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LettersIsrael-Gaza war: no lasting peace can come of extremism on both sides
- Readers discuss the tragic result of radicalisation, and what the Chinese public should bear in mind on Israel and Hamas
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Thousands have died since the latest Israel-Hamas conflict began. Hamas’ surprise assault on Israel is certainly an act of terror. Many countries have condemned Hamas and expressed support for Israel.
While we should all combat terrorism, we cannot forget this ongoing tragedy is the result of both sides’ radicalisation. Israel has done as much to make this horror happen as Hamas.
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The increasing polarisation of Israeli politics forced Prime Minister Netanyahu to form a coalition with ultra-Orthodox parties. This led to a draconian government. For example, the national security minister directed the police to remove Palestinian flags from public places; the government also seized tax revenues belonging to the Palestinian Authority. A recently passed law prevents the supreme court from overruling the government.
For Palestinians, the Nakba or “catastrophe”, during the creation of the state of Israel 75 years ago, means that they have lost their homeland. Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and the ever-expanding Jewish settlements have forced thousands of Palestinians out of their homes. Unlawful killings, drastic movement restrictions and land seizures happen regularly in the occupied territories.
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Human rights organisations have described the situation in the West Bank as apartheid against Palestinians.
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