29.12.08

Israel



Sofia, ponho só esta simples reflexão, a escala é capaz de não ser exactamente a mesma... eu conheço todos os dias portugueses e europeus que se deslocam a Israel pelos mais vários motivos, trabalho, turismo, turismo religioso, conheço muitos que vão a congressos científicos ou por motivo de colaborações científicas com universidades israelitas. Algum deles alguma vez deixou de lá ir por se sentir inseguro? Quantos conhece que tenham ido para a Gaza? Eu nenhum. Em primeiro lugar, e vejo por mim, que até nem sou especialmente pessimista nem medrosa, principalmente pela insegurança, nomeadamente de um raide aéreo israelita que não mata 10 mas 100. Em segundo lugar, que iriam fazer a uma terra destruída?

Com isto serei talvez acusada de anti-semitismo, é só mais uma classificação para a minha lista de antis.

Recebi esta missiva de uma representante da Jewish Voice for Peace (os sublinhados são meus):


Jewish Voice for Peace joins millions around the world, including the 1,000 Israelis who protested in the streets of Tel Aviv this weekend, in condemning ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza. We call for an immediate end to attacks on all civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli.

Israel's slow strangulation of Gaza through blockade has caused widespread suffering to the 1.5 million people of Gaza due to lack of food, electricity, water treatment supplies and medical equipment. It is a violation of humanitarian law and has been widely condemned around the world.

In resisting this strangulation, Hamas resumed launching rockets and mortars from Gaza into southern Israel, directly targeting civilians, which is also a war crime. Over the years, these poorly made rockets have been responsible for the deaths of 15 Israelis since 2004.

Every country, Israel included, has the right and obligation to protect its citizens. The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza shows that diplomatic agreements are the best protection for civilian life.

Moreover, massive Israeli air strikes have proven an indiscriminate and brutal weapon. In just two days, the known death toll is close to 300, and the attacks are continuing. By targeting the infrastructure of a poor and densely populated area, Israel has ensured widespread civilian casualties among this already suffering and vulnerable population.

This massive destruction of Palestinian life will not protect the citizens of Israel. It is illegal and immoral and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. And it threatens to ignite the West Bank and add flames to the other fires burning in the Middle East and beyond for years to come.

The timing of this attack, during the waning days of a US administration that has undertaken a catastrophic policy toward the Middle East and during the run-up to an Israeli election, suggests an opportunistic agenda for short-term political gain at an immense cost in Palestinian lives. In the long run this policy will benefit no-one except those who always profit from war and exploitation. Only a just and lasting peace, achieved through a negotiated agreement, can provide both Palestinians and Israelis the security they want and deserve.

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