Hi Alan, I wrote this Sunday just before Israel began pulling out of Gaza. Can put it in your website.-Brian
Brian McAfee
2838 Mason Blvd.
Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
brimac6@hotmail.com
Civilian Casualties In Palestinian/Israeli conflict Should Be Primary Concern.
by Brian McAfee
The BBC reports that over a thousand are now dead in Gaza almost a third of them being children. Aside from the deaths about 5,000 have been injured. Thirteen Israeli civilians have been killed including three children. Absolute confirmation on the numbers in Gaza are currently unattainable as Israel blocks International journalists from entering Gaza. While casualties from either side are deplorable the proportion on the Palestinian side and the numbers of children in particular seem indefensible. Israel's continued not taking any responsibility in the suffering and denying/ignoring the human toll that their state of siege has caused on the Palestinian population appears devoid of any ethical standards.
In actions that are sure to prolong the conflict Israel has increased arrests of West Bank children. According to Relief Web (reliefweb.int) have been arrested in increasing numbers. Defense Of Children International (DCI) an organization that monitors and defends human rights for children, has documented numerous arrests of children every month by the Israelis with 8 children already occurring in the first two weeks of this month. According to DCI's statistics 10 to 15 children are arrested each month by the Israeli's in random street arrests and for participating in demonstrations. The actual numbers arrested in Israels current operation in the Gaza Strip is unknown because of the news black out.
The U.S. all too frequent blanket and blind support of Israel both diplomatically and in unrestricted arms sales indicates tacit approval and support for anything Israel does. We should voice our concern for decency and compassion for those caught in the crossfire and for an end to the state of siege Israel has put upon the Palestinians. Siege only causes resentment, uncalled for and unnecessary suffering, develops hatreds and prolongs conflicts.