All Things Israel and Palestine
First, let me say that I support Israel's right to exist, always have and always will. I also support Palestine's right to exist as well.
Let me also say that the Donald Trump of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, is trying to destroy everything that Israel stands for. His one-state solution and stealing land will isolate Israel to such an extent that they will become a pariah, no better than Hamas, something the Israeli people do not deserve.
I don't think it will lead to Israel being defeated by the Arab states because if it looks like that may happen militarily, I suspect that America will put boots on the ground - but because of Netanyahu's disregard for Israel's safety to meet his own narcissistic needs it will be a hard sell.
To the current situation in Gaza. I use to be a very strong supporter of Israel's right to defend itself, especially after the Oct 7 massacre, but no longer, at least not at any cost. That is one outcome of Netanyahu's insanity. To me, Netanyahu (not most of the Israeli people) has become no better than the terrorists he is trying to eliminate. He, I think, has become a war criminal in his own right. And that is sad because most of the Israeli people (those that don't support Bibi) don't deserve it.
The parallels to what is happening in America are striking. Both Trump and Bibi are on a course to destroy the democracies that define their respective countries. Both have a very large, hard-core army of supporters that no longer are able to act rationally. Both have wings in that army that are willing to use terrorism to get their way.
Another interesting fact I didn't know until recently is that the Arab states, by-and-large, do not like the Palestinians and wish very much they would go away. In fact, the only real state alley is Iran, and I doubt it is because they love Palestinians. The rest, at one time or another, have actually attacked or otherwise abused Palestinian refugees.
In any case, Netanyahu's form of terrorism (you can defend yourself against terrorism without becoming what you are trying to defeat) has finally convinced me to join the Ceasefire side of the debate.
https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live … index.htmlWhen Palestinians turn on the terrorists and begin aiding Israel in finding/destroying them things might be different.
Part (a big part) of the problem, seems to me from my easy chair, is that the terrorists and Palestine are one and the same. The country is one headed by a terrorist, has terrorists for their military and, as a country, carries out terrorist activities.
As it is, Netanyahu is not carrying out terrorist attacks in spite of the cries that he is just another terrorist. Instead he is waging war against a foe that uses its own people as living shields, forcing extreme "collateral damage" no matter how hard Netanyahu might try to avoid it. Every war is filled with that "collateral damage", but it only escalates as is seen in Palestine when one side uses their own people and cities as a means of defense.Wilderness: It is a world gone mad: we actually agree again. When people are outraged that Israel attacks a hospital, do they ask themselves "What made that hospital a target?" It's where Hamas set up their headquarters on purpose! Who does that?! Then ask yourself "How did this start (this time)?" October 7, raping and killing people in their own homes! Do you just forget something like that so easily? If it were my family being attacked so savagely, I'd want to kill every single one of those terrorists too!
And Esoteric: "Another interesting fact I didn't know until recently is that the Arab states, by-and-large, do not like the Palestinians and wish very much they would go away."
I didn't know this fact either until I lived in the Middle East. Arabs talk about the Palestinians the way we used to talk about minorities in this country (and unfortunately, some still do). "They don't pay their bills. They are lazy. They will cheat you." These were all comments I heard referring to Palestinians multiple times in the four years I lived in the region.
Not to mention the fact that any Arab country in the region could have taken in the Palestinians when they started a war with Israel and lost. (Another fact people conveniently forget.) They could have absorbed their number into their population without hardly any impact on their societies. They intentionally let them suffer in refugee camps for 50 years just to be a thorn in Israel's side and a disaster to point to and tell the world how cruel Israel was. How about how cruel they were to their own kind (red-headed stepchildren though they considered them to be. Still Arabs.) One of the four pillars of Islam is hospitality. Guess they forgot that one.
Please God not US boots on the ground in Israel or in Ukraine. Support those countries in their defense against criminal aggression. Spend our money not the blood of our children.I agree with your sentiments but think there are many ways to combat Hamas without the indiscriminate slaughter that Bibi is intent on inflicting on the Palestinian people.
I agree with Israel's goal of defeating/eliminating Hamas as an effective terrorist organization. But, I do not agree with Bibi's goal of eliminating Palestine in the process.
As a former soldier, I would support boots on the ground in Ukraine if a nuclear war were off the table. The saving of a major democratic alley is worth it to me."As a former soldier, I would support boots on the ground in Ukraine if a nuclear war were off the table. The saving of a major democratic alley is worth it to me."
As a former soldier's wife, I totally understand how you feel. I'm just hoping we send enough aid that it does not cone to that.To me, it is mute anyway. Putin is crazy enough to go nuclear so supporting Ukraine with aid and weapons seem to be our only choice (other than to suck it up domestically and sanction Russia's oil. Maybe Biden might consider that after the election.
I just read that they are moving the US run Ukraine Aid Coordination program, or whatever it is called, out from under US control to NATO control as a hedge against Trump winning. That way when Trump pulls the US out of NATO, coordinating aid to Ukraine from the rest of the sane world will be in good hands.Esoteric: Well, taking precautions against Trump winning is certainly called for. The best precaution I think we should take is to vote for President Biden.
I shared your comments with my soldier/husband and he suggested we tell Putin if he is serious about threatening nukes, we'll simply return Ukraine's nukes to them and Putin can deal with that threat. BTW: The wind blows from west to east in that part of Europe!!!
I agree. The whole thing disgusts me so that I probably would be ostracized and possibly banned from this forum if I expressed my honest opinion. These people have been fighting since Biblical times and haven't solved anything. Enough is enough.
Now, with the way Netanyahu is terrorizing the Palestinians, what motivation do they have to commit suicide by turning on Hamas?
Yes, Bibi is waging war on an enemy that uses its own people as human shields - his answer is to kill all the human shields then there won't be anything to hide behind. To me, that makes Bibi as bad as Hamas.
Yes, every war has collateral damage, But Bibi is going out of his way to make sure there is lots of it.Bibi does not have to go out of his way. Hamas has put a target on the backs of their own people by where they have located their stockpiles and headquarters right below hospitals, schools, housing areas. Why do we suppose they did that? So this very scenario would play out after they committed the atrocities of October 7.
BTW: In order to remove all doubt: Hamas is a Palestinian terrorist organization supported virtually wholly by Iran.Then you would say that the Proud Boys is a White Christian terrorist organization supported virtually wholly by MAGA and Trump.
What that does is equate all White Christians as terrorists just like as being done with Palestinians when someone says Hamas are Palestinians.
For 3000 years and most noticeable 75 years open air prison. To closest to a world War we have seen in our lifetime. This is none of my businesses and going my way anyway.
So let their murdering hatred of each other eliminate each other from the face of the earth and each other as far as I care.
What I don't like, is using North America tax dollars to fund the top three places like Ukraine, Syria and Gaza to be per capita the most homeless places on earth. The spill over of refugees making Canada's city of Toronto the capital of homelessness for Canada. Homeless deaths here kill greater than murder and war. And homeless person has 9 time greater chance of suicide. This is the now most hated group from once blacks, marrijanna and gays. In our lifetime history. Thank to the three level of government and the madd greedy realestate and bank tycoons.Since you included Ukraine in your list, does that mean you are OK with Putin taking control of Ukraine and destroying their democracy (and probably killing thousands of people who supported the Ukrainian cause)?
The wars create homelessness and poverty greater than anything. Canada and US have no business or trade in Ukraine other than increasing the bankster, realestate and energy trillionaire and billionaires tycoons.
I gave you an anwer, closest to the truth from my studies,teaching in Russia. And living in the US for 20 years. If you want me believe the faireytale about US being a strongest democracy or the freest country in the world. Or even if it's a better country than Russia, not by my experience, I'd rather live in Russia than US.
Would much perfer my favorite town of Santa famillia Belize. Its one of the world's best retirement paradise and to live there in the winter is amazingly beautiful. It's far away from the war machines of the madd greedy and of it's western collapse.
Don't find many Americans reasonable about discussion about corperationism rights vs human rights . Americans have privileges from their President who is of a corporation , not of a country.
US is corperationism under the control of US Corp. Ever since Lincolns assassination, the wars must be fought with another country every year to keep it's US world status of marshail law every year.
I don't support war, or Red or blue politician and greed. Give me the place to line up for love, health, and freedom
Wonder if US would wants Russian military bases out of Canada and Mexico. Like 5 NATOs military bases on Russian borders, right now. ?.
Since I've love my work for most waking hours of my life. Who to say from most people who are not liking their job and under the safety slavey of the narrative of religion and government. Who living in the twilight zone or Matrix system when I'm living a life of being the king of my own domain.
Ukraine, with a population of 38 million, is facing a devastating conflict against Russia, whose population stands at 144.2 million. It's evident that the sheer difference in population size could lead one to question the outcome of such a war. However, beyond mere numbers, the tragic reality unfolds on Ukrainian soil, where innocent lives are lost, and the nation is being ravaged.
The grim truth is that Ukraine has become a battleground, with its people bearing the brunt of the violence. It's disheartening to witness the narratives spun by those who downplay the gravity of the situation or endorse actions that only exacerbate the suffering of innocent civilians.
It's deeply troubling to witness anyone peddling the notion that our presence is merely about halting Russia's advancement across Europe. The reality is, that any incursion into a NATO nation would inevitably trigger a full-scale conflict, a fact well understood by Putin. Such a scenario would thrust the world to the brink of war right at his doorstep. Not sure how anyone believed the scenario that was fed up as an excuse for that war. This war should have never happened, period. Problem created, with little to no way to solve the problem. A strong president would have prevented this war, by using strong consequences if Russia had crossed a red line.
It's far too convenient to stay nestled in our comfort zones and assume we have the entitlement to sacrifice lives from another nation just to maintain our own comfort. I think most know where this will all end, unfortunately.
NATO is presently showing signs of wanting the war to end.
"NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg claims Ukraine would be the one to set the rules for a compromise to reach a result with the help of the West. In an interview with the BBC, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed that Ukraine will ultimately have to compromise in some way with Russia to end the war.Apr 7, 2024"
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol … the%20war."Ukraine, with a population of 38 million, is facing a devastating conflict against Russia, whose population stands at 144.2 million. It's evident that the sheer difference in population size could lead one to question the outcome of such a war." - YOU HAVE posted that one before and I pointed out how misleading that is given the kill ration between Russia and Ukraine. I provided a lot of numbers but the bottom line is Russia doesn't have enough people to sustain the rate of KIA they are seeing.
"NATO is presently showing signs of wanting the war to end." -YOU WROTE that piece of misleading propaganda before as well.
When you delve into the link you provided, as I did before, and read everything he said, you saw (because I provided the quotes) that he is saying the exact opposite of your claim.Nov 2023 -- Civilian Deaths In Ukraine War Top 10,000, UN Says
21 November 2023
At least 10,000 CIVILIANS, including more than 560 children, have been killed and over 18,500 have been injured since Russia launched its a full-scale armed attack against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said today. https://ukraine.un.org/en/253322-civili … 000-unsays
31,000 Ukrainian troops killed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy says https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-troo … 6e85af57c4
I have no numbers from any sources I trust to be truthful regarding the deaths of Russian troops. Russia has taken no damage to its towns or cities. And I found no reports of civilian deaths.
What I said and I quote "NATO is presently showing signs of wanting the war to end." (note the context of my sentence, "showing sighs") I don't appreciate you accusing me of posting propaganda, you need to start paying closer attention to context. No really.
At no other time has NATO suggested that Ukraine will need to make any form of compromise with Russia. That is a very strong word that carries weight and, in my view, Jens Stoltenberg would not have ever used the word if he did not want Zelinsky to hear it. Stoltenberg shares his thoughts on compromise.
April 6th 2024 https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-68749301Who was talking about Russian civilian deaths? I certainly wasn't. I was talking about military deaths and the fact that Russia doesn't have enough population to sustain the attrition.
What is wrong with you -- do you remember what you wrote, and what my comment was regarding? As I said you have a real problem with picking up context and becoming argumentive without cause. You need to remember the full content and context of a conversation
My comment --- Ukraine, with a population of 38 million, is facing a devastating conflict against Russia, whose population stands at 144.2 million. It's evident that the sheer difference in population size could lead one to question the outcome of such a war. However, beyond mere numbers, the tragic reality unfolds on Ukrainian soil, where innocent lives are lost, and the nation is being ravaged.
The grim truth is that Ukraine has become a battleground, with its people bearing the brunt of the violence. It's disheartening to witness the narratives spun by those who downplay the gravity of the situation or endorse actions that only exacerbate the suffering of innocent civilians.
It's deeply troubling to witness anyone peddling the notion that our presence is merely about halting Russia's advancement across Europe. The reality is, that any incursion into a NATO nation would inevitably trigger a full-scale conflict, a fact well understood by Putin. Such a scenario would thrust the world to the brink of war right at his doorstep. Not sure how anyone believed the scenario that was fed up as an excuse for that war. This war should have never happened, period. Problem created, with little to no way to solve the problem. A strong president would have prevented this war, by using strong consequences if Russia had crossed a red line.
It's far too convenient to stay nestled in our comfort zones and assume we have the entitlement to sacrifice lives from another nation just to maintain our own comfort. I think most know where this will all end, unfortunately.
Here is your response YOU MAKE NO MENTION OF MILITARY in any respect.
MY ESOTERIC WROTE:
"Ukraine, with a population of 38 million, is facing a devastating conflict against Russia, whose population stands at 144.2 million. It's evident that the sheer difference in population size could lead one to question the outcome of such a war." - YOU HAVE posted that one before and I pointed out how misleading that is given the kill ration between Russia and Ukraine. I provided a lot of numbers but the bottom line is Russia doesn't have enough people to sustain the rate of KIA they are seeing.It seems you selective quoted what I wrote and not the entire content. Let me go find it.
I suggest you read the entire conversation from the first to the last. I did not select anything, I copied and pasted any of the conversation that was pertinent to the subject I was addressing in paragraph form. Here are the permalinks I took your quotes from. Like I said you need to read comments more closely, and perhaps not use selective thinking, I think that's where you lose the context of the subject.
https://hubpages.com/politics/forum/360 … ost4327494
https://hubpages.com/politics/forum/360 … ost4327500Those aren't the right conversations. The one I am talking about is where I went into great detail of why Russia will run out of people before Ukraine does.
I'm not sure where you came across that statement. It seems we briefly discussed it in our conversation based on the permalink I provided. However, comparing the populations of the two nations—38 million versus 144 million—it's evident that Ukraine faces poor odds of winning its war. The sheer difference in numbers suggests a daunting challenge. It's regrettable that a conflict of this magnitude could potentially have been avoided with stronger minds at the helm.
https://hubpages.com/politics/forum/360 … ost4327494
HERE IS WHAT I WROTE:
"The size of the two populations is not particularly relevant. But to take your concern a step further - Russia is three times as big as Ukraine. Yet, Ukraine is killing 4.5 Russians for every one Ukrainian. Similarly, Russia is suffering 3 Russian casualty for every 1 Ukrainian casualty sucking up three times the Russian resources as well. So, that tells me Russia doesn't have enough population to sustain their war.
Now, the size of their respective militaries is. In this case, Russia has 3.2 times more military than Ukraine. Russia also is 28 times bigger than Ukraine. Ukraine can concentrate its forces solely on Russia but Russia cannot do the same. If fact, since Finland joined NATO Putin said he is going station troops along the 830 mile border. Now, think about that when considering the kill ratio.
What Ukraine doesn't have enough of is weapons and ammunition. If Republicans refuse to keep them armed, they are as good as dead and Putin can move on to his next target - probably Moldova.""The size of the two populations is not particularly relevant. But to take your concern a step further - Russia is three times as big as Ukraine. Yet, Ukraine is killing 4.5 Russians for every one Ukrainian."
I have not found any stats regarding Russian troop deaths that I feel I can trust. Your logic escapes me, Russia can replace troops due to their large popularity. At this point, Ukraine is creating a draft.
" Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has signed a bill to lower the minimum conscription age from 27 to 25 as the country's forces, outnumbered and outgunned by Russia, have been forced on the defensive after a failed summer assault and with widespread fatigue at the front and in society at large.Apr 3, 2024" This speaks loudly, in my view.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/ … t%20large.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/202 … phics.html
I align with Republican principles in reassessing our stance on this conflict. It seems pragmatic; considering Russia's sizable population and access to weaponry from adversaries, they could endure a prolonged war. Moreover, they might possess insights into NATO's inclination toward diplomatic resolution between the two nations.
I'm not on board with the overly enthusiastic "rah-rah" attitude some people exhibit. The situation in Ukraine is dire, with people dying and the country suffering immense devastation. It's akin to the vulnerability some see in the Palestinians issue. Sadly, some fail to recognize the hypocrisy in this situation. It appears that NATO and the US are willing to sacrifice these citizens as mere pawns to safeguard their own nations from the horrors of war and the loss of their own citizens. Let others fight and die...
No, I am not of the mindset that you abide by in regard to this unnecessary war.Then I would suggest you look beyond Fox news.
Nevertheless, it is pointless to argue further with someone who is willing to let our mortal enemy conquer the world at will and who doesn't care that the people of Ukraine absolutely disagree with your point of view.
Let me ask, with your mindset as you describe it, would you have counseled the French to let the American Revolution fail or counseled George Washington to give up his effort due to the death and destruction of that war. How about counselling Abraham Lincoln to let the secessionist South go their own way because the cost would be too high.
Those are all good analogies to what you seem to want to happen to Ukraine."Nevertheless, it is pointless to argue further with someone who is willing to let our mortal enemy conquer the world at will and who doesn't care that the people of Ukraine absolutely disagree with your point of view."
Honestly, in my view, this statement is nonsensical and hyperbolic to the point of being unbelievable. You can't accurately gauge the sentiments of the Ukrainian people at this point.
Yes, time to walk away, your analogies are rediculous, and not worth debating."You can't accurately gauge the sentiments of the Ukrainian people at this point." - Oh, come on, give me a break. Most people, me included, are not so obtuse that we can't decern from the public discourse what their feelings are. They tell us everyday that some Republicans let some of their soldiers die. Your comment is flabbergasting.
The only reason you don't like those analogies is that they are spot on.Astonishingly, you would choose the word "obtuse". When you seem to be predicting what a population of citizens feel about living in a war zone. (Obtuce - lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect.) Unless you feel you are psychic.
While public (media) discourse may provide some insights, it's important to recognize the limitations of our understanding, especially when it comes to deeply personal and nuanced experiences like those of the Ukrainian people amid war. Generalizations based on public discourse can overlook the diversity of opinions and emotions within any population, let alone a population that daily lives in a war zone. Additionally, attributing blame or understanding complex emotions solely through media discourse can be misleading and oversimplifying.
So to repeat my sentiment -- Honestly, in my view, this statement is nonsensical and hyperbolic to the point of being unbelievable. You can't accurately gauge the sentiments of the Ukrainian people at this point.
I'm not on board with the overly enthusiastic "rah-rah" attitude some people exhibit. The situation in Ukraine is dire, with people dying and the country suffering immense devastation. It's akin to the vulnerability some see in the Palestinians issue. Sadly, some fail to recognize the hypocrisy in this situation. It appears that NATO and the US are willing to sacrifice these citizens as mere pawns to safeguard their own nations from the horrors of war and the loss of their own citizens. Let others fight and die...
No, I am not of the mindset that you abide by in regard to this unnecessary war.
So very easy to make decisions using others as scapegoats. I mean we don't stand to lose any lives, do we?"I'm not on board with the overly enthusiastic "rah-rah" attitude some people exhibit. " - I THINK what you started this comment out with applies to that statement from you "When you seem to be predicting what a population of citizens feel about living in a war zone."
How do you know precisely what "some" people think? Have you personally talked to each one of them or are you "predicting" what they feel?Again you have a problem with understanding a sentence. The sentence indicates that I am speaking in the first person. The use of "I'm" at the beginning of my sentence denotes that I am expressing my own viewpoint or opinion. You may not like my view, but that would be your problem.
My statement --- I'm not on board with the overly enthusiastic "rah-rah" attitude some people exhibit.
Here is where I rebutted your false claim that NATO is getting weak on Ukraine.
YOU WROTE - "It appears after 3 years NATO is reevaluating the war. They have been making waves for a few months now. They are speaking about peace and compromise. I think they are wise in evaluating what they hope to see happen at this point - Compromise.
2 days ago --
"NATO Secretary General says Ukraine will have to decide which compromises it will accept in war with Russia – BBC"
source https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-68743805
"NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Ukraine will have to decide which compromises it is ready to accept in the war with the Russian Federation.
Source: Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with BBC to be broadcast on Sunday, 7 April, as reported by European Pravda"
THIS WAS MY RESPONSE
Details: Although Stoltenberg said that military support is critically important to enable Ukraine to repel Russian forces and force Russian leader Vladimir Putin to give up his goals of occupation, he suggested that Ukraine might also have to make concessions.
"At the end of the day, it has to be Ukraine that decides what kind of compromises they're willing to do, we need to enable them to be in a position where they actually achieve an acceptable result around the negotiating table," Stoltenberg said.
He said he was not calling for Ukraine to offer concessions now, and added that "real peace" would be achievable when "Ukraine prevails".
