Ruthless Israel

Tue, 03/04/2008 1:32 AM  |  Opinion

Israel's massive military offensive against Gaza last week again demonstrated that country's ability to take whatever action it likes against the Palestinians with minimum cost, because it is much more militarily and economically mighty than the divided Palestine.

The Israeli government does not care even when nations and people around the world have to pay dearly for its savage acts. One of the main roots of international terrorism is the Palestine cause, which Israel knows very well. However, as Israel's only concern is its own security, it would be futile to demand that Israel help reduce the roots of international terrorism.

We condemn all acts of terrorism. However, terrorism will continue as long as there is no progress on the right of Palestinians to set up an independent state, because it provides a justification for the killing of innocent victims.

It is not a surprise when outside of Israel violence occurs in the name of Palestine. The world at large has to pay a heavy price because major countries have an interest in seeing the conflict between Palestine and Israel maintained.

Indonesia itself cannot do much to help Palestinians. Even much richer and more powerful Arab countries are not able -- some say not willing -- to help the Palestinians.

Indonesia condemned the Gaza killings on Sunday, in a statement issued by Foreign Ministry spokesman Kristiarto Legowo. This in itself shows the matter has become something of a routine. While we have no doubt about the capability of the spokesman, the statement should have been issued by a Cabinet member.

With U.S. backing, often without reserve, Israel feels it is free to kill Palestinians in the name of the so-called war on terror, although Israel itself commits the same acts of terrorism. U.S. President George W. Bush has the ambition to bring permanent peace to Israel and Palestine, but at the same time he is a fanatical supporter of Israel.

All the international community, including predominantly Muslim nations, can do is continue issuing condemnations. Nothing will change with curses, and Israel is deaf to criticism. There is no single country or person in the world that can pressure Israel into being more civilized.

We do agree the Israeli government has the obligation to provide security for all its citizens and to protect the state from external security threats that could endanger its existence. We also agree the sovereignty of the state of Israel is unquestionable. We also strongly criticize Hamas' refusal to recognize the existence of Israel as a sovereign state.

But Israel must realize that it often commits brutal actions against the Palestinians, treating Palestinian civilians as if they were less than human. Israel should also remember there are international norms and conventions that must be obeyed by all countries, including a ban on killing innocent civilians and children.

Millions of Palestinians, however, continue to suffer not just because of Israel's brutality. Their leaders are divided, with supporters of Hamas and Fatah killing each other. Israel naturally is pleased by the violent clashes between the two Palestinian factions. Hamas and Fatah leaders should be ashamed that they are so preoccupied with their own lust for power.

Many Israelis disagree with their government's policies against Palestine. Many of them are peace lovers and feel empathy for their neighbors.

The leaders of Hamas and Fatah should blame themselves for the absence of unity in realizing their dream of creating a truly independent Palestine. While they are busy killing each other, the Israeli government will applaud because they benefit from the selfishness of the Palestinian leaders.

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