“Civilized” behavior now includes bombing hospitals and schools?
A file photo from my visit to Palestine two decades ago
I am angry. I am confused. I feel helpless like so many other people around the world. Neither Jew nor Palestinian, why are so many hearts aching at what’s happening?
Is it because we’re seeing too many firsts?
The first ever mass breach of the Gaza border by Palestinians.
The first one sided mass murder of Israeli citizens by Hamas.
The first US Secretary of State to seemingly sanction genocide.
The first time there are demands to punish US students
calling for an end to occupation.
The first carpet bombing of Palestinians, taking many more innocent lives
in three days than the Hamas carnage.
The first time the “good guys” are justifying bombing of hospitals and schools.
The first time Hindu nationalists, who have called for a genocide of India’s Muslims, are watching closely what Israel is doing and how the West is reacting.
But it’s also the first time we’re seeing world-wide protests
by Jewish groups in support of besieged Palestinians.
And the first time Israelis are protesting
the disastrous policies of a Prime Minister while at war.
Or is it because of all the déjà vu’s, only worse this time?
Total blockade of Gaza, and denial of water, medicine, and food.
Forcing a panic exodus so Israel can bomb “empty” homes
and claim they were humanitarians.
A cruel replay of the Nakba 1948, which forced Palestinians
to leave their ancestral homes, never to come back.
The US government’s pretense to be humanitarian,
after sanctioning Israeli attacks on civilians, and
sending more arms as if it wasn’t already armed to the teeth.
Western leaders and US lawmakers jostling with one another
to see who can be louder in supporting Israel and condemning the Palestinians.
Demands for apologies from ordinary Palestinians,
as if history started only on October 7th.
Or is it because we know only too well HOw THIS IS GOING TO END:
the GOOD GUYS WILL “NegotiatE” a ceasefire after Netanyahu has quenched his blood thirst for revenge and THEY WILL take credit for “restoring calm”
But wait, State Department officials are discouraged from using , “de-escalation/ceasefire,” “end to violence/bloodshed” and “restoring calm.” - another first?
When there is calm, No peace talks, avows Israel;
When attacked, This is no time to talk peace.
More weapons to restore calm, America says;
Let Palestinians be damned and Israelis grieve.
When will they stop mistaking calm for peace?
No peace with occupation, the ultimate truth.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti!
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