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Complex situation in Gaza
This Speakout has not been edited
Steve Laudeman, Denver
The February 17 article by Greg Dobbs was notable in its lack of any discussion of the political and economic setting of the current situation in Gaza. To imply that conditions in Gaza are soley the result of internal conflicts between the Palestinians, with no influence from outside factors, is an oversimplification of a very complex problem.
The situation in Gaza is undeniably grave. Palestinian factions are attacking and killing one another, innocent people are dying, and the prospects for peace in the region seem to be slipping away.
This conflict is taking place with the complicity of the powerful and influential nations in the region that continue to look on with callous indifference. The most powerful nation in the immediate area, is, of course, Israel. After it's highly overrated Gaza withdrawal, Israel maintained complete control the Gaza Strip, the airspace and coastline, the communication systems, utilities, and border crossings, effectively isolating Gaza from the outside world.
After Hamas won a majority of seats in the Palestinian legislature, Israel led an international boycott of the new Palestinian government. Millions of dollars in tax funds collected by Israel for the Palestinians continue to be withheld. European nations were convinced by Israel and the United States to end economic aid critical to the functioning of the Palestinian government and Palestinian society as a whole.
In December, 2006, Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh tried to bring $30 million into Gaza after an international trip to raise funds for humanitarian aid. The Israelis at first denied him entry into his own country, then relented, and let him enter with the condition that he leave the money behind. Just days after refusing to let Haniyeh deliver monetary aid to the Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert personally approved a large shipment of arms from Egypt to the Palestinian Fatah party, with the blessing of the United States.
These events provide the context that Mr. Dobbs has missed. Israel's complete closure of the Gaza strip is strangling Palestinian society. Unemployment, poverty, and malnutrition are rampant as a result. Anyone who tries to help is prevented by Israel from doing so.
Even in the most stable societies, these conditions would inevitably lead to internal factional fighting. However, Israel and America allow weapons to be delivered into Gaza. This is a classic case of adding gasoline to a raging fire. It is a truism of international diplomacy that it is in your best interest to cultivate conflict between your rivals. It is unclear whether or not Israel is fomenting conflict in Gaza to further its own political goals. But it is definitely a possibility that deserves consideration, and one that Mr. Dobbs completely missed. In any event, it is clear the Israel's actions are making matters worse. In the long term, this will not benefit Israel, or the Palestinians, or anyone who is looking for a just and lasting peace in this troubled region.