The invasion of Gaza by Israel is creating a humanitarian crises. More than 500 people have been killed in the week long air strikes and the ground fighting that began over the weekend.
The 1.5 million people of Gaza have been cut off from food and water supplies. Medicine is running out in the poorly equipped and poorly supplied hospitals in the strip. As in any war, it is the civilians who greatly suffer.
If the Israelis think the present offensive is going to be a walk in park, like the Six-Day War in 1967, they are gravely mistaken. The Hamas are experienced and well-trained, have sophisticated weapons and are strongly motivated to defend their territory. So, it looks now that the present conflict will be a long-drawn out one.
The rising death toll and the looming humanitarian crisis have aroused outrage from countries and peoples all over the world. Calls for a ceasefire have been made by, among other countries, France and the United Kingdom. But at the UN Security Council, the United States has blocked approval of a statement proposed by Arab countries calling for an immediate ceasefire.
As for Israel, ultimately it may win the conflict even if it has to engage in house-to- house fighting, but does it have an exit strategy?
Israel would be well reminded, as some analysts and commentators have said that there can be no lasting solution to the situation in Gaza unless there is a coherent and mutually acceptable Palestine peace plan. (Editorial, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 6, 2009).
It sadden me a lot and my heart aches for the plight of the children. It is my call to all concerned peoples of the world for help, if help can be an option for peace.!
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