And now for a bit of hope

Sunday 10th August

Just when you think that things are pretty dire along comes something to cheer you up.  Even though the war in Gaza appears to have resumed I get the feeling that it may only be half-hearted, both sides showing they are still capable of fighting but are holding back from all out savagery.  Israel obviously knew when it started bombing that it would face opposition and be condemned by many, but I think that even Netanyahu and his cohorts were surprised by the feelings of anger and revulsion felt by so many all over the world at the images of wounded and dying children.   Wars used to be fought by armies in set battles where although many died they were almost all combatants.  But gradually, and especially with long-range missiles more and more civilians are now dying than regular soldiers.  And it is likely to get worse.  Nobody bothered to even count the dead from our ill-fated invasion of Iraq, but in Gaza the numbers, approaching 2000 and almost all civilian, are sickening enough.

There has also been an outpouring of emotions on Facebook and Twitter, mostly appalled at the senseless deaths.  Today (Saturday) there was an anti-war rally where again the depth of feeling, especially from our supposedly uncaring young people was really heart-warming.   Perhaps, just perhaps there will now be more of a concerted move from the World’s leaders to persuade Israel that in the Twenty-First Century it cannot continue to occupy other peoples land, and must negotiate a real peace.   End the blockade of Gaze, give them their own state and stop building illegal settlements on Palestinian land.  And the Palestinians must also stop attacking Israel, must recognize their existence and work for the good of their own people.

If not then we will condemn future generations to even more insecurity and needless death.