There has been little criticism of Israel in its substantial reduction in the supply of vital and critical needs of Palestinians in Gaza. There has been little criticism of Israel in its virtually total destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and devastating attacks on schools, hospitals and churches. Yet Israel is believed (without question) when it states that Hamas is using innocent Palestinians as human shields to justify killing thousands of Palestinians. Iran is criticised for supplying Hamas and Hezbollah with arms while the USA continues to supply billions worth of the most advanced arms to Israel without comment. I could go on and on…

America’s Role

In continuing to arm, support and defend Israel, the USA is prolonging the death and destruction of Palestine and Palestinians, while increasing the threat of a major regional conflict. Should I be surprised? Not really. The USA and UK attack on Iraq was based on lies, incompetence and short-termism. The USA withdrawal from Afghanistan has led to that country dramatically reversing its social and economic progress with the return of the Taliban. The USA should have led with strong sanctions against Russia and arms supply to Ukraine when its territory was initially annexed and attacked by Russia in 2014. This could have stopped the wholesale attack on Ukraine. Even now it refuses to sanction the longer range use of missiles against Russian military targets by Ukraine. If the USA had strongly committed and worked towards to a two-state solution when originally proposed, would thousands of lives have been saved? Would peace and security have prevailed?

America has the power to stop the slaughter and destruction in Palestine (and Lebanon) by halting arms supplies and intelligence if Israel continues on its current offensive path. Rather than working towards peace it is encouraging war, and has even moved its own navy and soldiers towards the waring territories…

The eventual peace agreement in Northern Ireland after decades of death, conflict and hate illustrates what is possible - where there is a will, there is a way. To reach this agreement the British government negotiated with so-called ‘terrorists’ on both sides of the argument (after decades of violence), and, with the help of the USA, arrived at a peaceful, long-term conclusion. Israel must be forced to consider an alternative, peaceful way forward, and agree to a two-state solution while stopping the death and destruction. And in the process return the West Bank’s stolen land. So much depends on the USA approach but I remain sceptical. This is primarily because its so-called ‘iron-clad’ support for Israel may translate into a physical presence on the ground in the conflict (in addition to the continued and increased arms support), and the danger of America becoming directly involved in the conflict with Iran. My other major fear is that Gaza is being bombed out of existence and could be annexed by Israel, forcing surviving Palestinians into the West Bank.

And Finally…

I ask the question: Will there be peace and security in the Middle East? I have my doubts. Imagine watching your parents or children or friends blown to pieces after being forced to move to so-called ’safe areas’ which are not safe at all. Imagine watching your home being demolished while your hospital and school destroyed…My fear is that Israel will never be at peace because the horrific memories generated by indiscriminate by starvation, bombing, death and injury will heavily influence the hearts, minds and actions of survivors of this genocide. If anything, Israel is cementing hate in Palestinians for what they have suffered. And if Trump is re-elected the situation will become even worse. I pray for peace and an end to the suffering, but expect the conflict to continue for many years to come, and the conflict to be widened with any agreements between Israel and surrounding Arab nations impossible.