For the sake of humanity, the international community must require Israel to end this disaster

[morningfog]

To continue to witness children being killed and orphaned, entire families being obliterated and entire neighbourhoods levelled, is beginning to seem physically impossible. No one should have to bear this burden. And yet we in Gaza are being forced to do so. Even those who have sought refuge in apparently protected spaces – such as schools run by the UN – have fallen victim.

Against this backdrop, it is difficult to comprehend how the international community seems unable to halt what is no longer just a war in Gaza but an apocalypse for its citizens. The Gaza Strip is now unlivable. Hundreds of thousands of people who lived close to the perimeter of the territory have been pushed towards its centre. One of the most densely populated districts in the world has not only shrunk but become more dense. Since Gaza’s only electricity generation station was targeted, severe shortages in water and now, bread, have been exacerbated.

The government of Israel does not seem interested in a ceasefire pact. As recent history amply demonstrates, the ideal next step in Israel’s eyes would be a conclusion of this war without having to engage in any kind of binding agreements with Gaza. It has extended the conflict by making any cessation of hostilities dependent on the destruction of tunnels which lead into Israel, a condition it did not state at the outset. Putting aside the question of whether it was legitimate for Palestinians to dig those tunnels, Israel should not be allowed to cripple prospects for a ceasefire with a requirement that even it has acknowledged will be difficult to achieve.

And what is surely not acceptable any longer is Israel’s continued denial of the reasons why those tunnels were resorted to in the first place. Its refusal to address the issue of Gaza as a political question and not as a military one is part of the problem, and the reason for so many civilian deaths.

An explicit recognition by the international community that the conditions civilians are enduring in Gaza are insupportable would propel prospects for a credible ceasefire. Palestinians would take such recognition as a clear gesture of fairness and goodwill from the world. But, if some aspects of Gaza’s troubles are recognised while others are sidelined – such as the need for a longer term solution – the feeling that the world is still unwilling to appreciate our plight will only be deepened.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/31/gaza-needs-world-help?CMP=twt_gu

[starroute]

1. Even if the bombing ends, Gaza will still be a disaster area

Almost no electricity except what little trickles in along the couple of remaining lines from Israel. Shortages of food and water. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people who will probably not be allowed to rebuild their homes and are camped out in already densely populated areas. Prime conditions for cholera or other epidemic diseases.

If this destruction had been caused by an earthquake or hurricane, relief teams would already be on their way. But Israel has not only caused it but seems likely to prevent any relief.

That's the prospect that really terrifies me.