I went to a meeting about the Gaza conflict in the city centre today. The discussion was about what we could do to protest about the conflict.Hind Hassan, a National Union of Students Executive, member told us that the Israelis started it on the 4th November 2008, when they broke the ceasefire and attacked Hamas "when the eyes of the world were on the US election". 6 Palestinians were killed.
Hamas responded by firing 30 rockets into Israel. No one was injured or killed. Then it all went quiet.
Fast-forward to just after Christmas. Hamas offer to extend the ceasefire if Israel ends it's 2 year blockade. Israel refuse. Hamas start firing rockets and all hell breaks loose. Israel are set to announce a "truce" today.
I think it was cruel of the Israelis to blockade Gaza. When we disagreed with the political leadership of Zimbabwe, we sanction the leadership, not the entire country. When Israel disagreed with the election of Hamas, they punished all of Gaza. I think this is a disproportionate response.
When Israel broke the ceasefire on Nov 4th 2008, Hamas fired 30 rockets, then left it at that - so did Israel.
Should Hamas have waited further before resuming hostilities? Israel wouldn't play ball, and they ignore UN resolutions, so would further attempts at talks or peaceful resolutions have helped? It would seem hostilities backfired, so perhaps it would have been the least worse of options.
Then again, Hamas might argue, would you rather die a slow and painful death in the prison of your home, or die quickly fighting against your oppressor? Hamas chose the latter.
It was pointed out that Manchester City Council invests it's pension fund into Israeli firms. People wanted to boycott Israeli goods and lobby the Council to end it's Israeli investments.
UPDATE 22:30: Israel confirms ceasefire.
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