TR EMERITUS

I refer to the Straits Times’ Editorial, “Gaza protests risk getting radicalised” (Nov 9).

Israel has waged a bombing campaign to destroy the enclave's Hamas rulers since Oct 7, and the Israel-Hamas war has lasted for about five weeks, and the following situations are indeed exacerbating and worrisome : -

1) As the Israeli army has intensified its retaliatory bombardments of the Gaza Strip, hitting schools (For examples, al-Fakhoora school run by the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in the Jabalia refugee camp, Osama bin Zaid school), mosques, and 18 out of a total 35 hospitals (e.g. Al-Shifa, al-Nasser Children’s Hospital, Rumah Sakit Indonesia, al-Wafa Hospital).

These tragic military action had killed at least 11,000 Palestinian civilians, which included 4500 innocent children, two thousands odd women and more than fifty UN’s medical staff.

Anyway, the number of deaths and casualties of the Palestinians civilians will be rapidly increased in the subsequent Israeli military operations.

2)Israeli cruel airstrikes have damaged the health system in Gaza Strip and destroyed/deprived the hope of survival for all the Palestinians casualties.

3) Israeli authorities have repeatedly obstructed UN humanitarian relief causes and efforts.

These include delay opening more humanitarian relief corridors and allowing more humanitarian assistance to enter into Gaza Strip (such as water, foods, medical care facilities/equipments, medicines and power supply).

4)In the latest news received, Israel formalizes daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza, in first since war’s outbreak. However, the permanent ceasefire which has been repeatedly urged by the UN and the international community is still no time in sight.

5)Around 250 hostages who were abducted by the Hamas militants since the outbreak of Israel-Hamas war still remain the key worry of the families of the hostages.

6) Hamas is a Palestinian militant group which has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007.

What disturbs and annoys Israel is : the Hamas is sworn to Israel's destruction and wants to replace it with an Islamic state.

Even if Hamas will be "totally eradicated" by Israeli forces within the foreseeable timeframe, it will still be viewed as an ideological organization, another similarity of Hamas would likely be “replicated and revived or resurrected” in the near future. This could be due to many Palestinians have been displaced and brutally treated by the Israel's deadly attacks.

And, when it really occurs, it will create nightmares for the Israel and the international community as a whole.

7) The only way to truly ensure the permanent peaceful coexistence between the Israel and Palestine is to follow the suggestion of China and the consensus of the United Nations to promote talks and cooperation and realize the goal of the two-state solution at an early date.

In conclusion, for seeking the long-term prospects of peace and benefits for the people of Israel, Palestine and the Middle Esst countries, the authority of Israel needs to consider and work towards this two-state solution seriously.

Teo kueh Liang (Mr)

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