Gaza 6/17/2024

                                                           Gaza

Blatant partiality towards Israel since 1948 has created this tragedy

The scale of the catastrophe in Gaza is staggering, with over 37,000 Palestinians killed, including well over 15,000 children. This number is likely much higher due to unknown fatalities under the rubble. The relentless bombardments and drone attacks have caused unimaginable psychological and physical exhaustion. As UNICEF spokesperson James Elder poignantly noted, "The killing of children in Gaza and the destruction of Gaza cannot possibly bring peace to the Middle East."

We must recognize the humanity in all children and act to end this devastating cycle of violence and deprivation. Please call the White House comment line at 202-456-1111 and demand an end to weapons sales to Israel, an immediate unconditional ceasefire, the immediate resumption of food, water, and fuel supplies, and an end to settler terrorism in the West Bank. 

History of the Gaza Strip and Displacement of Palestinians 6/15/2024

 

                                     History of the Gaza Strip and  Displacement of Palestinians

The recent events in Gaza have once again brought to the forefront the long and painful history of the Palestinian people, who were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands. This history dates back to the Nakba in 1948, a pivotal moment when Jewish militias, armed with weapons supplied by the United Kingdom and the United States, drove thousands of Palestinians from their homes. This violent displacement is reminiscent of the tragic expulsion of Native Americans in the United States, marking the beginning of decades of occupation and suffering for the Palestinian people.

The Nakba, or "catastrophe," saw the expulsion of over 700,000 Palestinians from their homes, transforming them into refugees almost overnight. The newly formed State of Israel took control of their lands, homes, and livelihoods. This displacement was not merely a byproduct of war but a deliberate strategy to establish a Jewish state. The weapons and support provided by Western powers played a crucial role in this process, enabling the militias to overpower Palestinian communities.

The Gaza Strip, a small but densely populated area, became a refuge for many of these displaced Palestinians. Over the years, it has been the site of repeated conflicts, blockades, and severe humanitarian crises. The ongoing occupation and frequent military incursions have made life unbearably difficult for its residents, who have faced immense challenges in securing basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.

The parallels between the plight of the Palestinians and that of Native Americans are striking. Both peoples faced systemic dispossession and violence at the hands of settlers backed by powerful governments. Both have endured prolonged struggles to reclaim their rights and preserve their cultural heritage. Yet, their stories are often marginalized or misrepresented in mainstream narratives.

As we reflect on the current situation in Gaza, it is essential to remember this historical context. The suffering of the Palestinian people is not a recent development but the result of a long history of displacement and occupation. Acknowledging this history is crucial for any genuine efforts towards a just and lasting peace in the region.

This aims to provide a succinct yet comprehensive overview of the history of the Gaza Strip and the displacement of Palestinians, highlighting the historical injustices that have led to the current situation.

Bump Stocks, Assault Rifles & the Second Amendment 6/15/2024

                                        Bump Stocks, Assault Rifles & the Second Amendment

The Second Amendment, ratified in 1791, was originally intended to allow for the formation of militias to defend the new nation. However, with the establishment of modern law enforcement agencies and the National Guard, the need for civilian militias has become obsolete.

How many more children and innocent civilians must die before we prioritize human lives over corporate profits and political interests? The epidemic of mass shootings in our country demands decisive action, not regulatory rollbacks. Bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to function like fully automatic weapons, are only the latest example of this insanity, enabling mass murder at an accelerated pace.

Australia's response to mass shootings by implementing a comprehensive ban on assault weapons offers a powerful example of effective gun control. Following their lead, we should ban all assault weapons, including bump stocks, to ensure the safety of our communities.

Our children deserve to live in a society where their safety is paramount, and innocent lives are not sacrificed for the sake of preserving outdated interpretations of the Second Amendment.

Let us not wait for another tragedy to occur.

 

Global Armed Conflicts 6/14/2024

 

                                                   Global Armed Conflicts

A recent report by the Peace Research Institute Oslo reveals a disturbing trend: the number of state-based armed conflicts has reached the highest level since the end of World War II. The conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Ethiopia, among others, have contributed to this alarming increase. Siri Rustad, the research director at the institute, emphasized that the last three years have been the most violent since the Cold War.

