I am a Zionist. I make no apology for it, for it is a belief I have held for most of my adult life. Over the years there have been times when it hasn’t been politically convenient for me, as a left-wing socialist to hold such views – now being one of them. But what am I to do? Deny how I feel? Dismiss my ethnic heritage and link with Israel? Pretend I have no understanding of the problem? No – I have a moral responsibility to stand for what I hold to be true and face my opponents.
Having said that, I am no supporter of Netanyahu or any of his Likud cohorts – it is largely because of their intransigence that we have the problems we now face. His unwillingness to sit around a table and negotiate with both Fatah and Hamas is both ridiculous and dangerous. It has led to Israel developing a thoroughly entrenched position where IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) troops guard a wall that keeps
Palestinians out and Israelis in; all at a cost that the country can ill afford. At the same time, these forces are employed to maintain a blockade along the Gaza strip, thus preventing humanitarian aid (medical equipment, clothing, shelter etc) to reach the 1.5m people under siege from this oppressive force.
So why is Netanyahu doing it? Sadly he has the mistaken belief that if he holds out, the people will rebel against Hamas, their elected representatives - and in a demonstration of contempt and hatred, out Hamas from government. History is against this. Take for example Britain in 1940/41 - Germany was all-powerful in Europe and the blitz was devastating London, Coventry and other cities. Food supplies were limited and the entire war seemed to be lost, but almost the entire nation stood united against a common enemy. And we all know how the story concluded.
It is the same in Gaza. If Israel oppresses the Palestinian people and prevents humanitarian aid from reaching the suffering. it will result in Hamas becoming stronger and more deeply embedded in Palestinian society – and it will almost certainly encourage Islamic militancy that will, in itself result in increased terror attacks within Israel territory.
This is not to suggest Israel alone is at fault, for currently there is a game of political ping-pong taking place. The Israelis organised and carried out an unjustified attack on the Gaza flotilla (although evidence is now substantial the ships were not manned by peace protesters as first suggested by pro-Palestinian groups) resulting in at least nine people being killed. With the exception of 8000 tons of building materials, the humanitarian aid on board these ships was transferred from the ships to Gaza for distribution – but Hamas have said they will not accept it. Why? According to the Gaza authorities they will not take possession until all the prisoners have been released. Now, with 1.5 million people needing help they prefer to make political capital about the fact that Israel have been slow, and a little bureaucratic in processing prisoners and deporting them from the country. You think they are slow doing this? Ask an Israeli how long it takes to get a passport or a driving licence.
The problem here is the two countries have two essentially right-wing governments intent on playing rutting stags with each other and, as always, it is the people who suffer.
If Zionists and Palestinians are to live together, they will need to compromise. Unfortunately, international supporters of the Israeli and Palestinian cause tend expound partisan views that do little to help further the cause of peace and often add fuel to the fire. Conversely, one or two brave members of the Knesset regularly try to find a balanced middle road. Take for example Haneed Zuabi MK, who sailed aboard the Mavi Marmara and when she returned to the floor of the Knesset was accused of being a traitor. Ms Zuabi demonstrated a rare example of bravery that should be internationally respected and applauded. She has never wavered from her support for the Palestinian people, yet at the same time is happy to call herself an Israeli citizen. This is the kind of compromise we need – the kind where the two peoples can live side by side where Palestinian rights are recognised and honoured, whilst Israelis are allowed to live in peace and security.
In order to achieve that, both sides (and their allies) will need to demonstrate something that has been missing from the Middle East conflict for a very long time – tolerance and understanding.
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