Israel's Gaza Campaign and the Dangers of Endorsing Violence

Strategic Insights -

The recent bombing and starvation of Palestinian civilians in Gaza by Israel, coupled with the killing of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington, have sparked a complex debate on the morality of violence in the face of perceived injustices. Ken Roth, a former executive director of Human Rights Watch, argues that the killing of civilians on both sides is never justified, regardless of the severity of the conflict. Roth points out that Israel's 11-week blockade of Gaza has resulted in at least 29 children and elderly people dying from starvation-related deaths, with thousands more at risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli government's campaign in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian deaths, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for prosecution.
  • The killing of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington by a pro-Palestinian activist is deplorable, but does not justify the Israeli government's war crimes in Gaza.
  • International humanitarian law is clear: civilians are never legitimate targets, and the duty to comply with this law is absolute, not reciprocal.
  • The Israeli government's expansion of its war aims to include the expelling of Palestinians from Gaza is a massive war crime and likely crime against humanity.
  • The surrogates of the Israeli government, such as the American Jewish Committee, have been quick to condemn criticism of Israel's actions, but have failed to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
  • The concept of antisemitism is being misused to deflect criticism of Israeli war crimes, weakening protection for Jews around the world.
  • The Israeli government's policy of endless reprisals has led to a cycle of violence and retaliation, with no end in sight.
  • Critics of the Israeli government's conduct in Gaza should focus on the authors of the atrocities, including Netanyahu, the generals directing the slaughter, and the soldiers carrying it out.

Statistics:

  • At least 86 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to Gaza's health ministry.
  • 11-week total blockade of Gaza has resulted in at least 29 children and elderly people dying from starvation-related deaths.
  • Thousands of Palestinians are at risk of starvation-related deaths due to the Israeli blockade.
  • The Israeli government has allowed in a mere pittance of humanitarian aid, described as "minimal" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sources:

  • "[yaron Lischinsky] was a staff assistant in the political department at the Israel embassy." (The New York Times)
  • "The attack is the direct consequence of the virulent and toxic antisemitic rhetoric against Israel and Jewish communities around the world that has been going on since October 7." (Gideon Sa'ar, Israeli Foreign Minister)
  • "Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments" by Kenneth Roth (Knopf and Allen Lane, 2023)