The United Nations Refugee Agency reports that the global displacement figure has now reached a record 120 million people. Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, highlighted the escalating displacement caused by conflicts, persecution, and complex forms of violence, often conducted with a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law.

The data, gathered from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, shows that there were 59 state-based conflicts last year. Despite a decrease in the number of casualties compared to the previous year, due to exceptionally high death tolls in Ethiopia and Ukraine in the past, the overall trend remains worrying.

Lesser-reported but equally devastating conflicts in Ethiopia, the DRC, and Sudan have seen high death tolls, often overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Rustad pointed out that the conflict in Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region, has resulted in more deaths than in Afghanistan since the end of the Cold War, highlighting the severe but underreported nature of this crisis.

Collecting accurate data in such conflict zones is challenging due to limited access and reporting. Organizations like UCDP rely on various sources, including news reports, NGO data, and social media, to compile and verify information, though these numbers are likely conservative.

This report underscores the critical need for increased attention and action to address these escalating conflicts and their devastating impact on global stability and human lives.

Mr. President, one call could end the violence 6/13/2024

                                               Mr. President, one call could end the violence

Mr. President, one call could end the violence in Gaza A recent U.N. report has accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during its eight-month assault on Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 37,000, including over 15,000 children. Senior Palestinian diplomat Majed Bamya emphasized that peace in the region is only achievable by ending the occupation and establishing two states living side by side.

The U.N. Security Council has endorsed a ceasefire and hostage deal supported by the U.S., but Israeli leaders have yet to publicly commit to it. While Hamas has welcomed the proposal, Israeli officials have not made any definitive statements, raising concerns that the conflict may continue.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, highlighted that 8,000 Palestinian children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The WHO reports that the most needy are not receiving sufficient aid.

Bamya reiterated the Palestinian call for a ceasefire to end the violence, address humanitarian needs, and reunite families separated by the conflict.

A new U.N. report also accuses both Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes, with Israel accused of using starvation as a weapon and Hamas of targeting civilians with indiscriminate attacks. Bamya stressed that upholding international law and ensuring accountability are crucial for ending the conflict and achieving peace.

Bamya concluded by highlighting the need for consistent international outrage against all forms of violence and for recognizing Palestine as a state to support a two-state solution. He emphasized that ending the killing and ensuring accountability for all parties involved is paramount. It is time President Biden breaks his long silence and demands a ceasefire and an end to supplying weapons to Israel, which the IDF has used to slaughter and starve civilians. Finally, we as a nation must demand an end to the vicious and cruel occupation, the root cause of the conflict, which has been supported by the U.S. since 1948.

Los Angeles Times Op-Ed and Opinion pages. 6/13/2024

 

                                Los Angeles Times Op-Ed and Opinion pages.

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Biden’s moving red lines 6/9/2024

                                             Biden’s moving red lines

In a stark demonstration of unwavering support, President Biden has reiterated that U.S. backing for Israel remains ironclad while simultaneously warning Israel not to cross a line. This endorsement has effectively given Israel the green light to continue its military operations in Gaza, operations that have tragically resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent civilians.

Palestinians, once divided, now stand united behind Hamas, their shared suffering fostering profound and widespread animosity towards both Israel and the United States. Recent attacks, including a strike on a former United Nations school and residential areas, have resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, among them many women and children.

Weapons experts have noted a marked increase in Israel's use of the U.S. GBU-39 since early this year. This has not prevented significant loss of life. Amnesty International and other organizations have highlighted that even precision weapons like the GBU-39 do not eliminate civilian casualties and are a clear violation of international law.

The broader issue is why U.S. taxpayers are funding one of the worst autocracies in the world, which is causing unspeakable atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. They are fostering a deep-seated hatred towards Israel and America across the globe, further complicating any prospects for peace and stability in the region. The United States must immediately halt further military and economic aid to Israel, demand an immediate ceasefire and resumption of food, water, and fuel supplies, and stop using mass starvation as a weapon of war. Finally, it must cancel its invitation of Prime Minister Netanyahu to Washington.