Humanity
Gold Member
- Jul 17, 2014
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- #161
Now, you can argue that Israel does not occupy Gaza, you can argue that attacks against Israel are 'freedom fighters'.... But factually or conceptually, if you like, it remains that Israel does control air, land and sea of Gaza and attacks are carried out against Israel under the 'premise' of this fact...
Actually, I would argue that not only does Israel not occupy Gaza, but that the meaning of the term "occupy" has actually been changed in order to continue to demonize Israel.
Israel does not control one square foot of land in Gaza. (Proof of this is the ability of Gazans to build tunnels, import and store weapons (in schools!), attack Israel, subvert material for belligerent acts, etc.) Neither does Israel entirely control Gaza's sea.
What Israel does (try) to control, through embargos and blockades, is the borders of Gaza specifically for the purpose of preventing the entry of certain types of weapons and material into Gaza. This is outside the traditional meaning of "occupy".
So, I believe that while this is the perception of much of the (uneducated) world about Israel -- it is not the truth. And further, anything which supports that perception, including supporting the idea that Israel has no right to defend itself, or should not defend itself and that it should be left to an international force, further entrenches the idea that Israel is a "special case". I think it would be far more beneficial to adjust the perception of the world that Israel is acting entirely appropriately (as you agree to, since you permit the international military to act with the same, or higher, level of force).
Firstly Shusha... I would like to say how nice it is to have a proper discussion/debate with someone with some intelligence, rather than the trolls that lurk around this forum, bleating with nonsensical garbage!
The word "occupy", I agree, can be used to demonise Israel... I cannot argue with that... However, when you look at the facts, Israel really DOES wave a heavy hand over Gaza... That you cannot deny... To the extent that Israel does have total control over Gaza, an independant state, who SHOULD have unilateral control of their own statehood...
However, Gaza does not have that 'status'... There is no free movement or trade within Gaza... Unless Israel says so! That is why Gaza is considered "occupied"...
The control/embargoes/blockades is exactly why Israel is considered an "occupier"... Yes, in the eyes of ISRAEL, there is a 'need'... That is not as perceived by the rest of the world...
I love your use of "perception of much of the (uneducated) world about Israel", without heading down the "hate" road, why do you feel that much of the world is uneducated in comparison to Israel?
Israel has every right to defend itself against terrorist attacks, in the same way that EVERY nation has the right to defend itself.... No arguement from me on that one...
If you looked at my previous posts you would see that I do consider Israel a "special case"...
As a "special case" there needs to be "special" considerations that should be implemented by allied forces and NOT by the oft demonized forces of Israel...
Israel exists, long live Israel... Gaza exists, long live Gaza...
Do I believe that the leaders of either state have "good intentions".... NO!
That is why I believe a 3rd party is required to intervene and make a powerful step in between the two 'belligerent' states..
Just my open, honest thoughts... I'm not defending Hamas, nor am I defending , and I use this term loosely, the Likud party...
And just who IS this "3rd party" that will be around 4 years from now?
Damn, have you been living under a rock for the past 20+ years?
Do you not think that 'allied forces' are capable of monitoring, controlling, overthrowing governments?