The Assault on Gaza, and the Palestinian Question

As Israel continues its assault on Gaza, the Israelis say they are merely defending themselves, against people who insist on firing rockets into their territory. Why are the Palestinians firing rockets into Israel? Supposedly, because they are intent on destroying Israel. Is that not what Hamas' charter calls for?

Actually, the Hamas charter calls for the dissolution of the Jewish state, a reform that even some Jews might support. It says nothing about killing Jews, or even expelling them from the land, which is how it is often interpreted by Israel's supporters.

Why are the Jews in Israel to begin with? Some Jews had lived in the area since ancient times. But the modern state of Israel was created by Jews from other parts of the world, who got the idea that they were entitled to the land, because their ancestors lived there 2000 years ago, ignoring the fact that it was conquered territory even then.

In demanding that Israel's enemies acknowledge Israel's right to exist, Israel seeks not merely an assurance that they are not about to be attacked, but an acknowledgement that God gave that land to the Jews. “Accept my religious beliefs, or I will kill you.”

Israelis are fond of pointing out that, if the Arabs disarm, there will be peace. But if the Jews disarm, they will be annihilated. That is probably true. But what bandit couldn't make the same claim, once he has the money in his possession?

I can appreciate that no country can tolerate rockets being fired into its territory. But the conditions imposed on the people of Gaza are so onerous that their determination to fire rockets into Israel is perfectly understandable. Given the blockade that Israel has imposed on Gaza, if I was living there, I would be firing rockets into Israel.

I would no more advocate the expulsion of all Jews from Israel, than I would return all of North America to the descendants of its original inhabitants. But in Israel, the conquest was more recent, and Palestinians continue to suffer the effects. Returning to the Palestinians, everything that they lost, is not realistic. But I believe they would be happy to settle for much less than that. When a Palestinian child has the same opportunities as a Jewish child, I am sure most Palestinians will be happy to relegate their displacement to the history books.

I, along with Hamas, advocate the dissolution of the Jewish state. I further advocate its replacement with a secular state, which makes no legal distinction between Jews and Arabs. I ask Jews, both within Israel, and outside of it, to support that proposal. And I ask the United States Congress to hasten an end to the bloodshed, by cutting off all military aid to Israel. Until it does so, the United States is funding genocide.

To the people of Israel, if you really want a lasting peace, treat the people of Gaza as you would treat Jewish refugees who had just arrived in your country.