Stoltenberg also said that there is an "authoritarian" alliance between the Russian Federation, China, Iran and North Korea, with each country giving practical support to the others and all four growing "more and more aligned".
"China is propping up the Russian war economy, delivering key parts to the defence industry, and in return, Moscow is mortgaging its future to Beijing," Stoltenberg said."
Tens of thousands of Israeli protesters call for Netanyahu’s removal
Tens of thousands of people across Israel joined the families of hostages this weekend to protest against the government and call for the removal of Benjamin Netanyahu, as the Israeli prime minister grappled with one of the most serious threats yet to his coalition.
Im glad people in Israel are protesting.
An Israeli airstrike on Sunday hit a tent camp in the courtyard of a crowded hospital in central Gaza, killing two Palestinians and injuring another 15, including journalists working nearby.
Also,
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took responsibility Tuesday for a deadly strike that killed seven aid workers for the charity group World Central Kitchen the day prior.
Bombing hospitals, killing desperate people wanting food, journalists, aid workers... Blocked aid trucks. Tens of thousands dead palestinians.
Stop the genocide!I am appalled. We need a cease fire now and absolutely not a penny of American funds going to Israel. Enough is enough.
"World Central kitchen is devastated to confirm that seven members of our team have been killed in an air strike by the IDF in Gaza, the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route.
“This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable,” said World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore.
The seven killed are from Australia, Poland, United Kingdom, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, and Palestine.
Despite coordinating movements with the IDF, the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse.
I am very happy to see the growing protests in Israel against Netanyahu. I am hopeful he will be ousted soon.I would have opposed your suggestion to stop all aid to Israel until Netanyahu stops being a terrorist a few months ago. No longer.
From the third world country health conditions observed around the world. Brings me to the homelessness in Canada is fourth world health conditions level and refugees is a third % of that. .Gaza is a fifth world health condition level. The greatest genocide we have ever seen in our lifetime is Gaza. And the greatest war protest we have ever seen worldwide. War solves nothing, war is good for nothing. And 9 times out of 10, war is murder in a uniform.
I repeat myself, ESO. I have said frequently, Netanyahu is a beast that would end the Palestianian question by destroying the Palestinians. I have criticized Biden for being far too lenient toward Netanyahu and his blood thirsty tactics. We need to send a stern message to him and send it now.
Biden is getting there. He has a lot more to consider than we do.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday admitted that an “unintentional” Israeli airstrike killed “innocent people” in Gaza, after seven workers from World Central Kitchen were bombed.
Netanyahu said: “Unfortunately, in the last 24 hours there was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip.
“It happens in war, we check it to the end, we are in contact with the governments, and we will do everything so that this thing does not happen again.”
World Central Kitchen, the U.S.-based nonprofit which provides meals to civilians suffering from hunger due to conflicts and natural disasters, blamed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement on its website.
“The WCK team was traveling in a deconflicted zone in two armored cars branded with the WCK logo and a soft skin vehicle,” the group’s statement read.
World Central Kitchen added that its convoy was hit “despite coordinating movements with the IDF.”
Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Tuesday that three missiles were fired one after the other at the convoy after it left a warehouse in Deir al-Balah. According to Haaretz's sources from the Israeli defense forces, after the first strike, some of the convoy's passengers were seen leaving the car for one of the other two. They continued driving but another missile hit them, with the wounded who survived this second strike moving to the third car, which was also eventually hit.
...
...
...I suppose I come from a different perspective because of my background in the military.
What the Palestinians did in October was grounds for all-out war. When you cross that line, there are no holds barred.
No Jews have been permitted in Gaza since 2005. They had their own territory. They had aid pouring in from around the world and the United Nations. They chose not to use that aid to better their people, they chose to use it to build terror tunnels and launch attacks on Israel and build a military force.
Prior to October thousands of citizens from Gaza would go into Israel for work on a daily basis. This accommodation was used to gather intelligence on targets to attack for October. Israel has held itself in check for many years of attacks from Gaza. Now, Hamas must be eliminated.
In 2010, I visited Israel and went to Gaza to see it for myself. They had many poor areas but they had some extremely wealthy area. There were areas that would rival anything you see in Beverly Hills. The people from Gaza told me those were places where the leaders of Hamas lived.
Hamas has placed weapons in hospitals and under schools. They have terror tunnels under residential homes as well as hospitals and schools. This is an entire society with one goal of destroying Israel.
Israel cannot stop and must finish the eradication of Hamas. War is not pretty. It is ugly. It involves deaths. It is war.
This was started by Hamas and if Hamas wants it to end they should surrender. Japan surrendered to stop the possible mass destruction of their people. It is time for Hamas to surrender.
There can no longer be a Gaza without military occupation.
Israel didn't start this war but they will fight it and win. Israel has been a nation state in that part of the Middle East since the Bronze Age. This is their land and the land of their ancestors.RMN: For once, I agree with every word you have written here.
There is, in my opinion, a fatal flaw in your analysis - it wasn't the Palestinians who did that, it was their masters Hamas. It is just like saying that the German people were responsible for WW II rather than Hitler.
The Palestinians had no choice in who governs them and they had no say in the decision to attack Israel.
While Israel certainly didn't deserve what happened on Oct 7, their Trump-like leader, Netanyahu, has some responsibility because he continued to illegally confiscate Palestinian land in the West Bank.
I disagree, that war is a "no holds barred" affair. It does have rules and both Hamas and Netanyahu and his right-wing henchmen are violating them.
You may be right about Gaza because Netanyahu has turned every Palestinian living there into a terrorist or terrorist supporter for generations to come.
Israel has not been a nation state since the Bronze age, there was a long hiatus between when the Romans dissolved them and when the UN brought them back to life. That said, it seems that the PLO may be bowing to Biden's negotiations to drop certain anti-Israeli positions so that we can agree to let them govern Gaza.
I don't disagree that Israel must neuter Hamas. I don't think it is possible to "eliminate" them, but they can make them ineffective. They just don't need to wipe out the Palestinian people in the process.Their terror tunnels and weapons caches in hospitals and school were done with the permission of the Palestinian people.
Germany paid a huge price for electing Adolph Hitler to power. Palestinians are also paying a huge price for electing Hamas to power. If they were so against Hamas, they would join with Israel in fighting them.Amen Mike!
This isn't about picking your favorite team and rooting for them!
Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, etc.....don't want to co-exist with Israel, they want Israel annihilated! They don't want to work with Israel, have peace with Israel, to live in harmony with Israelis....
They want them blown off the map!!
Israel can never let their guard down, ever again, as they did prior to Oct. 7, 2023. They must stay on guard, on offense, their existence (and I would add) humanity's existence, is counting on it.Now, there are two ways to enter Gaza. One is through Israel. The other is through Egypt. You have to ask yourself why Egypt closed their border with Gaza. Palestinians are no longer permitted to go into Egypt. Why? They know what Palestinians are like and don't want them in their country. They are a society that focused on committing and and promoting terrorism.
That doesn't seem to hold water on the West Bank, does it. It is the Israeli right who are the terrorists there.
I disagree. The West Bank is divided into three different zones as per the Oslo accords. A, B, and C.
There have been polls conducted that showed Palestinians in the area would prefer to be under the Israeli government.
I've gone to the West Bank in the early 1980s and as last as 2010. What a difference. Going to Bethlehem and seeing the Church of the Nativity was much easier int the 1980s. At that time the Muslims would greet the Christians because they had things to sell. They made quite a bit of money. In 2010, there was quite a bit of anxiety. Muslims are no longer anxious to see Christians around Christmas time. It is not beyond them to attack a Christian visiting their holy sights in Bethlehem.
The Palestinian authority has in their charter payments to those who kill Jews. How can a society be considered civilized if they have in their charter payments to murder members of another society?
Israel has provided aid in many forms to the Palestinians in the West Bank. They have provide food, medical care and more. Palestinians still regularly attack Israel.
This says a lot about Palestinians.We know what the rules say but we also know how Netanyahu breaks them regularly, often by stealing their land. Explain why Biden had to sanction several West Bank Israelis for terrorist activities.
Face it, Netanyahu has blood on his hands as well in this. I am also aware that many, many Israeli (let alone most of the free world) oppose Netanyahu's tactics and his denial of Palestinians to live freely - even if Hamas goes away.
And I absolutely disagree with that claim. The Palestinian people had no way to object to the building of those tunnels as Navalny supporters had to protest his murder without getting locked up or killed.
Are you trying to tell me those elections were free and fair as opposed to voting with a rifle pointed at your head, maybe even literally?
Either way, you seem to suggesting the large scale massacre of civilians is the only way out whether it be by Hamas killing them if they support Israel or by Netanyahu trying to kill Hamas.
I simply don't buy that line of reasoning.
Amen Mike!
This isn't about picking your favorite team and rooting for them!
Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, etc.....don't want to co-exist with Israel, they want Israel annihilated! They don't want to work with Israel, have peace with Israel, to live in harmony with Israelis....
They want them blown off the map!!
Israel can never let their guard down, ever again, as they did prior to Oct. 7, 2023. They must stay on guard, on offense, their existence (and I would add) humanity's existence, is counting on it.That works both ways, you know. Netanyahu doesn't want to work with any of those terrorist organizations (as well he shouldn't) NOR does he want to work with the peaceful faction of the Palestinian people; he would rather have them dead.
Thankfully, much of Israel seems opposed to his warmongering and want him replaced. One of people on the war council has called for early elections to get rid of that criminal (like Trump, Netanyahu is under indictment and doing everything legal or illegal to get out of being held accountable)
Finally! President Biden is laying down the law to Netanyahu to stop massacring civilians and aid workers (those killings were no accident) or else the US position vis-a-vis Israel my change.
Biden is now apparently calling for an immediate cease fire.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/04/poli … index.html"(those killings were no accident)"
What are you using as evidence that those that shot the aid workers knew who they were and intentionally killed them? Or is that just more nonsense, a claim with any evidence, made to throw dirt and nothing else?
He allegedly told Netanyahu to work with Hamas (who is not a willing partner either), to get them back. I got the impression, however, that Biden's call for a ceasefire no longer depended on a return of the hostages; however, I may be wrong on that.
Israel’s wartime Cabinet approved the opening of a key border crossing in northern Gaza as pressure has mounted for the region to get more critical humanitarian aid access to struggling Palestinians.
The Israeli government will also increase the amount of “Jordanian aid through Kerem Shalom,” according to the statement.
The apparent move to open Erez comes after significant pressure on Israel from the U.S. and the international community to get more humanitarian aid into the besieged strip.
The United Nations is warning of famine in northern Gaza as Palestinians are struggling to access basic needs like food and water amid Israel’s war against Hamas.
