on recent events...

"The incident in which some 40 Palestinian civilians were killed when Israel Defense Forces mortar shells hit an UNRWA school in the Jabalya refugee camp Tuesday surprised no one who has been following events in Gaza in recent days. Senior officers admit that the IDF has been using enormous firepower.
"For us, being cautious means being aggressive," explained one. "From the minute we entered, we've acted like we're at war. That creates enormous damage on the ground ... I just hope those who have fled the area of Gaza City in which we are operating will describe the shock. Maybe someone there will sober up before it continues." -Haaretz.com

In the name of "defense" Israel has launched an offensive attack on Gaza that has left more than 600 dead and thousands wounded. In the name of "caution" schools sheltering the civilians are being bombed. I fear that the death toll will rise drastically before the attack is over and well beyond as the people begin to starve and medical workers are desperate for supplies.

Israel will stop when they feel Hamas has learned its lesson and ceases firing rockets into Israel. If this is the incentive for a cease-fire, then I suppose Gazans should just let Israeli tanks and bombs kill them by the hundreds until they have been punished for the corruption of their leaders, and quenched Israel's desire for revenge. I suspect Israel will not be satisfied until Gaza is wiped out completely.

If you have not noticed yet, it is hard for me to write this without being angry and cynical. I am very saddened by the incredible loss of life. I am sad that we refuse to value the life of the Palestinians just as we ignore Zimbabweans and what is happening in the DCR. I am disgusted at Israel. I am disgusted by our unfailing support of Israel. Why would anyone let a good friend go on a rampage that causes such destruction and creates more enemies? Should not a friend support what is the best interest of the other and still point the other toward peace and justice?

I fear also for Israel, that they have forever lost any ounce of respect they may have earned from their neighbors.