In solidarity with innocent people in Gaza
Sunday, January 20, 2008 by Sanam
What’s going on in Gaza is outrageous. Yes, it’s as outrageous when they torture or stone somebody in Iran, and I don’t need to be reminded that a lot of human rights violation happen in my own country, many of which I have written about. But I was wondering where all these concerned governments and human rights organizations, that cover every single human rights violation in third world countries, are now? Are they going to for example ask for sanctions against Israel?! I mean, come on, this is 21st century for whatever-you-believe-in’s sake. How can we justify this blockade when there are 1 million and a half people living in Gaza strip, some of which do not definitely support attacks on Israel, just for the simple fact that they are children! How anyone can justify punishing children? How can the world watch and stand this collective punishment? How will Gaza’s children grow? Will they grow with the love for Israel and peace? I doubt it…
I wish bloggers from all around the world would write something in solidarity with innocent people in Gaza who are suffering from the blockade. Human rights should be valued everywhere on this planet, not on selective parts of the world.
*Update: They are easing the blockade, but they promise they will do it again if the attacks continue.
P.S. Persian blogs will post something on January 30th in solidarity with imprisoned Iranian students (the organizing solidarity blog in Persian). Perhaps English, Arab, and Israeli blogs should make the same move for Gaza people.
P.S. 2. Great news thanks to my occupier electricity is back! (Mona El-Farra - From Gaza, with Love)
Sanam, I am also very concerned about what is going on in Gaza. Most of the people there just want to live peaceful lives, but they are little more than pawns caught between the forces of Israeli oppression and Hamas’ desire to destroy Israel. The harder Israel clamps down, the more sympathy and followers Hamas gets. Neither side is going to beat the other.
I think that the chances of moving toward peace are much better in the West Bank. President Abbas is pragmatic and willing to compromise, but Israel needs to be more proactive in reaching out a hand to Abbas’ government. Israel should be making more confidence building gestures like the removal of settlements. I don’t know what can be done to help the people of Gaza have a brighter future though. In the short term, essential services must be maintained. Electricity must be provided for hospitals, winter heating, clean water distribution, and proper sanitation. Without these essentials, there could be a humanitarian disaster there. In the long term, Hamas must either change its philosophy regarding Israel, or its power must be greatly reduced. Religious fundamentalism is not going to lead anyone toward a peaceful future.
Hi again, just thought I would mention that I have been reading some of the posts by Dr. Mona El-Farra. I am glad to learn more from the perspective of someone inside Gaza.
The people of Gaza have been in the news in recent days regarding the opening of the border into Egypt. Honestly, I hope this opening can continue. The people in Gaza need some relief from the siege. Tonight on the NBC news, they showed a grandfather from Gaza who saw his daughter in Egypt for the first time in five years. She has two daughters that he had never met. He was so pleased! Maybe things would be better if Egypt just annexed Gaza, if such a thing were possible.
I liked the way that you are thinking (just on this issue:)