President Biden, who has pressed for more humanitarian aid into Gaza, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss his concerns about the war, including the need for a cease-fire and a hostage release deal. Hamas is holding some 100 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza.
On Thursday, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson welcomed the steps by the Israeli government, stating they “must now be fully and rapidly implemented.”
“As the President said today on the call, U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these and other steps, including steps to protect innocent civilians and the safety of aid workers,” the White House said in a press release.
“We are prepared to work in full coordination with the Government of Israel, the Governments of Jordan and Egypt, the United Nations, and humanitarian organizations, to ensure that these important steps are implemented and result in a significant increase in humanitarian assistance reaching civilians in dire need throughout Gaza over the coming days and weeks.”
Apparently, the pressure is finally working. Lets hope it does.Why is there no pressure to open up the border crossing into Gaza from Egypt?
How do you know there hasn't been? Isn't pressure from Biden the reason why Rafah is open to humanitarian aid now and has been for months? Wasn't he responsible for getting Egypt to accept injured dual citizens from Gaza to its hospitals?
IDF says "A "serious violation" of commands and standard procedures: What IDF report says on aid strike"
There is little doubt in my mind it was a targeted attack with the purpose of denying aid to the Palestinian people.
https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live … index.htmlU.N. human rights body calls for halt to weapons shipments to Israel
The Associated Press
The U.N.’s top human rights body has called on countries to stop selling or shipping weapons to Israel in a resolution that aims to help prevent rights violations against Palestinians amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The Human Rights Council, which has 47 member countries, voted 28-6 in favor of the resolution, with 13 abstentions.
Western countries were divided. The U.S. and Germany opposed the resolution, France and Japan abstained, while Belgium, Finland and Luxembourg voted in favor.
Germany opposed the resolution, but announced this. So I guess they also put pressure there.
Israel has 'no more excuses' on Gaza aid, Germany says
MAINZ, Germany — Israel has "no more excuses" and must quickly implement its announcements on increasing the flow of aid into Gaza, Germany has said today.
In a post on X, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said: "The people of #Gaza need every aid package now. That is why we have worked hard to open the #Erez border crossing & the port of #Ashdod for aid deliveries. We expect the Israeli government to implement its announcements quickly. No more excuses."Biden needs to hold up the delivery of the 2000 lbs bombs set to be delivered to Israel shortly. They don't need to find their way to Gaza.
"At the same time, Netanyahu and his government are under mounting pressure at home, with protesters back on the streets in large numbers calling for his resignation."
"Israel launched the war immediately after the deadly October 7 terror attacks by Hamas. At that time, the Israeli government said the operation had two goals: eliminating Hamas and bringing back the hostages taken by the militants to Gaza." - Neither has been met.
One of two things is going on: 1) Netanyahu doesn't know what he is doing or 2) he does, and that plan is to wipe out the Palestinians.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/05/midd … index.html
"Israel rocked by largest protests since war began as Netanyahu faces growing pressure"
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleea … index.html"Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi joins calls to halt US arms sales to Israel"
That would be a great idea while Netanyahu is in power.
https://edition.cnn.com/middleeast/live … index.htmlThe Son of a Founder of Hamas was on Dr. Phil. He is strongly against the group. What he has to say about it is fascinating.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPomqJz-qYcSen Elizabeth Warren has joined the chorus of suggesting Netanyahu's total disregard for Palestinian lives in his prosecution of his war to eliminate Hamas (a laudable goal, btw) may amount to genocide.
In the last 6 months, Netanyahu as managed to kill about 2% of the population in Gaza and I would wager to say injured over 10 - 20%, Oh, this is in addition to the 10,000 to 12,000 Hamas he has rightly killed.
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/08/poli … index.htmlThis was caused by Hamas. If they cared about their people, Hamas would surrender.
Amen! ALL blood in this, is on the hands of Hamas, and Hamas alone.
This rhetoric about civilians is absolutely not true. "They could’ve risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime.”
The last time Palestinians were allowed to vote was in 2006.
At present, children make up roughly half of Gaza’s population, meaning only a fraction of the territory’s current population ever cast a ballot for Hamas.
Additionally, 59 percent of Gazans said they could not criticize Hamas authorities without fear. These data points are important in understanding why the second part of the argument for collective blame (“Why don’t they just get rid of them?”) is nonsensical.
Overthrowing a government, even in a pseudo-state like Gaza, is much easier said than done. This is doubly true when the government is a violent organization of religious fanatics. Many Gazans would prefer not to be governed by Hamas militants, but they can’t simply start up a campaign to get rid of them, not without grave risks to their lives, livelihoods, and families. For one thing, they are too busy struggling to survive from day to day.
Also, many are ignoring the fact that Netanyahu propped up Hamas by letting Qatari cash flow to them. Netanyahu has always made it clear that he did not want a two-state solution. Maintaining the power of Hamas made it easy for him to say that he does not have good faith negotiators on the other side.
"Whoever is against a Palestinian state should be for transferring the funds to Gaza, because maintaining a separation between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza helps prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state,” The Jerusalem Post quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu as saying in 2019.
This issue is much more complex than what is being presented on this forum.
For the life of me, I cannot understand the argument that says if a fanatical group such as Hamas doesn't care about their people then we shouldn't care either. That is our justification for turning a blind eye to innocent people being murdered in Gaza daily? Personally, I can't square that with my own morality.Then we are in agreement, ALL blood is on the hands of Hamas.
Netanyahu has just reaffirmed his intent of opening fire on Rafah.
Remember when he and the IDF encouraged the Gazans to move to that city? Well, now about 1.4 million of them are there awaiting slaughter. This has your blessing? Let's just throw a bit of common sense in there also. Why would Hamas head toward Rafah anyway when the IDF has talked about it's plans for weeks?
This is not about eliminating hamas. That will never be done. Hamas is as an ideology and with every death of innocent civilians, Netanyahu will make it all the easier for terrorist groups to recruit like crazy. Let's be realistic, this is about killing as many Palestinians as possible and likely trying to permanently drive them from Gaza. Netanyahu's actions have really resulted in untold damage to Israel's reputation around the world.
Question... Do you believe that the number of casualties is acceptable? The actions of the IDF are reasonable?"Why would Hamas head toward Rafah anyway when the IDF has talked about it's plans for weeks?"
Because human shields are very often quite effective and they don't believe Israel will go against world opinion. They are thus safe, or at least more so than they would be elsewhere.Human shields? I think Hamas can see at this point that Israel has no problem killing anyone in their sight including hostages waving white flags and clearly marked aid trucks. We're about to see a real blood bath in Rafah and it will serve no point other than strengthening recruitment for Hamas and other terrorist groups. The human shield argument, to me, is just an excuse Netanyahu is using to kill indiscriminately.
I think most of us can see what his goal is. I know there are many on this forum who support what's going on but I certainly do not.Damn, I forgot about the Israeli hostages Netanyahu gunned down. That went over well back home.
I would like to see how the people who condemn this would react in the fog of war. Having to make life and death decisions in a second on a daily basis wears on any human. Terrorists don't fight with any honor, they are not professional soldiers. Trust me, you would be shocked and horrified if you knew what was done to civilians during the Iraq/Afghanistan war.
I don't think anyone can judge these Israeli soldiers unless they've tried to survive on the battlefield with terrorists. It is easy to say things when you've not had such an experience. When you've never experienced trying to complete a mission and stay alive.
I understand what these soldiers are experiencing.I know it must be heart-wrenching Mike. War is hell. I pray it never becomes the living hell it is for Israel to exist, in the U.S.!!
But, I know it will; just witnessing how the propaganda-machine is working, turning people against Israel, making them out to be the terrorists, chants of "Death to Israel" and now....chants of, "Death to America".....within our own borders!!
The citizens of America need to do their own personal in-depth deep dive as to what's really going on, away from the noise.
Most blood is on Hamas. Netanyahu has his share.
I don't disagree with that but it is a fools errand to think the Hamas cares about anything else other than eliminating the Jewish state.
That said, I make the same comment about Netanyahu and his desire to wipe out Palestinians - not just Hamas, but the who Palestinian state. I have a very hard time seeing the difference anymore between Netanyahu and his far-right friends and Hamas or Hezbollah.
That is why there is such an uprising in Israel to push him out.
Do you support netanyahu's prosecution of this war
He can't stop or they will all die!! There will be no Israel!!
I support their RIGHT to exist and this is what it takes for them to go on living.
War is hell, no doubt about it. I hate it, I hate war. I wish we could all live in peace, but sadly, not all on this planet want the same!Hamas, which is not much more than a organized Street gang can take out the military of a country as sophisticated as Israel? what of the right of innocent Palestinians to live?
Over 30,000 killed so far, how many more need to die?Not all 3,000+ died, but in one single day on Oct. 7, 2023, that's the number of innocent citizens that Hamas attempted to slaughter, when they broke into their communities and into their homes.
Okay, good to know you believe netanyahu's response is acceptable and appropriate.
A very simple question, do you support the actions of Netanyahu?
Yes, all 30,000 (you forgot a zero) have died. The wounded is in the hundreds of thousands. Even your reduced number doesn't work, I think Hamas managed to kill 1,200 to 1,300 mostly peace loving Israelis.
The trouble with that reasoning is that it is simply not true. Hamas can and have made things miserable sometimes for the Israeli state, but they are totally incapable of destroying that state.
But, between Netanyahu and Hamas, they very will could destroy world peace.
No. Because I do not support the killing of innocent Palestinians en mass does not mean I support Hamas. Over 30,000 killed, half of which were children. That is not acceptable.
Netanyahu did this... 10 years old and by the way he died. Starved to death. Boy that'll really show Hamas. Netanyahu, in my opinion couldn't care less about Hamas. Hamas has a very little capability and power. His goal is to kill as many Palestinians as he can and drive the remainder out of Gaza. How many children need to die?I would show pictures of the events which started all of this, but I will spare you.
I couldn't trace the origin of the photo, and even a Google image search yielded little information. It's heart-wrenching to witness someone in such dire health circumstances; it evokes a strong sense of empathy. The atrocities of war, as exemplified by the events of Oct 7th, where innocent men, women, and children were brutally murdered, are truly unimaginable. It's undeniable that a faction of Palestinians committed grave acts of genocide by invading a sovereign nation and causing the deaths of over 1,000 people. The suffering of this child holds as much significance as that of those who were tragically murdered.
The delivery of essential aid appears to be hindered by ongoing conflicts in the Rafa region. One can only hope for a swift resolution to this war. It's evident that Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to his people. His recent declaration regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons against Iran if they show aggression underscores the gravity of the situation.
One can't help but question why Egypt persists in denying entry to Gazians. One might expect them to show compassion towards these civilians. Yet, surprisingly, there's little uproar prompting an inquiry into this matter. It would certainly help civilians get the aid being sent, and be out of the final area where the war is being fought, and end. One could predict it will be over soon. I feel Egypt should have helped the Palestinians.
