Gazans see no ray of hope

Gazans did not hang on the high end of hope - not on Christmas Eve, not on the new Islamic Hijri year, and probably not even on the upcoming Gregorian New Year.

Gazans had not hoped for much to change following an Israeli siege under which an entire civilian population has been enduring the suffering silently since last January.

The aftermath of the most recent Israeli air raid against Gaza was not new for its people. Raids have been the Israeli Defence Forces' daily routine since the beginning of this year. Perhaps, the only difference is that the numbers of dead and injured have relatively varied from one raid to the next, with the most recent one claiming the highest toll thus far.

The situation here goes beyond which side had breached the ceasefire and who had abided by its deadline. The question is also beyond whether Hamas or any other faction should bear the greater burnt of the blame. This is being said given that the situation has been escalating for almost a year now.

Since last January, Israeli warplanes have perfected its targeting level as the Palestinian death toll increased after each raid. It was estimated that by July, no less than 460 people have died as a result.

In addition, Israel has closed all border crossings with Gaza for a full year now which constituted a cutoff to the lifeline that enabled Gaza to survive. With shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities, the situation has reached a miserable level as Gazans endured the months with a great level of misery.

By the third week of January, Gaza turned into 'a city of ghosts' - a description well suited for it as the cut off electricity and water has led to a humanitarian crisis, according to international humanitarian organisations. Is it a coincidence that only three weeks ago the United Nations had stated that the people of Gaza are all facing a mass state of malnutrition as a result of the blockade?

But for Gazans, such a living standard has become a fact of life, as many in the global community stood almost completely in apathy to what was unfolding there. This was more evident with stances of governments and less so with grass root and on popular levels.

Variation

The variation in positions of world powers is more or less similar to what was stated again and again after every Israeli raid. Like before, the European Union (EU) keeps calling on a ceasefire and a cessation of all hostilities. Like then also, the US in support of Israel puts the blame on Hamas and other extremist movements in a tit-for-tat attack campaigns.

Arab countries also adopted a position similar to what has been the case over the past year - condemnation, threats to abandon the Arab peace initiative, and calls on the UN Security Council to step in with a saviour plan.

But for the Gazans who are living under siege and in isolation, the most recent attack should not come as a surprise - except perhaps for its scale. Instead of a single or a few F-16s, 60 were used this time around.

And ironically, as much as Israel has been consistent in its dealing with a Hamas-led Gaza, as much as the world community has also been consistent in its sublime, distant, and ineffective reaction to what is taking place there.

The time today is forming a new political set-up that would be shaping the course of events in the future of the region - including that of Gaza. Fates are being defined by a dramatic change in the balance of powers across the globe.

A new president steps in the White House and a new election in Israel will define the extent of extremist policies that would be adopted. An internal Palestinian fighting would mark the definition of a two or three-state solution when it comes to Palestinian-Israeli relations and the rise of statehood - independent or otherwise. A revival of a Russia that strongly believes today in a natural historical right to be a global player and a China and an EU that seek to leave a ripple effect with every step taken on the global scene.

All the players would want to have a say. All the players would want to fiercely engage in the fight for what they have to say. The new power game is how power is played at its best. And this will define how things are to take shape in the region. And it is because of this transformation that what is happening in Gaza is, in part, a manifestation of what is yet to come.

I am a South African and might have a very limited understanding of this complicated issue between Israel and the Gazans, but as I am human and recognize human suffering, please allow me to have a say. I was shocked and saddened by these images. I did not see and know the difference between the two groups, I see only human suffering. I have only one plea to both groups, in the words of Ghandi : "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". Even if Ghandi is not your personal hero, think of the logic of these words. From the experience in my country I can witness of the healing power you have when not taking revenge on the people who wronged you. Leave the revenge to God. He is much more rightous and powerful than any human.
Sanet Viljoen
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 29, 2008, 12:01

This blatant use of force by Israel against Gaza makes one wonder whether nuclear weapons can be used as a pre-emptive force against further actions of this sort afterall. While I am not a believer of weapons proliferation and I am afraid that attacks such as these could lead to an arms race in the Middle East, I look at the reckless bombing of Israel on the Gaza strip and I think - Is this because Israel feels no immediate threat by the Arab world or the Palestinians? Would things be different if both parties had nuclear power? What a disturbing time we must live in for those who believe in peace to start thinking about something as destructive as nuclear weapons.
Gitanjali
Mumbai,India
Posted: December 29, 2008, 11:39

I believe that the Palestine -Israel conflict has to be solved by Arabs.
Noel Malicdem
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: December 29, 2008, 09:51

All freedom loving nations of the world must stand against Israel in this.
Abu Maruf
Helsinki,Finland
Posted: December 29, 2008, 00:52