What a vicious cycle of devilish mentality — destroy, rebuild, again destroy and then rebuild. World powers have again gathered to pledge millions of dollars to rebuild the war-torn Gaza. But all these pledges are just running behind dreams and shadows. What’s the guarantee that Israel will not go for another bout of destruction in coming months, how about Israel committing to lifting the siege of world’s largest prison (better say concentration camp as Israelis are more familiar with this term) and allow the construction material to come in? It’s quite doubtful that reconstruction activities will commence any soon, thanks to distrust not only among donors but also between Palestinian factions.
It means thousands of people will remain displaced from their homes and businesses till it’s time for another lightning strike over Gaza. For how long this game of cat and mouse will continue? Is there any solution in hand? Yes, Arab states have long offered Israel to live and let live by withdrawing from the occupied territories by implementing the two-state solution in its true sprits. It’s Israel which has chosen the path of confrontation by strangling both West Bank and Gaza, by building ever-expanding settlements to change the demographic map of the area.
When we find the US taking apologetic posture to defend Israel, then one wonders who on earth can stop Israel from its genocidal policies. The answer is WE, we the Asians, Arabs, Europeans, South Americans and Africans must show the courage and determination to call a spade a spade. A worldwide joint stance and action plan to confront Israel’s aggression and injustices is the only way forward. Otherwise, please keep pouring tax-payers’ money in supplying military gadgets to Israel and later some additional funds to rebuild what has been destroyed by trigger happy victims of the past.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia