You Know More Hebrew Words Than You Think
11 min read
Vital information that debunks 5 smears directed against Israel as the war heats up.
“5 Big Lies About Israel’s War with Hamas” confronted slanders, half-truths, and outright lies about the current Israeli-Hamas war. As the war progresses, new lies are appearing in the media. Here are five new myths about the war - and the facts you need to effectively discuss them.
Protests around the world feature the chant: “Israel Israel you can’t hide: we charge you with genocide.” Some influential figures have echoed this baseless charge. This slander misrepresents - and belittles - the very concept of genocide. It deliberately miscasts Hamas’ cynical use of human shields in its war against Israel as evidence of Israeli war crimes, and it cleverly inverts people’s conception of Israel (as a Jewish nation founded after a massive Jewish genocide) to accuse it of the very crime that helped bring about Israel’s birth.
The 1948 international Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide defines genocide as: “crime(s) committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part.” That sounds a lot like Hamas, which is committed to Israel’s destruction and the death of Jews worldwide. In battling Hamas, Israel is pursuing military goals, seeking to eradicate Hamas (which is defined as a terrorist group by the USA, EU, Britain, and other nations) and rescue Israeli prisoners being held in Gaza. Israel’s “intent” is military victory, not the death of civilians.
Hamas has given extremely high estimates of casualties (which, given Hamas’ cynical history of lying, are likely - and one hopes - highly inflated). According to Hamas, somewhere in the region of 10,000 Gazan civilians have died in Israeli airstrikes and the overwhelming majority of these deaths are among women and children, not fighting age men. (Hamas has released virtually no pictures of any fighters, despite Israel’s assertion that it’s killed hundreds of key Hamas terrorists.) The large number of civilian casualties in Gaza is due to Hamas’ cynical use of its own people as human shields. NATO observes that Hamas uses human shields by “(f)iring rockets, artillery, and mortars from or in proximity to heavily populated civilian areas, often from or near…schools, hospitals, or mosques.” NATO also observes that by “engaging in these acts, Hamas employs a win-win scenario: if indeed the IDF uses (military means), and the number of civilian casualties surges, Hamas can use that as a weapon in the lawfare it conducts. It would be able to accuse the IDF (the Israeli Military) ...and Israel…of committing war crimes” in the hopes that these accusations would lead to international sanctions against the Jewish state.
Indeed, Hamas’ actions are designed to maximize the number of civilian casualties in Gaza. Hamas’ main headquarters is located underneath Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, ensuring that any attempt to raid their military headquarters would come with massive civilian casualties. Despite finding the funds to build 500 km of high-tech terror tunnels underneath Gaza and amass a large standing army and huge military store, Hamas has built no bomb shelters or air raid alert system in Gaza. In fact, the way Gazan civilians find out about impending military strikes is from Israeli early warning systems alerting civilians to evacuate. Even then, Hamas often prevents civilians from evacuating, ensuring large numbers of casualties.
Finally, accusing Israel of genocide is shorthand for calling for its destruction. Historian Robert Wistrich notes that antisemites delight in calling Jews and Israel Nazis: “They knowingly exploit the reality that Nazism in the postwar world has become the defining metaphor of absolute evil. For if Zionists are ‘Nazis’...then it becomes a moral obligation to wage war against Israel. That is the bottom line of much contemporary anti-Zionism. In practice, this has become the most potent form of contemporary anti-Semitism.” Accusing Jews of being bloodthirsty and seeking the death of others - especially children - also taps into ancient anti-Jewish stereotypes about Jews.
Politicians and demonstrators around the world are calling for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of Gaza civilians. Ending fighting right now, with no demands on Hamas that they cease building up their arsenal or release over the 240 hostages that they hold, isn’t a humanitarian gesture: it’s handing a victory to Hamas. (Imagine if in the middle of World War II, as the Allied forces closed in on Berlin, they suddenly accepted a ceasefire.) In the midst of a war, when military goals are in sight - in Israel’s case, the removal of Hamas’ leadership and fighting capability - calling a ceasefire is tantamount to surrender.
Calling a ceasefire is tantamount to surrender.
A ceasefire right now would leave Hamas in power, its military stores and command structure intact. It would reward Hamas for its audacious October 7 attacks and send a signal to Israel’s enemies - and to terrorist organizations all over the world - that the West has no stomach to fight and stop them. Indeed, Hamas is boasting they’ll plan many more onslaughts against Israel like their October 7 attacks. Pausing fighting to allow Hamas to regroup and strengthen itself is tantamount to suicide for Israel.
Calls for a ceasefire to allow supplies into Gaza also overlook the fact that Hamas fighters have massive stores of food, fuel and medical supplies. Why aren’t protestors in New York or London out in the streets shouting for Hamas to share their supplies with ordinary Gazans? It’s telling that many of the loudest calls for a ceasefire - such as that issued by the European Union recently - place the onus on Israel to stop fighting Hamas in Gaza but demand very little from Hamas.
Finally, calls for an immediate ceasefire ignore Hamas’ continued attacks on the Jewish state. Since October 7, Hamas has launched over 7,000 missiles into Israel, targeting Israeli cities across the entire country. They have been attacking Israel in coordination with their other Iran-backed allies in the region: Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi fighting group in Yemen (both of which are also funded and controlled by Iran). Rockets are shaking Israel daily, and over 200,000 Israelis are internal refugees, displaced from their homes because they are under constant, deadly attack. . Hamas already broke one ceasefire, on October 7. There is no indication that they would observe another ceasefire now.
Some are calling for Israel to negotiate with Hamas for an end to the current war. That’s the position of Turkish President Recep Tayiip Erdogan, who calls Hamas a legitimate political movement fighting a just war. Yet the thought of negotiating with Hamas is fantasy. An Iranian-funded terrorist organization, Hamas’ charter states “Hamas rejects any alternative to the full and complete liberation of Palestine, from the river to the sea.” In other words, all of present-day Israel, plus areas currently controlled by the Palestinian Authority. Hamas fighters believe they are engaged in a holy war against Jews, seeking to “kill” Jews all over the world. (Hamas’ amended 2017 charter removed some of the most incendiary language about Jews and allowed for the existence of an independent Palestinian state for an interim period until Israel could be utterly destroyed.)
Hamas acknowledges no compromise and no coexistence. In the midst of the current fighting, Hamas officials have reiterated their goal of wiping Israel off the face of the earth, and promised to carry out even more vicious terror attacks like those on October 7. There can be no negotiating with an entity whose goal is only one’s death and destruction.
These days, it can feel as if public support is firmly against Israel. Yet online posts are significantly out of step with actual public opinion. The Economist magazine notes: “Israel has fared far worse online than in surveys of overall public opinion. A poll of Americans by YouGov found three backers of Israel for every Palestinian supporter on October 20th - a day with twice as many pro-Palestinian posts on American social media as pro-Israeli ones. In Britain, another YouGov survey found equal support for each side that day, when the Palestinians won the British social-media battle by a six-to-one margin.”
Lots of people support Israel in this fight. In the United States, fully 65% of people back Israel in the current conflict with Hamas. Majorities of people support Israel in the current war in Denmark, France, Spain, and Sweden. Even in Gaza, a large majority of respondents to a recent poll reported that they neither trusted nor would vote for Hamas if they were given the chance. While in some settings it can feel as if the whole world is berating Israel, the reality is that much of global public opinion is with Israel, rooting for Israel’s military to defeat the horrific terrorist group Hamas.
The Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, recently - and erroneously - declared that Israel is engaging in “collective punishment” of civilians in Gaza. He’s not alone: this odious slur has been repeated many times, including by newspapers and charities around the world. The thinking behind this lie is that Israel is somehow attacking or punishing Gaza civilians out of pique or cruelty in retaliation for Hamas’ attacks.
On the contrary: Israel’s military is engaged in the horrific task of fighting a ruthless terrorist organization which deliberately uses women and children as human shields. (In one recent terrible revelation, Israeli soldiers battling Hamas forces in the Jabaliya Battalion compound reported that a hundred women and children were sent out to shield Hamas gunmen.)
Attacking military targets is distinct from collective punishment aiming to harm civilians. “Collective punishment” is defined in Article 33 of the 1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War: “No protected person may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited. Pillage is prohibited. Reprisals against protected persons and their property are prohibited.” That reads like an indictment of Hamas, which has sent thousands of missiles into Israel since October 7, aiming at residential areas, which tortured and murdered 1,400 Israelis on October 7, 2023, and which continues to hold over 240 Israeli hostages including babies, young children, noncombatants, and the elderly.
The tragedy that Hamas uses its own people as human shields, deliberately putting them in harm’s way in order to stoke international outrage against Israel, does not render Israeli self-defense impermissible. The fact that Israel’s army warns civilians of impending attacks should render the charge that Israel engages in collective punishment of civilians mute. Those who truly want to see Gaza civilians protected ought to criticize Hamas’ outrageous endangerment of civilians - and back Israel’s attempts to rid Gaza of Hamas.
Online smears against Israel are filling the internet, campuses and workplace. Standing up to these untruths can be difficult; it can feel embarrassing or even dangerous to speak out on Israel’s behalf. Yet in this current war, we’ve all been called up to serve: whether fighting on the front lines, or battling on the front lines of public discourse.
Speak out when you read untruths about Israel and the current war. Post on social media. Read Israeli online newspapers, educate yourself about the geopolitical situation in Israel, and stand up for truth. Together, we can all help chip away at these and other slanders in the media war against Israel and Israel’s human values.
Yes, Hamas use civilians as human shields. Hamas has repeatedly hidden behind civilians, storing weapons and digging tunnels in residential areas, mosques, hospitals, and schools.
No. Israel never tries to target Gazan civilians. However, when Hamas uses civilians as human shields, unfortunately, civilian deaths are difficult to avoid.
You mention the IDF doesn't target civilians...how do you explain the 100+ journalists who have been killed by the IDF?
Dear Dr Alt Miller,
Thanks for this article, which is a most helpful resource.
Just one remark. You write that "the loudest calls for a ceasefire - such as that issued by the European Union recently - place the onus on Israel to stop fighting Hamas in Gaza but demand very little from Hamas."
I don't know which call you refer to, but as far as I'm aware, the current official position of the European Union is the one expressed on 12 November, which calls for "pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors" to help the civilian population of Gaza (which is what the IDF is doing).
No "ceasefire".
The statement also support Israel's right of self-defense and clearly condemns Hamas: https://europa.eu/!dnjgtw
I hope this is helpful.
Presumir que Israel esta solo es falso porque a toda la gente que les platico sobre la guerra contra Hamas, aun sin saber lo que significa esta guerra, apoyan a Israel y son cristianos. si todos los que creen que Israel es el Pueblo Elegido, se unieran serian millones luchando, aunque sea de corazón, al lado de Israel. AM YISRAEL CHAI.
I can see the reality of what is happening even though Hamas is running a smear campaign. I stand with Israel...
Thanks so much for the clarity. This article should be shared on all social media platforms so people can finally understand the truth of what is going on. Unfortunately, hate is perpetuated more than truth. Praying for Israel and the many people who have been taken hostage.
Hi Dr Yvette,
A reminder, I have posted a few questions to you in response to your articles on this conflict at this website.
I have another question on your statement -"Even in Gaza, a large majority of respondents to a recent poll reported that they neither trusted nor would vote for Hamas if they were given the chance".
I have heard quite a few arguments from people who support Israel conflating the people of Gaza with Hamas. It seems from the above statement that you do not harbor the same views. Why only share this piece of information now and not at the beginning of the conflict?
Kindly advise and respond to my queries. Tell me where I'm wrong, but don't be silent.
Thank you.
Thanks for your question Sharon. On Oct. 25, an Arab Barometer poll measuring attitudes in Gaza and the West Bank just before Oct. 7 was published for the first time, and showed that a majority of Gazans were fed up with Hamas' corruption and extremism. The study is hyperlinked in the article.
Thank You, my brother lived in a kibbutz early 1970's. Later converted from family Christian religion to our Grandma's Jewish heritage.
Consequently, though Christian, I feel the need to wear a yellow star, as required in 1930's Germany. As having Jewish grandma meant I was also Jewish. Perhaps this is the way all of us should show support for Israel, and shared belief in the One God of Abraham.
Blessings to all in this courageous battle.
I speak out all the time (I'm in the UK) - my reasoning is that when people choose a political representative in local and in general elections, including prime minister they do so in agreement with what that person or persons represent, what they believe in, how they will govern the area or the country. In a democratic country does NOT vote for a representative who will take half of your money, prevent you from going out of your house, limit your freedom, stop food from being delivered, refuse you light and water, I could go on forever. Therefore the protestors are saying WE BELIEVE IN RAPE, WE BELIEVE IN TERROR, WE BELIEVE IN MURDER, WE BELIEVE IN ATROCITIES..
Thanks Yvette for giving us the true story. Unfortunately Anti-Semitism is still alive around the world. I am praying daily for the IDF to win the battle with the blessing of Hashem as in the days of the Torah.
Brian H Abrahams
Jewish religion is beautiful. The 10 commandments state, “Thou shalt not kill …thou shalt not steal”. The Israeli state does both. Innocents have been and are being killed. Palestinian land has been and is being stolen. Israel does not represent trueJudaism. If Israel justifies their deeds in the name if Judaism, well then their own conduct is anti semetic.
The atrocities of Hamas should be dealt with, yet even so a solution to accommodate Israeli and Palestinian interests must be sought for lasting peace to prevail.
Senator Bernie Sanders stated that the Israeli government is Right Wing and racist - he is Jewish and should be credited for seeking peace as a matter of urgency. Human life is sacred. Indiscriminate killing has no place in a democracy.
"Stolen land" is completely erroneous but it's doubtful you'd listen if you've already swallowed that bait. And just who are your "innocents" being killed -- those who voted Hamas into power? (Maybe they regret it now because they're paying a high Hamas price to have Israel eradicated, cv"c, all for naught as that will never happen, b"H.) Sen. Sanders is at least as secular as most members of the Israeli govt., so he's hardly a good example of an upstanding Jew.
The Torah unequivocally states that if someone comes to kill you, you have the right to protect yourself by killing him 1st. Unfortunately, THAT was Israel's mistake and they're not going to make it again. Also, now is hardly the time to talk about a "lasting peace" -- a coded term meaning that Israel should disappear!
You don't too know the Torah.
Ever read Genesis, 34? Genocide for land theft!
[even if you laud it as "honor killing"!]
And as for Exodus/ then Deuteronomy, why do you praise Joshua?
"NO MAN, WOMAN, CHILD DID WE LET LIVE!" - to steal their land!
AND DON'T BLAME YAHWE - it would be BLASPHEMY!
HE WOULD BE THE SAME AS HITLER'S WOTAN - no, worse!
And you say: "if someone comes to kill you, you have the right to protect yourself by killing him" - Maybe so - BUT NOT ALL THE CHILDREN!
AND IT WAS ISRAEL WHO CAME FOR KILLING AND STEALING:
Bernie Sanders may be Jewish but his outlook on everything has zero to do with Judaism ( and I’m being kind in my choice of words)
You really cannot talk given Islam's very long history of violence, bigotry and sheer hatred towards the kufr.
No, we will never, ever be your dhimmis.
Excellent and effective synopsis in the major points which refute the accusations made against Israel in defending its citizens and standing up for Humanity
Brilliantly written article which should be read by those so willingly ready to condemn Israel for its tragic war.
Great article, as always. Thank you.
Don't be a proud Jew - be a militant Jew!
Only militancy can save Israel and Judaism now.
I truly hope for peace in the region. Hamas are indeed a threat to the Israeli state. The strikes on the Palestinian regions however are grossly disproportionate. Hospitals, schools, Mosques, refugee centres have been targeted intentionally. It is really heartbreaking to witness the unnecessary deaths of thousands.. Israel’s policy of building illegal settlements and forcing Palestinians off their land is an unjust form of persecution. The Israeli defence minister referred to Palestinians as ‘human animals’ . Bigotry, haterd and a supremist attitude by a government that has become increasingly right wing is a tragedy for civilian Palestinians but as the recent anti-government demonstrations in Israel show, a cause for concern in Israel itself as democratic values are eroded.
Loving your enemy is a Christian not Jewish concept.
We don't turn the other cheek but hit back hard.
Not true-it's Jewish
You want to turn the other cheek then to Hamas?
Not true. Judaism does encourage forgiveness and forbids holding a grudge, but states clearly that if attacked one should defend oneself.
Sylvana - you're offering a misleading reading of Israeli statements and policy. In the aftermath of Hamas' sadistic Oct. 7 attacks, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indeed said Israel is fighting "human animals" - Hamas fighters. It's disingenous and wrong to imply - as you seem to be - that this means all Israel is somehow making civilians its primary military target. Regarding Jews living in Palestinian Authority-controlled land: what does this have to do with Gaza? Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2005. There are no Jews living there. Israel even removed Jewish graves. The elected government of Hamas is responsible for Gaza, and is ultimately responsible for the terrible situation there today.
Ms.Ellis, you've obviously not read the article you're commenting on! Israel is clearly fighting an existential war, not by choice but by necessity!!
Instead of quoting something you don't like that was said in reaction to a brutal attack on civilians, read Hamas' charter that calls for the complete destruction of Israel and Jews everywhere, cv"s.
Never mind that they're doomed to failure like all antisemites have always been, b"H, the point is that Israel has to deal with the situation it's currently facing and cannot be blamed by those who fall for all the anti-Israel propaganda its lying enemies are so good at. The fact is that Hamas' disrespect for human life includes using their own people as human shields. So you're defending dastardly COWARDS!
#1 What we are witnessing: The intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure resulting in civilian deaths. Water, power, communications being cut off and curtailment of emergency aid. Hospitals being targeted. Civilians directed to move south for safety….then bombings in the south. People are dying as a result of Israeli aggression, both direct & indirect and this is justified by the false narrative that Hamas is responsible. Members of the UN & multiple aid agencies see it as genocide.
#2-Ceasefire is being sought on humanitarian grounds, enable aid to enter and save lives.
#3 Palestines West Bank is under armed occupation, Gaza is essentially a cage controlled by Israel.Hamas atrocities of oct 7 are brutal, uncivilised and illegal.
…but Israel’s response is way over the top
Events Pre-dating this assault bear all the hallmarks of apartheid. The shoot to cripple policy, imprisoning without trial, forced eviction of Palestinians in the W.Bank and bulldozing of houses and villages. In Israel Palestinians are also forcibly evicted from their homes. This is a form of ethnic clensing- it’s beyond comprehension that Jewish society would do this. Militant backlash as a result of Israeli colonists hostilities and poor diplomacy. A civil society should seek civil resolutions. Israel can and should lead the way in doing better.
You do understand, don't you, that the people your heart bleeds for, are the one who want to put you into a burqa?
More hogwash, doubtlessly from highly questionable or thoroughly deplorable "sources." And you hold Israel to a double standard too, ironically without acknowledging that no other nation in the world would treat its sworn enemies {that's the ONLY truth Hamas & their ilk tell) as humanely as Israel does. Do you even know what apartheid means?! It certainly doesn't look that way if you follow what's really happening. But truth never speaks to willfully shortsighted people who are blinded by bias! You're totally off on this issue, and it would be laughable if it weren't so sad.
