Gaza

[jazzactivist]

How do you feel about the latest confllict between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza strip? To me, it seems that this always flares up around Christmas time, when 'Christian led' countries are busy with celebrations. It also always seems to be Israel being aggressive towards Palestine over occupation of a piece of land that Israel thinks should be part of Israel. My sympathies have always been with Palestine, and in particular with the people who live in Gaza, as they always seem poorer and constantly subject to attack. Israel is a member of the UN, but never seems to have threats of sanctions upheld if they don't stop. Also, the American government always refers to Hammas as a terrorist organisation when, regardless of what you think of their approach, they are the party elected to government by a majority of Palestinian people. I was very surprised recently when some very compassionate friends of mine stated that as Christians they support Israel without question, as that country contains most of the Christian religious sites, and that most Christians around the world think the same. This perhaps explains why the American government isn't willing to speak out against Israel's activities and even why Gordon Brown's response is so wishy washy. What do you think about it all?

[Crocus]

Hi Jazz, this is a very deep rooted problem and very complex. Both sides got their merits, and it's up to both sides to stop this fighting. However this has become almost a lifestyle for the past couple of decades, and the ultimate goal should be to get both these parties around a table and immediately decide on a ceasefire.

For historic reasons Christians relates to Israel because of the Bible. However, this does not mean that it represents every Christian around the world's opinion. Therefore it makes it so much more difficult to "take sides". I think most Christians around the world would rather pray for a longlasting solution.

[Clunkshift]

I take it that "most christians" is a guess based on the USA and European media. You would not get such a clear cut response if you canvassed opinion from Russian states, India or China, and possibly not from South America or Africa either.

I would differ in the "christian" arguments because it is wrong to assume that palestinian = muslim, since most Christians in that area are Palestinian and as such are exiles from their own land since 1947.

Similarly the main reason for American support for Israel is the large jewish political and financial pressure groups influence in US government.

Most of the jewish "settlers" in "disputed areas" are new immigrants to Israel who have been attracted by financial incentives, so leaving aside ancestral claims, they are a large part of the problem.

I do not see the UN as an unbiased force for good in the world; I would be more conviced of their neutrality if they were based in Canada rather than the USA.

After the 1967 6-day war, Israel will defend its borders to their last drop of blood but equally, Palestinians that have been disposessed since 1947 will always be freedom fighters, fighting to regain their homeland. So I don't see a solution in the foreseable future.

[souter girl]

I agree, Clunk - each side seems as implacable as the other. The Israeli attitude makes me think of the Old Testament God of vengeance and I fear the Palestinians have their backs against the wall - never a good position for negotiation. You have to want peace for negotiations to have any chance and I just don't believe they or the Israelis do.

[Oola]

See this link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8Jk1kpKvfs) for an interesting insight