Article - "However, Egypt, the only country aside from Israel that has a border with Gaza, has rebuffed pressure to accept Palestinian refugees displaced by Israel.
Reports have indicated that Israeli officials have tried to lobby international support to compel Egypt to accept refugees from Gaza.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, however, has been adamant in refusing to allow humanitarian corridors or the entry of large numbers of Palestinians into Sinai. He has called it a “red line” that, if crossed, would “liquidate the Palestinian cause”.
In recent days, the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has validated Egypt’s position. Grandi said displacing Gazans to Egypt would be “catastrophic” for both Egypt and the Palestinians, who, he indicated, would likely not be allowed to return."
https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/ … nians.html
Can we not ask why Hamas has no empathy for these civilians? They use them and hide among them putting them in harm's way. They must know they have all but lost this war at this point."The suffering of this child holds as much significance as that of those who were tragically murdered. "
Truer words never written, I am deeply appreciative of this recognition.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_ … n-in-gaza/
https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/program/n … ne-in-gaza
"It's evident that Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitments to his people."
His people don't support him though. I'm sure you will appreciate this... His approval rating is lower than Biden's!
"Only 15% of Israelis want Netanyahu to keep job after Gaza war, poll finds"
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-ea … 024-01-02/
'One can't help but question why Egypt persists in denying entry to Gazans. One might expect them to show compassion towards these civilians. Yet, surprisingly, there's little uproar prompting an inquiry into this matter."
I think the rest of your post answered this question but...
"Their refusal is rooted in fear that Israel wants to force a permanent expulsion of Palestinians into their countries and nullify Palestinian demands for statehood" Egypt doesn't want to be part of another Nakba.
https://apnews.com/article/palestinian- … 878b66bd3d
"The atrocities of war, as exemplified by the events of Oct 7th, where innocent men, women, and children were brutally murdered, are truly unimaginable"
As are the deaths of over 30,000 palestinians, half of which are children.
"Can we not ask why Hamas has no empathy for these civilians?
I personally don't care what the policies of Hamas are. They are a little more than a pumped up street gang. Because a terrorist gang has no respect for innocent people, means I shouldn't care of their fate? I cannot reach that conclusion.I don't buy that Netanyahu has a commitment to Israelis. He looks on Israelis as a means to protecting his own ass from prosecution. He and are two peas in a self-absorbed, narcissistic pod that only care for themselves.
Personally, I don't consider Hamas being any more Palestinian as I do bin Landen being Muslim. They are both terrorists and have forsaken where they came from.
The hindrance of aid is 95% Netanyahu policy and 5% Hamas policy. - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/20 … srael-war/
Here is why Egypt (and Jordan and Syria and Lebanon) don't like Palestinians. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/20 … srael-war/
It seems to me it is pure racism.
Hamas has no empathy because they are committed to terrorism, in my opinion.
Accept Netanyahu is and has been a large part of the problem starting with stealing land from the Palestinians for the last 20 years and opposing the two-state solution. So long as Netanyahu mimics Hamas by denying the other side a right to exist, this will never stop.
Also, it would help if Netanyahu would stop killing his own hostages.
Ignore my argument, ignore the point(s) I have been attempting to make (without writing a book) but you cannot ignore this, you cannot ignore history, you cannot ignore the insight of the son of a Hamas co-founder:
https://youtu.be/btVFgqkgkzw?si=md91Ur7yIxyeG2gx
https://youtu.be/pjOEJumoABg?si=AhM6GSYlBqSHEk83Regardless of the past history (which is highly debatable) the killing and starving of innocent people changes nothing. The notion that Hamas poses an existential threat to Israel is untenable and the idea that they will be eradicated is erroneous.
Some Israelis are beginning to acknowledge this reality. Gadi Eisenkot, a senior minister in Israel’s Cabinet, said that “whoever speaks of absolute defeat [of Hamas] is not speaking the truth,”
Israel must make choice. It can continue to violently impose its will on the Palestinians in an illusory quest for security or it can finally recognize that its own peace and security is bound up with the creation of an independent Palestinian state and acknowledge, in word and in deed, that Palestinian lives are as precious as Israeli lives."It can continue to violently impose its will on the Palestinians in an illusory quest for security or it can finally recognize that its own peace and security"
It's called self defense. There are enemies throughout history nobody thought could be defeated and they were. Hamas needs to be destroyed and Israel needs to fight until they are destroyed is every way, shape and form. Why are there no calls for Hamas to surrender? What has Hamas done to lessen their civilian casualities? Let me answer that...nothing.
"creation of an independent Palestinian state"
Gaza was an independent Palestinian state. NO Jews were permitted to go into there since 2005. They had their own elections. They chose the way of terrorism. Now, because of Hamas, it will have to come under military control for the foreseeable future. This is because of Hamas.
I dare you to watch this video and see how Palestinians raise their children to hate Jews and to kill them. Children. You can't have a society this sick left unchecked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPomqJz-qYc
You didn't watch the videos I shared, otherwise, you wouldn't have responded as you did!
A Palestinian statehood never came to fruition, they were not interested. Every effort from Israel (including land for peace) are rejected! Palestinians walk away, because they don't want peace and harmony with Israel. They want Israel annihilated.
Please watch the first video shared, particularly, from around the 30 minute mark on, if you do not have time to watch the entire video.Both sides resort to terrorism when they feel like it.
Israeli settlers storm West Bank village, setting cars and homes ablaze
"According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. local time, but did not stop the settlers from attacking the village. Instead, Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he alleged."
One has to wonder when they will start raping the women.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/middleea … index.htmlI imagine the Palestinians who were on the receiving end of that Israeli terrorist event didn't think so. Now, maybe by Hamas standards it wasn't much. If you had written that, I could agree.
No, Hamas are terrorists who used to be Palestinians.
Ah, the semantics game.
Then, what is a palestinian an why would hamas be considered "used to be palestinian?"It is not a game, is it. The distinction is real. What you seem to be attempting to do is establish that all Palestinians are terrorists to which I will counter with all Israeli's are therefore terrorists.
The hostages? They may be a mute point by now. There may not be any more of them still alive to exchange. Hamas didn't have 40 to meet the latest criteria to exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
If that is true, what is there to stop Israel from finishing what Hamas started?Clarification - Hamas said they didn't have 40 that would meet the criteria (women and children) from the negotiations. They still have plenty of IDF and other males being held.
If fact, Israel's counter was that if Hamas can't produce 40 women and children, then make up the difference with males.
From Senator Cotton concerning protests..
"If something like this happened in Arkansas on a bridge there, let’s just say that there would be a lot of very wet criminals that would have been tossed overboard, not by law enforcement, but by the people whose road they are blocking,” Cotton said. “If they glued their hands to a car or pavement it would probably be pretty painful to have their skin ripped off, but I think that’s the way we’d handle it in Arkansas."
Who agrees? Who agrees with Senator Cotton? If you have a problem, take it into your own hands, do not wait for the police to sort it out. Throw people off a bridge, tear their skin off ... Does law enforcement endorse this? Who needs the police when we can just rely on vigilantes?
https://newrepublic.com/post/180729/rep … a-protestsWell, might motivate them to get a permit to protest and no longer block roads and prevent people from getting where they want to go. This includes ambulances, people trying to get home to their kids, etc.
I'd have to say having people toss them into the river would make them think about obeying the law and respecting other people's rights.
It could end up being a good thing.But the people doing the tossing should be arrested as well for assault, battery, maybe attempted murder?
In any case, your answer seems to support vigilantism and doing away the police. Why have police if the vigilantes can take care of it?I agree!
I attempted to show actual video of good citizens simply dragging (not hitting, not harming) rag doll protestors, impeding traffic, out of the way, on Facebook. (not sure where it was)
I instantly received the message that if I chose to post it, I could be banned for showing violent content!
I am so sick of the constant threats from FB, HP, etc. about how I need to check myself..... all while crazy people are blocking traffic and screwing up people's lives, squatting in other people's homes and suing the owners attempting to get them out and on and on and on... Mad world!!Had those protestors been posting violence on their FB pages, they would have been warned just as you were.
There was no violence. If they had stomped on them or ran over them with their cars, yeah, but not pulling them out of the busy road. There was nothing violent about how it was handled.
Dragging someone is the definition of violence. Only police have a right move people forcibly from one place to another. If a citizen does it, it is a crime, a violent one.
Dragging them out of a busy road with a ton of ticked off, late motorists, is an act of kindness.
Tossing people off the Golden gate bridge would most certainly result in death, so that's okay? Justified? Throw someone off a bridge because you need to get home to heat up your kids dinner? Do I get to decide when I need to toss somebody aside because I'm in a hurry? Maybe just teach your kids to heat those chicken nuggets, it's a life skill! Tossing people off of a bridges and ripping off their skin, a Christian thing? Right? Like ES0 said , what do we need police for? If you're doing something I don't agree with I can just take action on you? That's what Cotton is saying. You can't have it both ways.
"I'd have to say having people toss them into the river would make them think about obeying the law and respecting other people's rights."
No, Mike, they wouldn't be able to think about anything because they would be killed in such a great fall. I can't think of a better way to commit suicide than to jump off the Broadway Bridge at Little Rock unless you are a professional diver from great heights.
If anyone glued their hands to my car. I would certainly want them arrested on the spot for the destruction of my property, and I would most definitely press charges. If officers were standing down, as they have been known to do in some cities. I certainly would also If I had room to move my car a bit back up and go forward this ass clown would be pulled along for the ride. All that comes to mind is "Make My Day".
Hey, it looks like the police did a good job in these recent protests, and I was pleased to see many were arrested.I am so ashamed to admit that my state has sent this stooge to represent us in Congress, but it seems that the likes of him are what our citizens are electing these days.
But Senator Cotton is an admirer of Trump, and every now and then seeks to emulate his idol. What he said would never happen because anyone who was thrown off a bridge into the Arkansas River probably would not survive because it's a big river with tall bridges. The person who tossed them in the river would be charged with murder, in that case. So accept Senator Stooge as the blowhard he is and give him no more mind, or admire him if you are a great supporter of Trump and his ilk. I'm sure he is trying to get Trump's attention because he would love to be his running mate.
Arkansas seems to be pretty good right now for electing politicians of poor quality. Case in point: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The Arkansas General Assembly is conducting an investigation into the purchase of a lectern for $19,000 by Governor Huckabee Sanders who turned it over to the Republican Party. Huckabee Sanders, as you probably recall, was Trump's White House Press secretary for two years, 2017-2019. According to the article the audit found seven possible violations concerning the purchase.
https://www.thv11.com/article/news/poli … %2C%20Ark.
