Israel has right to defend itself but this is not an act of defense

The recent attack by Israeli forces on the Gaza Strip in Palestine has stunned many around the world. Indiscriminate brutality displayed towards civilian targets like a disability center and very insensitive comments by some Israeli politicians about Palestinians have shocked many. The images coming out of Gaza about this brutal attack are very disturbing. Neither this conflict nor the violence is new but still whatever is happening has shocked many. Both sides, Israel and Palestine have suffered because of violence related to border conflict. The history behind this dispute is very long and complicated and I don't think we can discuss it on this forum, there is enough material available on the internet related to this issue and interested readers can easily find reliable sources to educate themselves about this conflict. Israel is surrounded by hostile countries from all sides, many of them don't appreciate their existence but because of their military power and support from all over the world none of those countries can do much against them. Many commend them for the way they managed to survive and excel in such a hostile environment. Israel survived all attacks and is now considered the most powerful military power in that region, no other country can match them in technological and military power. It is right to give credit wherever it is due. Between Palestine and Israel, the latter is much more advanced as far as military capabilities are concerned. Terrorist organizations like Hamas (which is now a political establishment also) control parts of Palestine and play a major role in recruiting youths from that region who participate in terrorist activities. There is no doubt that any type of terrorist attack should not be tolerated, but to punish the entire Palestine for the fault of Hamas is wrong and unjustifiable.

If you look at the victims of the Israeli attack there are many innocent women and children who have died for no fault of theirs. It is really sad to see so many children die, and it is heart-wrenching to see the images of some Israelis eating popcorn, and watching attacks on Gaza. Even in war, there are some rules to follow, so much brutality toward civilians is not acceptable. No one is questioning Israel's right to defend itself but whatever they are doing in Gaza right now is not a defense but it is a brutal and indiscriminate attack. The fight between Israel and Palestine is not a war between equals. Israel is much stronger than Palestine in all aspects (technology, precise and advanced weapons, well-equipped military, and international support). This is the reason whenever Israel decides to attack Palestine there is almost no (or minimum) resistance from Palestine, but that doesn't give Israeli military forces a free pass to do whatever they want. Any attack on Israeli civilians is wrong no one can justify it but the killing of Palestinian civilians like this by Israel is also a form of terrorism. If the use of human bombs or missiles by Hamas or any other terrorist organization to kill civilians is wrong then killing civilians by using military forces is also wrong. Two wrongs don't make one right. If one party makes a mistake it doesn't give the other party the right to make the same mistake that too in a much more brutal way. Both actions kill innocent civilians only the methods used are slightly different but both actions are equally condemnable. We humans are so intelligent that we can justify any of our actions. Both sides keep on justifying their violent actions and civilians keep on dying, this conflict has already taken many innocent lives, destroyed many families, and caused immense pain and damage to both sides. This loss of civilian lives must stop. Israel should stop its brutal aggression towards civilians of Palestine and all terrorist acts against them by Palestinian terrorist organizations should also stop. Both sides should try to resolve the issue via diplomacy and discussion. Whatever Israel is doing today in Gaza is wrong and the rest of the world should take a stand against it. So far most responses (including Govt of India's) are very diplomatic, they look more like political responses than humanitarian responses. Once again, most countries of the world chose to remain mute spectators to the loss of civilian lives right in front of their eyes. We have made this mistake in the past and we are repeating it again, the only difference is that one of the victims of the past is the perpetrator in this case, and such is the irony of this situation.  

Thanks for reading and please share your views on this topic.

[Copyright: Vinay Thakur. Please contact the author for re-posting or publishing]