap. And it won't serve most of us.
:(
:)
Posted by: Amber | 21 January 2008 at 18:54
There is no humanity in it. This is an extremist (I could use another word, but will refrain just now) government showing its true colors. Despicable.
Posted by: dianamuse | 21 January 2008 at 16:51
VERY,VERY SAD! I'm holding Fatima's hand, and praying for PEACE!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 21 January 2008 at 14:17
Great post Tara! Absolutely agree with it and your comments to the comments!
Thanks again dear Tara!
Posted by: Catalina | 21 January 2008 at 11:49
Tara, in my heart of hearts I don't think there will ever be peace there - neither side are without guilt and neither will forget. Theres a whole lot I could say but I wont. Good on you though for bringing the topic up for discussion
Posted by: All Things Bright and Beautiful | 21 January 2008 at 09:38
Tara, I hear you. And I am always interested in knowing what you think, because of all your experience in this area. But-- and don't get mad at me! I'm jut asking -- I wonder if the reason Democracy is not working in the mid east, and no one wants to work with the elected Hamas government, is because it's own charter states that it calls for "the distruction of the State of Isreal"? How do you work with that? The fact that such a government WAS elected, says a lot about how deep the hatred runs, right?
I really do want to know what you think about that... Do you think a Hamas government, or people who would elect that government and Isreal can ever find a way to work together, and respect one another? Because I DO agree with you that these actions by Isreal don't seem to be anything that will help anything. I am pretty sure it can ONLY make it all worse, and turn public opinion against Isreal, while hurting innocent people. I don't think it is right or smart, and I wonder what they think will come of it?
It is certainly hard to judge, and I am only greatful my own children are not living in the middle of it all... It all makes me feel very sad.
:)
Tara responds:
Amber I agree with you that Hamas is not a good partner for peace, as they have refused to accept previous Israeli-Palestinian accords, agreed after much negotiation in recent years. The Palestinian people elected Hamas, largely because they were providing schools and basic services in Gaza that previous Palestinian governments failed to do. And that is an example of why democracy as envisioned in the West doesn't necessarily work the same way in the Middle East.
As the late Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan came to realise, the Palestinians and Israelis must learn to live together, or they will die together. These two leaders did not want their grandchildren to grow up with hatred and animosity, so they took enormous strides towards peace. Alas, neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians have strong leaders at the moment, who have enough public support to push forward a concrete plan for peace any time soon. George Bush's idea of peace within a year is a fantasy. He completely ignored the situation for seven years, then decided he could find a solution. Better men than he have tried for decades to achieve this and failed.
That being said, I believe there are more people on both sides who long for peaceful co-existence than those who are keen to keep the status quo. But the situation in Gaza is horrific and sealing it off, depriving its people of basic supplies and humanitarian aid is creating a powder keg. Only extremists - on both sides - benefit from such a dire situation.
Posted by: Amber | 21 January 2008 at 07:09
Reprehensible - especially for a democracy, as you pointed out. What happened to diplomacy? And where, for the love of God, Allah, Buddha, Brahma, where is the humanity??
Praying for peace, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 21 January 2008 at 05:52
Would that everyone would practice the meaning of the Hand of Fatima. Thank you once again, Tara, for being an eloquent voice on the human condition.
Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | 21 January 2008 at 03:58
I'm with you, Tara! It is that common bond of humanity that is being ignored by both sides.
Posted by: jzr | 21 January 2008 at 02:24
why are the lessons of history never learned ~
so true
and the hand of fatima is a beautiful
and compassionate symbol of love and prayer to
me.
Posted by: maddie | 21 January 2008 at 02:17
Tara responds to Kerstin's comment:
Democracy as viewed in the West does not necessarily work in the Middle East, If it did, no one would be refusing to deal with the Palestinians' democratically-elected government run by Hamas. Whether or not we like their behaviour or their politics, Hamas was elected by a majority of voters. So if you adhere to the technical definition of democracy, it isn't working in the Occupied West Bank and Gaza.
Further, Israel is not the only "democracy" in the region, if you consider that a democracy holds elections and votes for its leaders. Democracy as we view it in the West certainly isn't perfect, as evidenced in recent years in the US and UK. But those are separate issues.
I do appreciate both sides of the story, having lived and worked in the region for many years and I knew many of the key players personally. In my entire career, I have always reported both sides of the story. While my piece above states the facts of the matter, it is an opinion piece, not a straight news story - MY opinion, based on my knowledge and understanding of and experience in the region. Further, this is my personal weblog and I am commenting on the news, not reporting on it firsthand as I did for so many years. I have friends on both sides of Israel's so-called "security fence" and if Palestinians were holding 1.6 million people hostage, without allowing humanitarian aid and fuel in, while preventing citizens from leaving, I'd be taking them to task too.
NO, IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR MILITANTS TO FIRE ROCKETS INTO ISRAEL! But neither is it right how the Israelis are causing suffering for over a million people, in punishment for the acts of a few. Building walls and isolating people never works, as history has proved over and over again. The Israelis - as well as the militants firing rockets - are behaving in a very inhumane way, when it comes to the treatment of innocent men, women and children. Human rights means equal and fair treatment for ALL human beings, regardless of nationality or place of birth.
Further, it is not the Gaza citizens' fault that their economy has come virtually to a standstill. This is due to the Israelis and their repeated blockades and border closures and now, power cuts which are endangering the lives of babies in incubators and seriously ill people in hospitals, as well as preventing surgeries. If the Israelis were doing the right thing, the United Nations and numerous humanitarian agencies and human rights organisations would not be condemning the recent Israeli actions and the situation in Gaza wouldn't be so critical.
YES the Israelis have the right to expect security from rockets being fired into their homes and territory, just as the Palestinians have the right to earn a living, have adequate food to eat, proper medical care and shelter - all the things that you and I take for granted every day! Aren't we lucky that we don't live surrounded by "security fences" and that we can travel and get the things we need, rather than being confined to one tiny strip of land and dictated to by others?
And I'll remind you that my original piece talks about the common bond of HUMANITY, not divisions of politics. Peace.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 21 January 2008 at 01:52
Tara, I understand your outrage at the number of civilians being so cruelly punished by this situation. The scale of this human tragedy is beyond comprehension for most of us. But why don't you also get outraged at the "few militants" who keep the deathly spiral of violence and retaliation going just as much as the Israelis? Israel is the only democracy in an ocean of countries that tolerate, accommodate or are lead by militant and anti-democracy extremists. I am not saying that the Israelis are right for what they are doing, I am just saying that there are two sides to every conflict. There are some very evil forces out there that do not believe in democracy and that want to destroy our way of life; and I fear that things will get a lot worse, not just for the Palestinians and the Israelis.
Posted by: Kerstin | 21 January 2008 at 01:22