Different discussion, but I would love to see that same passion from you, when the topic is killing babies.
You might, if the topic was killing real, living and breathing babies. But it is not.
Speaking of killing babies..Let me know when a doctor at a hospital puts a zygote, embryo, or fetus at 13 weeks (when the vast majority of abortions happen) on life support when a woman presents with a miscarriage. These doctors aren't doing that because life is not viable at that point. Should they be prosecuted as murderers? They are letting these humans die. Is that a problem? Doctors literally letting "babies' die? Why?
Please, answer a direct questionYes, sadly, some women do miscarriage. It's every bit as agonizing as losing a child outside of the womb.
What is your direct question?Ah, the pain experienced by a 13 week unborn child being ripped from its mother and killed must be tremendous for an unborn child.
"Study shows preborn babies feel pain as early as 12 weeks’ gestation
A new study titled “Reconsidering fetal pain” was published in the Journal of Medical Ethics earlier this year. One of the most compelling things to note about this study is the differing worldviews of the authors. A pro-life and a pro-choice researcher came together to jointly address the updated evidence for fetal pain. One author believes that abortion is unethical, and the other believes that abortionion is “necessary for women’s health and autonomy.” While they drew different moral implications of fetal pain existing in an earlier gestational age, they were able to agree that fetal pain does exist in in a gestational window of 12-24 weeks.
https://erlc.com/resource-library/artic … gestation/
An unborn child is pretty developed at 13 weeks.
Your baby is now fully formed. They are moving about vigorously in your uterus and they can move their arms and legs, suck their thumb and form a fist.
"Your baby's testes or ovaries are now fully developed, and a penis or clitoris is still growing. That means by the time you have your 20 week ultrasound, your doctor might be able to see the sex of your baby and share this with you if you are wanting to know.
Your baby's organs, including their liver and pancreas, are starting to function and their vocal cords are beginning to develop. By now they also have soft hair on their eyebrows and head."
So I will not hold my breath, waiting for you to come around.
People need to watch this video and realize the only thing Ukraine needs to win this war is the proper equipment. They are taking it to the russians even being out gunned and out manned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUx-o2pWWtsThose without an agenda know that to be true.
Speaker Johnson's beliefs and politics are reprehensible to me but I have to admire him on this one in getting aid to Ukraine. Now, the Democrats need to step up hold their nose, defy precedence and help him save his job for doing the right thing.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/17/politics … index.html"Speaker Johnson's beliefs and politics are reprehensible to me but I have to admire him on this one in getting aid to Ukraine. Now, the Democrats need to step up hold their nose, defy precedence, and help him save his job for doing the right thing." ECO
This man's beliefs are "reprehensible, please give an example. I assume this to be your view, but you should at best give an example of why you feel his beliefs and politics are reprehensible. Do you think it fair to demean this man just because you can?And how did I demean him - by saying I admired him? Did I stand up and wave my arms about mimicking a disabled reporter like Trump did? Are you talking about that type of demean? I don't see where I did that, does anybody else? You have an interesting definition of "demean".
As to finding his "POLICIES" reprehensible - I don't have enough room to write them all. But lets pick on his views on women's reproductive rights.
It would be easy to see Johnson’s wildly regressive gender politics as a personal quirk – his beliefs that gay people are sinful and inferior; that women should not be able to live freely from men or use their bodies in ways that are counter to wishes of the men close to them; that marriage should act, for men, as an entitlement to absolute control, and for women, as a prison.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr … %20as%20anYou certainly did demean Johnson. Are you aware of the definition of the word reprehensible? "Speaker Johnson's beliefs and politics are reprehensible to me" The context tells me YOU (note the words you use TO ME) find the House Speaker's beliefs and politics reprehensible...
Reprehensible -- deserving censure or condemnation.
The article you shared lacks proper sourcing to support the brief quotes attributed to Johnson. I don't engage in selective thinking, where I extract a couple of words and insert my own interpretation around them. This author failed to provide the full context of the quoted words, which is concerning. Such incomplete representations can mislead those who add their interpretations and spread misinformation, as you seem to have done. I'm disappointed that the article was poorly written and inadequately sourced. It becomes obvious to me you ascribe to selective thinking.And almost all of this policies and beliefs deserve censure and condemnation.
Me, selective thinking? ROFL.
Your denial of the messenger is SOP for conservatives who don't like what the message says.
Also, I am guessing you didn't click on any of the sourcing in the article.
Finally, are you denying Johnson said this reprehensible sermon that is summarized in the following line -
"Johnson says that women’s freedom to leave marriages, along with their freedom to elect out of motherhood when they choose, is responsible for mass shootings"
His Sermon:
[i]“If you remember in the late ‘60s we invented things like no-fault divorce laws. We invented the sexual revolution. We invented radical feminism. We invented legalized abortion in 1973, where the state government sanctioned the killing of the unborn.” He continued on to state that these developments have led to a society where a “a young person go into their schoolhouse and open fire on their classmates…because we taught a whole generation, a couple of generations now, of Americans that there is no right and wrong.
Because if you remember in the late 60s we invented things like no-fault divorce laws. We invented the sexual revolution. We invented radical feminism. We invented legalized abortion in 1973, where the state government sanctioned the killing of the unborn,” he said.
All these things happened because as collectively as Americans, we began to get together in growing numbers and thumb our nose at the creator and say, ‘We don’t believe that anymore, we’re rejecting the founders natural law philosophy in favor of moral relativism, and we’re going down another path.’
Now, what we tolerate in moderation our children excuse in excess. What happens when you fast forward another 30 or 40 years?” he asked. “We know that we’re living in a completely amoral society. And people say, ‘How can a young person go into their school house and open fire on their classmates?’ Because we taught a whole generation, a couple of generations now, of Americans that there is no right and wrong. That it’s about survival of the fittest and you evolved from the primordial slime, why is that life of any sacred value because there’s nobody sacred to whom it’s owed."
You may not call that demented but I certainly do.
It's heartbreaking to witness the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, especially with the immense human toll it's exacting. I can't help but wonder about the long-term consequences of continued warfare, especially for a nation with such a large population. While supporting Ukraine with weapons may temporarily hold off further aggression, it's crucial to consider the toll this prolonged conflict will take on both the people and the nation as a whole.
In the face of such devastation, I strongly believe that prioritizing negotiations is the most compassionate and constructive path forward. It's imperative that the voices and interests of the Ukrainian people are at the forefront of any diplomatic efforts. As a supporter of Ukraine, my hope is not just for an end to the violence, but for meaningful assistance in rebuilding and healing the nation. It's essential that any aid provided focuses on nurturing Ukraine's recovery, rather than perpetuating its suffering.
ECO seems to believe some have an agenda, my agenda is for peace, an end to the war through negotiations, and help with rebuilding the Ukraine. It will be interesting to see if NATO steps up after damage has been done, and help rebuild the nation that has been so poorly used.Interesting fact is that NATO supports the Ukraine war as the russian military is slowly being decimated. All of their front line, highly trained and motivated troops have been eliminated. Over 14 russian generals have been killed. russia has lost over 500,000 military people. Over 1/3 of their entire fleet in the Black Sea has been either sunk or heavily damaged. Interesting because Ukraine has no functional navy. What has kept Ukraine in the fight is their mastery of drone technology.
With a little more help, Ukraine could actually win this war.As well as the highly motivated population to stay out the grips of the Russians, but I guess we can't predict they are highly motivated as some suggest here, because we can't read their minds and they haven't told us so in words and writings and videos.
Mike, Initially, my preference leans towards resolving conflicts through peaceful negotiations, regardless of the circumstances of any war. However, my lack of access to on-the-ground updates about the situation in Ukraine leaves me uneasy. Your updates provide some relief, suggesting that the Ukrainian forces are holding their own. Yet, I can't shake off the concern rooted in the US historical patterns where involvement in wars ends abruptly when it becomes inconvenient. Since the outset, I've held onto hope for a compromise that would see Russia withdrawing its forces.
My worry persists that this conflict might devastate Ukraine, causing immense loss of life. I stand firmly in support of the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout this ordeal.It is a shame Putin didn't "negotiate" with Ukraine when they took Crimea and the Donbas.
It is a shame Putin didn't listen to you when he began an out out war on Ukraine WITHOUT provocation. And now that he has, you seem to be asking Ukraine to give up so that they can negotiate.Ukraine is in a situation where they can't lose and they can't give up.
I don't know if anyone realizes what the russians would do if they won this war.
Like the old Ukrainian saying goes, "I'd rather die a free wolf than live as a russian pet."I think the MTGs of America and her MAGA ilk don't so much "don't know", it is that they "don't care". The only thing that seems to matter to them is short-range, selfish interests.
The people who want Ukraine to give up an compromise have no concept of what your Ukrainian saying actually means. If they did, they would be pushing harder for aid to Ukraine instead of fighting against it.
That said, unless things go horribly wrong, the House will approve the aid on Saturday along with some, hopefully non-lethal, aid to Israel, and help for the Palestinians in Gaza.Mike,
It's truly heart-wrenching to witness the challenges Ukraine is facing, and your sentiment captures the gravity of the situation perfectly. The fear of what could happen if the conflict escalates further is palpable. Negotiations indeed seem imperative, and the support from NATO and the US could play such a crucial role in advocating for peaceful resolutions. Upholding Ukraine's sovereignty and ensuring a path towards stability and freedom is paramount. Your reference to the Ukrainian "saying" underscores the deeply held convictions of its people, emphasizing the importance of preserving their independence and dignity. Let's continue to hope for a resolution that safeguards the well-being of all involved.
I advocate for a resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty while also acknowledging the importance of compromise to achieve peace. In my view, It's crucial to consider potential solutions that address the concerns of all parties involved, such as Ukraine remaining a sovereign nation and avoiding NATO membership, coupled with Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. Would this not be a bargaining issue that could lead to peace?"I advocate for a resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty while also acknowledging the importance of compromise to achieve peace. " - THANK YOU for finally stating that!!!!
Now, let's get down to practical matters. If the going in assumption is, as you stated, "recognizing Ukraine's sovereignty, do you think Putin will EVER agree to give up the Donbas and Crimea?
Given that Putin promised not to invade Ukraine before, do you think it would be smart of Ukraine to bargain away the ONLY guarantee that Putin will never invade them again?
"it's crucial to consider the toll this prolonged conflict will take on both the people and the nation as a whole." - SO, WHAT is your alternative?
Why aren't you getting it? I've been consistently laying out my alternative perspective throughout this conversation. Please take the time to thoroughly read my comments instead of just picking out fragments. I'm losing patience with this discussion. Do you require any specific accommodations for comprehending and contextualizing what's being discussed?