Tut, tut, you're hardly as clever as you seem to think since you've fallen for filthy lies! I challenge the way you use the word 'witness" as it's actually rather witLESS. Sounds like you lifted the whole 1st paragraph from some leftist publication that loves evildoers like the Hamas barbarians. And you dare speak about humanitarianism (in your #2)! A ceasefire sounds so pacifist but it's what antisemites always call for when Jews/Israel looks victorious. Hey m'lady, this is an existential war brought on by a brutal enemy and the likes of you with your twisted "logic" are totally superfluous, so kindly let your heart bleed elsewhere.
#1 Hamas situates itself in civilian areas, so the responsibility for any collateral deaths, each one a devastating loss of human life, is on the heads of Hamas. Water, power, communications: isn't that the responsibility of the government of an area? Hamas has been ruling Gaza completely since 2007. Israel hasn't had any presence there at all since 2005, when it forcibly removed all Jewish residents of the Strip. Since then, Hamas has been expropriating the massive amounts of international and UN aid sent to Gaza, building terror tunnels instead of any useful civilian infrastructure. Oh, and also to enrich the leaders of Hamas, who have portfolios worth millions (billions, I think), and are living comfortably in Qatar while sending young Gazans to do their dirty work.
#2 Where was your concern for humanitarian aid when Hamas terrorists were rampaging through southern Israel, raping, burning, butchering civilians? Why didn't you call for a 'ceasefire', for Hamas to call its terrorists back home while medical aid was rendered to the Israeli victims of targeted attacks? Instead, ambulances and EMTs who arrived on the scene first, were shot, burned -while still wearing their surgical gloves, vehicles destroyed. Perhaps you don't consider the Israeli victims of Hamas atrocities to be human, and that's why you do not call for 'humanitarian' aid for them. Or maybe it's that you think 'humanitarian' applies to the one supplying that aid, and nobody can imagine using that term for Hamas, can they?
#3 Actually, the PA Fatah governs (if such a benign term can be used for their rule) much of Judea and Samaria. Gaza, as mentioned earlier, had been under Hamas rule since 2007, so if you have any problems with their living conditions, go talk to the government they elected.
And don't think to salve your conscience or to convince anyone of your own 'humanitarian position' by appending that last line. Not going to convince anyone (least of all youself, I would think).
For the past 20 years Hamas was the sole administrative entity in Gaza. Gaza has a coastline and access to the sea - why didn’t Hamas build desalinization plants so their people could have water? Why didn’t they build power plants for the citizens to use? When Israel pulled out in 2005, she left as a gift to the people of Gaza dozens of fully stocked hothouses and a well cultivated agricultural area - why did Hamas destroy it all instead of using it firstly to feed its people and secondly to strengthen their economy with agricultural exports?
Over the past 20 years Hamas has built an extensive military infrastructure within crowded civilian population centers and many kilometers of underground terror tunnels. TO BE CONTINUED
The people were trained from toddlerhood to be terrorists or, if not suitable for the role, as disposable human shields.
Gaza has never lacked resources or technology; instead of using them to build a state for its people, Hamas has concentrated only on hatred and destruction. And brought its people to the defeat they have earned.
assisted by the UNRWA !!!
Are you suggesting if Oct 7th had happened in your community you would not see it as you governments obligation to keep you safe, to see to it that this doesn't happen again, something Hamas has already stated flat they will continue to fire missiles, and attempt to infiltrate for the purpose of terrorizing. Would you really let your concern for yourself and the people around you to be outweighed by your concern for the civilians whos' government will use them as human shields. Hamas uses it's civilian population to incite outrage and manipulate you. Gazan civilians will never have a good life until they are governed by people who want their lives to improve. Hamas does nothing inside Gaza to further any goal beyond the destruction of Israel and Jews world wide. Read their charter, they
Beautifully stated. Steve Finer
Did anyone see the YOUNG CHILDREN spitting on the body of a dead Israeli as it went through town in an open truck? The children are indoctrinated to hate and kill all Israelis - and Jews throughout the world.
It’s disproportionate or else it’s tit for tat…duh
big difference through the ages between revenge(tit for tat) and unwavering, unrelenting and true duty to one’s Creator based on His word that existed hundreds of years before either of the two religious enemies that represent dualism and division NEVER peace yet wage war against God and His humanity and have created action on that is the first commandment to do in the aftermath and it’s to return the captives do witness the zeal of The Living Presence Of Our Almighty Creator and Sustainer yet the key to freedom is to never relinquish the power to choose and now is the time to choose to see Israel is free to live
BS"D Great thanks to Aish Hatorah and its contributors for educating us and shedding light and relevant perspective on what's going on May we hear only Besoros Tovos in Clal Yisro'el
Thank you for the clarity! So needed!
What about the 3000 Palestinian children who have been killed, and the untold number injured and wounded! No matter how grievous the cause, international law does not warrant the over-reaction and "scorched earth" policy of Israel. If any people on earth should have a heart for a kinder, more gentle treatment of civilians in wartime and in peace, it is the Jews. A cease fire and a 2 state solution is the right thing to do.
YES, the last thing Jewish people want to do is hurt innocent people. Please protest how Hamas purposely puts indefensible people in harm's way. Gaza needs to be freed from Hamas so the Palestinian people can live in peace. 96.6 percent of the Middle East is composed of Arab nations. There is plenty of land available to give Palestinians a country if the Arab nations really want them to help them have one.
Actually, the Arab Muslims were already given a country by Britain when they sliced off most of Mandatory Palestine to reward their allies, the Hashemite tribe which originates in the Arabian peninsula. So in the area designated to be a Jewish homeland, Britain took a huge chunk and created Jordan, and then decided that the rest of the area which the League of Nations had ordered them to make into a Jewish homeland, should be 'divided' among the Jews and the Arabs. Only the Arab Muslims were not happy with that (see Haj Amin elHuseini) and did not go along with Britain's plans. Neither did Britain go along with its own plans, since the antiJewish attitudes of most Mandatory officials were quite obvious in their actions and words. A Palestinian country? There is one; it's called Jordan.
Yes! I am glad that someone finally remembers that land has already been given to the Muslims but they weren't happy with the offer so knocked it back like spoilt kids and are continuing to fight for everything including what's NOT theirs.
The numbers are so over inflated by Hamas as to be ridiculous. Can you actually believe these liars? How about telling Hamas to free the hostages and stop using their own people as human shields? How about telling them to open their tremendous amount of food, oil, and other reserves to help their people. As for the 2 state solution-Hamas' charter explicitly states that Israel should not exist and Jews from all over should be terminated. Please wake up to facts!
@Neil
So they can hit us but we can't hit them, eh Neil?
Admit the truth, Neil.
How many "Free Palestine" marches have you been on?
How many Palestinian flags have you held and flown?
How many times have you cursed Israel and Jews?
We know your sort, Neil.
Neil....None of them want a 2 state solution. That idea is dead in the water. They only want "from the river to the sea".
And they ain't gonna get it! Hate causes conflicts but it doesn't win them. (Ask Hitler, ym"s.) Cowardly attacks against defenseless people do not "freedom fighters" make. And vicious lies are eventually exposed. Rarely has there been a battle in which one side is so clearly and utterly EVIL.
All the "river to sea" enthusiasts are drowning in their own hate-induced, blind stupidity. The day is surely coming that will fully expose the folly of their odious chant. (Think Nasser's threat in the 60s!)
Thank you for this well-stated, strong statement. Steve Finer
First even the New York Time has been forced by overwhelming evidence to acknowledge you can't trust information provided by Hamas so maybe 3000 children, maybe not. But that does not change the fact that when Hamas installed it's military infrastructure they did it in areas full of civilians, for the express purpose of manipulating you. Second for a 2 state solution to be viable both side would need to agree, history shows the Israelis keep making offers and Hamas keeps saying no, they have even said they do not want a 2 state solution.
Why don't you invite some of these victims to come live with you? Steve Finer
This should be in the NYTimes and other large media outlets. The world would be safer if they were educated toward the truth. Take out ads to promote the truth. Israel must win but then it must resolve the Palestinian situation.