If there was ever any doubt as to whether or not the “militants” of Hamas are “freedom fighters,” we now know for sure–they are “terrorists.” The only thing surprising is that people were this surprised. The situation has been a long time in the making on both sides. Both sides are guilty. The terror of Hamas has no justification; nor does the counterproductive and inhumane response on the part of the Israeli Defense Forces.
When it comes to Hamas, the everyday human rights violations of the Israeli military, no matter how wrong, are an excuse, not a reason. Hamas is violent because they know they can convince the world that it is Israel’s fault they are violent. They use people; they use issues. The only cause they truly champion is violence and chaos. That isn’t to say that Israel has no responsibility. It is to say that Hamas is as much to blame as they appear to be. Hamas is using the many Palestinians who support them. They have usurped the cause of Palestinian statehood in an attempt to justify the murder of infants. What is most important now is that the international community acknowledges Hamas for what it is, and finds a way to break its grip on the people of Gaza.
One source of hope is that the people of Gaza may now see what the regime they put in charge of their narrow strip of land that desires to be an independent state has done for them. Theoretically, Hamas should pay the price, but, realistically, the IDF is going to lash out in ways that hurt the general population of Gaza. Ultimately, it is they, not Hamas, who are going to pay the highest price in this conflict. This was clear almost immediately, as Israel demanded a complete siege–not allowing food, fuel, and even medicine to flow into Gaza. The world community, stunned by the ferocity of Hamas’ terror, has forgotten that this is a violation of international law and why it is a violation of international law. Gazans now face a humanitarian catastrophe. The question is whether the civilians of Gaza will recognize that all Hamas has brought them is war, deprivation, and bloodshed.
Meanwhile, there will be no way to extricate Hamas from the general population in this small, densely packed strip of land where there is nowhere to run. Which means, once again, civilians will die. As long as civilians die, there will be Hamas. I fear Israel could be moving into a forever war. Their stated goal–destroying Hamas–cannot be accomplished with military might.
The only way out of this cycle is with the help of the international community. Israel should not be left to fight Hamas alone. The Palestinians should be protected from Israel taking retribution on common people. Common people who will then become the terrorist they rightly fear. This may be Israel’s 9/11. Let us hope they fare better than America with their war on terror.
Progressive Without Apology 