Why aren't YOU getting it?? You say Ukraine must negotiate and give up their land (that is the only outcome with Putin you know) and their freedom. If they aren't going to do that, then I ask again - what is your alternative to defending themselves?
Oh, my, yes, you know the Army. Brings back memories.
Thanks!
Well, Israel took the next step toward all out war in the Middle East with their tit-for-tat-for-tit retaliation inside Iran. I wonder if Iran will pull out its nukes next.
https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-new … index.htmlThere's tit-for-tat and then there's survival mode. If that difference isn't understood by now, it never will be!
Democrats help advance Ukraine, Israel aid in rare rules move
The House Rules Committee late Thursday night advanced a package of foreign aid bills — but only with help from Democrats who, in a rare move, supported the procedural vote amid opposition from a trio of hard-line Republicans.
The panel voted 9-3 to adopt the rule, which governs debate for the legislation, with Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) opposing the effort.
The successful vote allows the full House to vote on the rule and open debate on three foreign aid bills — sending assistance to Israel, Ukraine and allies in the Indo-Pacific — plus a fourth that includes other national security priorities, such as a TikTok ban.
Rule votes — in committee and on the floor — are typically mundane, party-line occurrences, with the members from the majority party backing the rule and lawmakers in the minority party voting against it. But with conservatives voting against the rule out of opposition to Ukraine aid and the exclusion of border security measures, Democrats crossed the aisle to back the procedural vote.
The legislation includes $26.38 billion for Israel, $60.84 billion for Ukraine and $8.12 billion for allies in the Indo-Pacific.When is the last time someone shared an article from Al Jazeera?
https://aje.io/5rzic5I liked this quote
"He (Gen Hodges) told Al Jazeera in an interview on the sidelines of the recent Delphi Economic Conference in Greece that a paralyzed US Congress, over-cautious White House administration and fearful allies in Europe constitute a Russian marketing success."
It is clear Putin has managed to get about a dozen Representatives and 2 or 3 Senators on his side. Trump, of course, has always been their as Putin's Puppet.
Israeli strikes on southern Gaza city of Rafah kill 18, mostly children, as U.S. advances aid package
Israel has carried out near-daily air raids on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million has sought refuge from fighting elsewhere.
The first strike killed a man, his wife and their 3-year-old child, according to the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital, which received the bodies. The woman was pregnant, and the doctors managed to save the baby, the hospital said.
The second strike killed 13 children and two women, all from the same family, according to hospital records. An airstrike in Rafah the night before killed nine people, including six children.
Disgusting and heartbreaking.The Palestinians/Hamas should leave Israel be and this wouldn't be happening!!! I don't recall such outrage or "disgust" right around Oct. 7.
War is ugly, war is hell!!!
Left alone, Israel leaves alone!
Left alone, to live their lives in PEACE... everyone sleeps soundly at night!
I would hope and pray that whomever the U.S. President is, if and when this type of attack happens to us again, he/she, has the fortitude...and the full SUPPORT of the American people, to see it through until every last enemy, every last terrorist, every last monster is wiped from the earth!! Sadly, innocent people will die in the process, because monsters hide behind them.And Netanyahu and his right-wing cohorts should let the Palestinians be and 1) stop stealing their land, 2) give back what he has stolen, and accept and implement a two-state solution. THAT would win back the international support he has thrown away with his terrorist tactics and end the support for Hamas.
I believe it's important to consider the historical context when discussing Israel's acquisition of land. Israel has a record of defensive actions rather than instigating conflicts. When faced with aggression, they defend themselves, sometimes with great force, particularly in response to acts of genocide. However, your perspective, which seems to discredit Israel's defensive actions and align with a more liberal stance, is concerning to many Americans. Our current president's perceived lack of strength in standing against genocide, particularly the genocide against Jewish people, is deeply troubling to many Americans. Your attitude, as expressed, has genuinely offended me, due to my belief that Genocide should never be excused for any reason.
When it comes to the Palestinians, the right-wing Israeli gov'ts have a long history of aggression.
Finding the murder of innocent children offended you? Interesting.
Israel hasn't stolen anything. Re-writing history is no justification for Israel-hate. Those wishing death to Israel... and America , don't want "solutions", they want us gone, extinguished, dead.
You are right, I didn't back up my claim, I just thought it was well known.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/2 … -west-bank
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/neta … -territory
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/20 … ken-visit/
https://thewire.in/world/palestine-isra … ation-plan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_settlement
https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/04/27/t … ersecution
https://globalaffairs.org/bluemarble/is … hats-legalSo many people have it so wrong.
Here is Ben Shapiro giving a history to the creation of modern Israel. He includes the history of the palestinians as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEoVzKyD_IM
I totally agree. It's frustrating to see many Americans seemingly indifferent to the urgent need to confront terrorists responsible for true genocide. The events of October 7th starkly remind us of the brutality inflicted by terrorists on innocent men, women, and children in a sovereign nation. This is an undeniable reality. It's time to acknowledge that Israel is engaged in a war just as Ukraine is, yet there's a stark absence of protests against the loss of Ukrainian lives. Why the double standard? War inevitably brings casualties, but what distinguishes it from genocide is the deliberate targeting of a specific group for extermination. That's a line that must never be crossed.
Let's hope Israel demonstrates the strength to unequivocally show the world that genocide will not be tolerated. Those who align themselves with terrorists must understand the repercussions of their support. Terrorists exploit them as shields, seize their resources, and allow their cities to be devastated in pursuit of their agenda to harm Jewish people.
It's worth noting that those who chant "death to America" in our streets ought to face charges of treason and imprisonment. In places like Michigan where I live, huge crowds in Dearborn, chants of "death to Jews, death to Americans" are heard, this goes beyond free speech; it's treasonous behavior, perpetrated by individuals akin to terrorists.
In my view, it's just a matter of time until we see these violent people become violent. I think some have forgotten that this is America, and Americans don't abide by killing anyone due to their religion.Over 30,000 Palestinians dead at this point and many more to come now that Israel has gone into Rafah. How high do these numbers need to go?. This isn't a war. Hamas has no military, it is loosely organized, is barely trained and have the most basic of weapons compared to the IDF. Hamas is more of an ideology and with every Palestinian killed, Israel is strengthening that ideology.
In a war, there are casualties on each side but at this point the majority of the Israeli military casualties are coming from friendly fire... Which is not surprising because they have shown over and over that they shoot first and ask questions later. This "war" is doing nothing to secure the future of Israel. The IDF at this point is doing nothing more than shooting fish in a barrel. There has been little to
no actual resistance.
Yes October 7th was horrendous and I think the world is still waiting for the investigation into Israel's failures in their immediate response. Netanyahu is refusing to investigate. But the scale of response is absolutely disproportionate. Killing and starving to death Gazan children is just as bad as the acts perpetrated on October 7th. They are both wrong and they are both atrocities.
I don't understand the analogy with Ukraine? It is a tragedy that its citizens are dying because Putin believes he has the right to take their entire country. They have made the decision to fight for their democracy, why should I protest that? I'm more inclined to protest Putin's aggression. I'm of the mindset that the man needs to be slapped back into place by any means necessary. This war, as all wars, will end at the negotiation table. The world's despots will be eagerly looking on to see just how much and if Putin's aggression will be rewarded. The resolution will guide their actions.
I was very glad to see speaker Johnson's action on Ukraine aid and his very Reganesque guiding principles.Let me put a finer point on your statement "This "war" is doing nothing to secure the future of Israel." - The way that the right-wing extremists in Israel (meaning of course, Netanyahu) is executing the war is doing nothing to secure the future of Israel. In fact, it is making it less secure by irredeemably radicalizing all of Palestine and turning the world against what SHOULD be a just cause.
It is sad and unfair that that some people can't separate in their minds the normal Palestinians from the terrorist Hamas. We are now seeing the same thing regarding Israel. The world is having a very hard time drawing a distinction between the terrorist Netanyahu and his right-wing brothers and normal Israeli's who no longer support the way he is trying to beat Hamas.
"It's worth noting that those who chant "death to America" in our streets ought to face charges of treason and imprisonment. " - IN OTHER words, toss out our constitutional right to free speech - another former Republican go to that went out the window with MAGA.
Yet nothing is said of the violent MAGA who are already have become violent. Why don't I see any criticism from the Right about that? Is it double standards?
So, are we talking about the children who tragically lost their lives simply for being Jewish? Or perhaps those in Ukraine caught in the crossfire of a conflict supported by NATO? And let's not forget the Palestinian children caught up in a war zone. It seems some people classify these tragedies differently. I feel every care should be taken to prevent civilian casualties. However, terrorists don't abide by that concept.
I can't say I find any pleasure in witnessing the loss of innocent lives, especially children, in a war fueled by the taxes I pay. The narrative of halting Russia's advance into the EU to justify this conflict seems absurd to me. My common sense tells me otherwise.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, I believe your statement encapsulates the fundamental truth that no child should suffer the consequences of war. Ultimately, I share that sentiment, and I'm not in favor of supporting any conflict, including the one in Ukraine.
Where do you stand on the conflict in Ukraine? In the event of your own country being targeted and genocide committed, what actions do you believe are necessary?
Your comment lacks clarity and depth regarding the reasons behind children perishing. In my view, It's concerning that our tax dollars are funding a war where children are suffering the consequences. Where are the protests?
Same. Holy Bible.
Also, a link, if I must:
https://youtu.be/btVFgqkgkzwHere is why the figures presented to the world by hamas don't look right to academic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFJxXuDoe28United Nations leaders demanded a “clear, transparent and credible” investigation Tuesday after mass graves containing the bodies of hundreds of men and women were discovered on the grounds of two major hospitals in Gaza that were previously under assault by the Israeli military.
The mass graves contained some people stripped naked with their hands tied, raising concerns over potential war crimes, the U.N. said, describing the bodies as “buried deep in the ground and covered with waste.”
Mass grave sites were discovered at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, containing 283 bodies at the Nasser site alone. The Khan Younis burial site was constructed because Palestinian civilians could not perform burials due to ongoing military attacks by Israeli forces, Palestinian Civil Defense said.
“Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law,” U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk said Tuesday. “And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are ‘hors de combat’ (incapable of engaging in combat) is a war crime.”Gee, just on mass grave site? People stripped naked with their hands tied behind their backs.? Sounds so familiar.
I hope the UN does more here than they've done in Ukraine.
There have been many such mass graves in Ukraine discovered when russia retreated from various towns and villages. I don't think the world realizes the horrors experienced by the Ukrainian people.
Is the UN going to hold Vladimir Putin responsible and charge him with war crimes?
Hasn't happened yet.
