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Mossad always knew of the large network of tunnels on the strip. What they, probably, did not anticipate was a situation of having to invade Gaza again. Relations between Israel and the Arab states in general were “normalizing”. A two state formula was / is, probably, in the making – an obvious way to go, really. This was / is not acceptable to a few Nations (and their proxies) in the region. A strong and stabilized Israel in the region is a very unsettling prospect for Iran, Russia, Turkey, Syria and such other Nations who really have no direct say in the matter.
It is in this wake, the HAMAS attack on 07 Oct 2023 (in the Palestinian cause???, well…) came as a surprise to a lulled and “sabbath” complacent state of Israel. Moreover, the barbaric and deliberate attack on unsuspecting civilians on Israel territory was in the least very unsettling, leaving a vulnerable Israel in an agitated cauldron with few choices.
In the circumstance, it is a matter of opinion in regard to the options with Isarel to counter and prevent such acts in the future. Commentaries and expert intonations will probably follow preconceived views and how far in history one goes to suit the narrative including the suffering of innocent victims and hostages (with HAMAS) and their families on one side and the common people in Gaza on the other. To each her own.
Returning to the tunnels, yes, it is a formidable defence structure made even more potent with a layer of dense civilian pupation and civic amenities directly above the network deterring use of conventional methods for destroying these connected “bunker” ways. In this background, there is a mayhem unleashed in Gaza, which has become a battlefield as it is a frontier created by HAMAS.
What is happening in Gaza, they say, will increase the resentment in Palestinians and create a generation of hate. Not helpful for a solution. What is happening in GAZA today is exactly what happened with the Jewish race for centuries. A race (jews) which was hounded out of everywhere, pilloried, massacred, etc.. for generations. These cyclic actions, for sure, will never ever bring peace.
The atrocities will never cease if judgements are made where loyalties “lie”. HAMAS is lying and so are her handlers. HAMAS, Hezbollah etc. are not fighting for Palestinians as much as they are fighting for the annihilation of Israel. Both aims are different. The oppressed and suffering Palestinians are also oblivious of this intrigue playing out against them.
For centuries, there were two sections of people – Jews and Arabs – in this area now under dispute. Both were hounding each other. Arabs supported the Palestinians and the West supported the Jews. The Arabs and the West had equal monetary resources. The Jews settled down to become an industrious Nation, with the help of USA, and is now the third richest Nation in Asia. The Palestinians were armed by a section of Arab nations etc. to fight Israel as a proxy for fighting the West by fighting against the much-despised “Zionists”. The hatred did not abate. Nobody took ownership of the Palestinians, except for providing lip service. There never was an earnest effort by the Arab Nations or anybody else to find a middle ground, which can’t be done by promoting hatred either way. Even today who are the Nations in the area who really want a prosperous Palestine more than the termination of Israel?
What now?
The first action is for the Arab Nations and others to call the terrorists and militants as such unequivocally, loudly, clearly and repeatedly, paving the way for release of all hostage and lifting Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Secondly all Arab Nations and others, should withdraw the direct support afforded to the “militants” / terrorists.
Thirdly Israel should call back its troops.
Fourthly a UN (oh yes, who else, alas!) led delegation, consisting of stakeholders and neutrals, should start negotiations for an independent sovereign Palestinian state, with defined borders. Maybe the status of 1948 could be a start point.
In the present state vested interests will continue to exploit Israel and the Palestinians.
Every Nation in the world, yes, every Nation, will only act in its own interest, may it be India, Iran, USA, Arab states, China, Russia etc… You can’t expect much else. The negotiations here will be between more than just two Nations…. Therein lies the paradox.
Yet, this is the only path to peace. All else is drama.
Tailpiece: The media and the world should try calling out terrorists and their handlers unafraid and vehemently despite the lie of loyalties. Else it will be mayhem.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.