The cease-fire about to take effect in Gaza is not peace. It is a pause, like the five cease-fires of the last 15 years before it. But the war will continue, as will the blockade of Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank. Why, in all the discussions, op-eds, and relentless analysis, has peace rarely been mentioned? In my opinion, it is because both sides do not want peace, they want victory. The Palestinians want the right of return, and the Israelis want all of Palestine to themselves. In the Israeli scenario Gaza, the West Bank, and the nation of Israel will be ethnically cleansed of all Palestinians. That will be victory, but peace will not be achieved. Peace will not be discussed until it becomes apparent that victory is impossible.
You assert: “President Biden deserves great credit for placing the two-state solution back on the table. However improbable, it is the only solution I can envision that stands a chance of quelling the relentless cycle of violence.” But the two-state solution has failed. If one requires “that Israel restart negotiations toward the creation of a (demilitarized) Palestinian state on the West Bank” then the two states will remain grossly unequal. Justice will not be achieved.
Another problem with laws of war is that wars are not generally between equals. This means one side, like Hamas in this example, is at a decided disadvantage and therefore cannot expect to win if both sides play by the rules. As a pacifist, I see war as an abomination. But pacifism is a type of idealism that is no match for the need for self-protection nor the understandable compulsion to exact vengeance.
Thanks for laying out the arguments for and against the right to defend ourselves. Certainly, Israel on behalf of its citizens and Hamas on behalf of Palestinians make that argument leading to this bloody mess.
At times I have been sympathetic to one side or the other depending on the slaughter. At other times, I declare a pox on both sides. Like you, I hold onto a principle and a prayer (more like a hope). 1) Human life is sacred because it elevates thee and me, and (2) two states living in peaceful coexistence should be a goal.
The students in the Philosiphy Club at DE are reading this article. It will be the subject of our discussion today at the PC meeting.
The cease-fire about to take effect in Gaza is not peace. It is a pause, like the five cease-fires of the last 15 years before it. But the war will continue, as will the blockade of Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank. Why, in all the discussions, op-eds, and relentless analysis, has peace rarely been mentioned? In my opinion, it is because both sides do not want peace, they want victory. The Palestinians want the right of return, and the Israelis want all of Palestine to themselves. In the Israeli scenario Gaza, the West Bank, and the nation of Israel will be ethnically cleansed of all Palestinians. That will be victory, but peace will not be achieved. Peace will not be discussed until it becomes apparent that victory is impossible.
You assert: “President Biden deserves great credit for placing the two-state solution back on the table. However improbable, it is the only solution I can envision that stands a chance of quelling the relentless cycle of violence.” But the two-state solution has failed. If one requires “that Israel restart negotiations toward the creation of a (demilitarized) Palestinian state on the West Bank” then the two states will remain grossly unequal. Justice will not be achieved.
How do you envision peace in Palestine-Israel?
Another problem with laws of war is that wars are not generally between equals. This means one side, like Hamas in this example, is at a decided disadvantage and therefore cannot expect to win if both sides play by the rules. As a pacifist, I see war as an abomination. But pacifism is a type of idealism that is no match for the need for self-protection nor the understandable compulsion to exact vengeance.
Fine analysis of the Israel/ Gaza situation . Let's hope for solutions soon
Thanks for laying out the arguments for and against the right to defend ourselves. Certainly, Israel on behalf of its citizens and Hamas on behalf of Palestinians make that argument leading to this bloody mess.
At times I have been sympathetic to one side or the other depending on the slaughter. At other times, I declare a pox on both sides. Like you, I hold onto a principle and a prayer (more like a hope). 1) Human life is sacred because it elevates thee and me, and (2) two states living in peaceful coexistence should be a goal.