The UN in many ways is a worthless and corrupt organization.What more can they do in Ukraine besides invade Russia (which, if he had zero nukes, I could go for)? Doesn't the ICC (who tries cases for the UN) have warrants out for Putin and others involved in the war crimes if they ever leave Russia.
Should the UN hold Netanyahu responsible for the same thing? I am beginning to think so.
Anyone --- What are your thoughts on the 1000 Isreal citizens that Hamas came into their homes and raped women in front of their children, kill babies in from of their parents, and murdered at random in horrific manners on Oct 7th, 2023? By definition this was genocide. Those killed in war are considered casualties of war, such as the citizens of Ukraine.
In my view, the Palestinians lived side by side with Hamas and voted for them to represent GAZA. Their government waged war on Israel on Oct 7th . Israel has every right to defend their nation. It would appear the Palestinians will need to accept what war has brought to them, due to making a terrorist group their government.
Not sure how some can separate Ukraine from Israel wars. Both are defending their nation. Both are truely causing casualties of war. Both have refugees. The Ukraine has a population of 38 million people in 2022.
"How many refugees are there from the Ukraine war?
Emergencies. There are nearly 3.7 million internally displaced people in Ukraine (as of February 2024). Nearly 6.5 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded globally (as of February 2024)."
https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ … 20million,(as%20of%20February%202024).&text=Nearly%206.5%20million%20refugees%20from,(as%20of%20February%202024).
"KYIV, 24 February 2024 – Two years since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, more than 10,500 civilians have been killed, including 587 children, and nearly 20,000 injured [1], as constant bombardments, mines, and drone attacks have left a generation traumatised, displaced and fearful for their lives, said 51 members of ...Feb 24, 2024"
https://www.savethechildren.net/news/uk … mbers%20of
Questions - How does one separate the two wars?
Both have every right to defend their Nations and their people. Both were invaded by those who hoped to do them harm.It would make my life much simpler if I could take such a simplistic, black and white view like that. But, I can't. I must look beneath the surface to understand each factor and faction that plays upon the situation and come to some sort of conclusion about each.
I can't be the person who will let someone shoot me, like some here are advocating, if I don't vote for them. I will vote for them just like the Palestinians who hate Hamas did. They are more practical than the Pollyanna view some here take.
Because of how Netanyahu has chosen to prosecute a just war, he has lowered himself to the same level as Hamas. The Israeli people who oppose Netanyahu are as much a victim of his policies as the Palestinians are victims of both Netanyahu and Hamas' policies.
It is sad to realize that both Hamas and Netanyahu have the same practical goal - the elimination of the Palestinian people."It would make my life much simpler if I could take such a simplistic, black and white view like that. But, I can't. I must look beneath the surface to understand each factor and faction that plays upon the situation and come to some sort of conclusion about each."
This chat delves into the parallels between two ongoing conflicts. Both nations are fighting to safeguard their sovereignty, having been unexpectedly invaded. Tragically, civilian and military lives have been lost, and countless citizens are now displaced. The ideologies driving their adversaries share common themes: Russia asserts ownership over Ukraine, while Hamas denies Israel's right to exist, echoing sentiments held by Palestinians for decades. These historical complexities shape the dynamics of both conflicts, presenting a challenging topic for discussion in this format.
Addressing the Palestinian situation would require extensive examination, tracing back through decades of history. However, I see parallels between the plight of the Palestinian and Ukrainian peoples. Both find themselves embroiled in conflict, yet lack the agency to make their voices heard amidst the turmoil of war.How do the Ukrainian people lack the "agency"? It seems to me they have, through their president, managed to get the free world on their side The Ukrainians have managed to acquire an air defense that, while not perfect, has limited the potential destruction to a great degree. Also, the Ukrainian people don't have people within their midst willing to sacrifice them to save themselves.
One similarity is Netanyahu has managed to make the Israeli people as much a pariah as Putin has the Russian people.Wouldn't you want your voice to matter if a president opted for war? And if you did speak up, wouldn't it be understandable to reassess your stance if, after three years, you witnessed your country devastated and innocent lives lost? Isn't it only human to reevaluate in such circumstances?
As for the assertion that Ukrainians lack individuals willing to sacrifice for their own survival, I respectfully disagree. Recall the reports when the war first erupted—they highlighted the determination of the Ukrainian people to defend their homeland, with many bravely joining the fight to protect their towns. I believe many still might still feel that way.Who made the "assertion" you reference? It certainly wasn't me.
Let me ask. Suppose Russia was invading America and we were putting up a stiff fight. Nevertheless, the Russian's were inflicting terrible damage and destruction on America. Are you suggesting you would reevaluate whether America should keep on fighting the Russians and instead give up and let the Russians become your master??
I know I certainly wouldn't, I would be redoubling my resistance.
Hamas willing to DISARM if two-state solution implemented. WOW!!
That, if true, is quite a concession. One Netanyahu is sure to blow up.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/25/middleea … index.htmlFrom your article.
"Some Hamas officials are signaling that the militant group could give up armed struggle against Israel if the Palestinians get an independent state in territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war."
"Signaling" "Could"
Means nothing.
Gaza was an independent state. No Jews have been permitted to be there since 2005. They turned it into a terrorist state.
The bigger question is what can hamas offer to guarantee the safety of Israeli citizen. That is what's important.
Hamas started this and is losing in a big way. They are not is a position to negotiate anything. I believe the elimination of hamas should continue and have gaza under Israeli military control until Israel can guarantee its citizens safety.
That is the only way to peace in the area.Why didn't you say that it was Israel that wouldn't permit Israeli's from living in Gaza instead of implying that it was the Palestinians who forced them out?
In September 1993, leaders of Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo Accords calling for Palestinian administration of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank town of Jericho, which was implemented in May 1994.
Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza, leaving a new Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to administer and police the city.
In 2005, Israel implemented its unilateral disengagement plan under which it unilaterally withdrew Israeli armed forces and settlements from the Gaza Strip. Israel then began a blockade of the Gaza strip.
Sounds like the Israeli's were the aggressors to. This was done by Sharon, who held the same no Palestinian State view that Netanyahu does. He was responsible for beginning the construction of the Israeli West Bank barrier in 2002–03. He was also going to unilaterally withdraw Israeli's from the West Bank as well. Netanyahu reversed that idea and started his campaign to confiscate Palestinian land."withdrew Israeli armed forces and settlements from the Gaza Strip. Israel then began a blockade of the Gaza strip."
Completely false.
Israel withdrew all Jewish settlements in the Gaza strip. People who had lived in the area for centuries. NO Jews have been able to even visit the Gaza strip since 2005.
There is NO blockade of the Gaza Strip. Before October 7th, thousands of Palestinians would go into Israel daily for work, shopping. They even used the Israeli airports to travel places.
There is also a gateway from the Gaza Strip with Egypt.
There is no such thing as palestinian land. There has never been a nation state known a palestine. Not ever in the history of the world.
The ending of the conflict will require hamas to surrender and guarantee of safety for the people of Israel. It's all very simple.Completely true.
Whose fault is it that no Jews have been allowed ...? It appears to be the Right-wing leadership of Israel who made those rules.
With your reference to ancient history, are you suggesting that Americans turn back the land here to the Native Americans? Or Ukraine back to whoever possessed the land before there was a Ukraine?"Whose fault is it that no Jews have been allowed"
Israel left the Gaza Strip in a effort to obtain peace with the palestinians. That was the reason. It didn't seem to work with them.
As far as my reference to ancient history, there has been an Israel Nation/State since the bronze age. There has never been a palestinian nation state. So, how can they claim any land is theirs?Bronze Age? How much land and territory has changed hands since the Bronze Age? Why not give the indigenous people here in America their land back? Is that really the foundation of your argument as to why Israel should have and take everything?
"why Israel should have and take everything?"
You need to study up on this topic a bit more.
There has never been a palestinian land. Only land called palestine, started by the Romans. There has never been a nation/state known as palestine. So, your argument concerning Native Americans, really doesn't apply.
Given the politics of Sharon, I have a hard time believing that was the case.
The only apparent difference between Sharon and Netanyahu is Sharon wanted to build a wall between the Palestinians and the Jews while Netanyahu simply wants to take all of the Palestinian lands.
As to ancient history, who occupied modern day Israel in say 2000 BCE?Again, there never has been palestinian land.
The history books disagree with you as I pointed out.
In 1917, the Balfour Declaration expressed support for establishing an a "National Home" for the Jewish people in the Palestinian territory that the UK still oversaw. In 1947, the UN passed resolution 181 which split Palestine into two independent states, one for the Jews and the other for the Palestinians.
In 1947 - 1948, the Jews "declared" their half to be the State of Israel. Likewise, in 1988, the Palestine National Council "declared" the other half to be an independent Palestinian state.
So, both Israel and Palestine came into existence through "declarations" by their respective people.
BTW, prior to 1800 BCE there was no "Israeli" land either. Why, because the Jewish religion didn't exist."Palestinian territory"
That is right. It was a territory. There was NO palestinian government. There were no palestinian citizens. It was simply a territory.
There was no such thing as palestinian people until the 1960s after Israel won the 1967 War. Yasser Arafat formed the palestinian liberation organization. He, himself, was Egyptian.
So, how did any of this land become palestinian land?
I usually hear the argument, "there were always palestinian people there."
Maybe, but they weren't called palestinians and they never were a nation.
So, for that argument, I divert back to the fact there has been a nation/state of Israel since the bronze age. They had a government, currency, flag, national identity, military, borders, Israeli laws, courts, Israeli citizenship, etc. Things palestinians have never had.
"Whose fault is it that no Jews have been allowed ...? It appears to be the Right-wing leadership of Israel who made those rules."
Source, please.
However, it's important to acknowledge how Israel's treatment of the people of Gaza contrasts with this fact. Israel permitted citizens from Gaza to work within its borders, demonstrating a level of generosity. So one might argue that the right-wing leadership erred by extending such generosity to allow Gazan citizens to enter their nation and earn a livelihood.
"When did Israel, the U.S. and other agencies start providing products and services to Gaza?
Despite the Hamas terror group’s dedication to Israel’s destruction, Palestinian civilians in Gaza have received help from Israel and its allies since Hamas took over the coastal territory in 2007.
Over those years, Israel has facilitated tons of products for daily life, from school supplies and toys to electronic devices and pharmaceuticals for Gazans through its Kerem Shalom Crossing and worked with several international groups to transfer food and other means of support into the territory to about 63% of people in Gaza."
https://www.ajc.org/news/what-you-need- … in%202007.
"Can Gaza residents work in Israel?
Gazans in the West Bank told CNN last month that getting a work permit for Israel allowed them to become vital breadwinners. Many are the only members of their families to have a job and the salaries they earn in Israel are multiple times higher than anything they'd be able to get in Gaza"
https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/middleea … index.html
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