TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s decision to take over Gaza City was met with resignation and defiance by Palestinians who have survived two years of war and repeated raids. Many Israelis responded with fear and anger, worried it could be a death sentence for hostages held in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israel would intensify its 22-month war with Hamas by taking over Gaza City, large parts of which have been destroyed by past bombardment and ground incursions.
A major ground operation is almost sure to cause more mass displacement and worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
“What does (Israel) want from us? … There is nothing here to occupy,” said a woman in Gaza City who identified herself as Umm Youssef. “There is no life here. I have to walk every day for more than 15 minutes to get drinking water.”
Ruby Chen, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen whose son, Itay, is a hostage held in Gaza, told The Associated Press that the decision puts the remaining hostages in danger.
“What is the plan now that is different from the last 22 months?” he said.
If only it were about religion (hint: it’s never been about religion)
Religion is crucial to making people not question authority, to make them ignore what they hear and what they see, to make them feel not responsible for their actions. Submission is incredibly dangerous, and it’s what the whole cult of Yahweh is founded on.
Except Zionism was started by secular Jews and Zionists today are mostly Evangelical Christians. Israel and its creation has always been colonial and not religious. Religion is mostly a fig leaf/cover for it.
To paraphrase from Ilan Pappe, “Most Zionists don’t believe in God, but they believe God promised them Israel”