Comments of a Nobody

With the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza international agencies, including the UN have finally been allowed access. Various agencies and media organizations have described the systematic destruction of Gazan homes, businesses and infrastructure that they have found. Ordinary Palestinians have told stories of how innocent people, including children, were killed or seriously injured by Israeli action. There is also evidence that the Israeli army made use of white phosphorus which, while not specifically banned in international law, is widely condemned due to the high probably of civilian casualties, especially in such a crowded area as Gaza.

It is ironic then, that Israel’s attempts to snuff out Hamas may well only serve to strengthen their support. As there is no prospect of any private economic activity in the short-term, the citizens of Gaza will be largely dependent upon the Hamas’ controlled authorities to meet their basic needs. As the Gazan people will seen their homes and business destroyed and in many cases family members and neighbours injured or killed, then resentment against the people of Israel is likely to be higher than ever.

The first response from the international community needs to be of humanitarian aid in order to avoid further deaths and widespread disease. Gaza will need assistance from the outside world in order to rebuild its infrastructure in order for it to be able to function.

Now is the time then for the international community to press for a long-term solution where Israel and Gaza can respect one another’s borders. As Gaza struggles to survive among the rubble this seems like a very long way off. Nevertheless, it is essential in order to avoid further conflict. Perhaps the change in administration at The White House may perhaps assist in this process, particularly as President Obama appears to have a more balanced approach than his predecessor.

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