I am deeply troubled by the recent poll results showing that a majority of Democrats believe Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. As someone who believes in justice and peace, I struggle to comprehend how the overwhelming force and devastation being inflicted upon innocent civilian populations can be justified as a legitimate form of self-defense. I firmly believe that Israel, like any nation, has the right to defend itself, but the disproportionate response we are witnessing is alarming.
Looking at the statistics, it is undeniable that a significant number of people who have lost their lives in this conflict are innocent children, aid workers, and civilians.… Continue reading
The recent news that Israel may have breached international law with US weapons in Gaza, as reported by the state department, has once again brought to light the complex and controversial relationship between Israel, the US, and the international community. The headlines surrounding this issue vary widely, with some sources suggesting a clear violation of international law, while others offer a more nuanced perspective on the matter.
As I ponder this issue, I can’t help but wonder about the implications of such breaches of international law. The very idea of a country potentially violating established legal standards with weapons supplied by another nation is deeply troubling.… Continue reading
The recent news that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar seems to indicate a potential glimmer of hope in the ongoing conflict with Israel. However, the details of the proposal and the lack of confirmation from Israel raise questions about the true impact of this acceptance.
It is unclear what the proposal entails, as reports suggest that it has been modified over the weekend. This lack of transparency, coupled with the absence of Israel’s position on the matter, creates uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of this ceasefire.
The timing of Hamas’ acceptance, just as Israel was preparing for a major operation in Rafah, raises suspicions about the true motives behind the announcement.… Continue reading
The news of the Israel military beginning to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah is both concerning and complex. As I try to wrap my head around this situation, I can’t help but wonder about the implications and potential outcomes of such a move. The first thought that comes to mind is the difficulty in distinguishing between civilians and Hamas fighters. With Hamas blending in with the civilian population, how can Israel ensure the safety of innocent people during this evacuation process?
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is heart-wrenching. With most of the region already destroyed, where are these Palestinian civilians supposed to go?… Continue reading
Hamas claims responsibility for the attack on the Israel-Gaza border crossing, halting humanitarian aid in the process. This act not only disrupts the flow of essential supplies into Gaza but also puts countless innocent civilians at risk. It is disheartening to see how Hamas, a group supposedly fighting for the Palestinians, would jeopardize the well-being of their own people in pursuit of their violent agenda.
The attack on the border crossing, where aid is regularly brought into Gaza, is a clear demonstration of Hamas biting the hand that feeds them. By targeting the very source of humanitarian assistance, Hamas shows a blatant disregard for the lives of the people they claim to represent.… Continue reading
When I think about the recent news of Columbia canceling its main graduation ceremony amid protests related to Gaza, it strikes a chord deep within me. As someone who didn’t get to experience a traditional high school graduation due to the pandemic, I can empathize with the students who are now missing out on their college graduation because of these protests. Graduation is a milestone in one’s life, a moment of celebration and achievement that deserves to be recognized and honored.
It’s disheartening to see how a few individuals can disrupt such an important event for an entire graduating class. While I understand the importance of raising awareness about global issues, there is a time and place for activism.… Continue reading
Armed Gazan gangs, some thought tied to Hamas, steal $70 million from Bank of Palestine. This headline is both shocking and sadly not surprising at the same time. The fact that such a significant amount of money can be stolen from a bank in broad daylight raises serious concerns about the state of affairs in Gaza. It is disheartening to see that those who are supposed to be fighting for the people are the ones perpetrating such criminal acts against their own.
What is even more troubling is the lack of accountability and transparency in the whole situation. With the ties to Hamas being speculated, it begs the question of whether the Palestinian people are truly being represented by their government.… Continue reading
I must say, I am not surprised by the recent news that Hamas seized the first aid shipment that entered Gaza via the reopened Erez crossing. It seems to be just another reminder of the challenges faced when trying to provide humanitarian aid to regions embroiled in conflict and controlled by terrorist organizations. The fact that Hamas, a group hiding amongst civilians, would prioritize their interests over the well-being of the people they claim to represent is disheartening but sadly not unexpected.
The situation becomes even more complicated when considering the involvement of various international entities, such as the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.… Continue reading
I can’t fathom the reasoning behind the recent events where protesters at Columbia University have taken over a building after defying a deadline. The entire situation seems to be spiraling out of control, with students engaging in acts of defiance and vandalism that not only disrupt the normal functioning of the university but also reflect poorly on their own academic journey.
The decision to occupy Hamilton Hall, a building that holds historical significance due to past protests in 1968, seems misguided when considering the nature of the current issue. The demands for divestment from Israel and standing in solidarity with Gaza appear to lack a coherent strategy and feasibility.… Continue reading
It is mind-boggling to think that the US military’s pier in Gaza is going to cost a whopping $320 million and involve about 1,000 US service members. When I first heard about this project, I couldn’t help but question the rationale behind such a significant investment in an area that seems to be fraught with complexities and potential dangers. The fact that Hamas even mortared the site over the weekend speaks volumes about the challenges and risks involved in providing aid to the Palestinians.
The senior Biden administration official’s statement about humanitarian aid needing to pass through Israeli checkpoints on land, despite already being inspected by Israel in Cyprus, raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of this operation.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker