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Israel 'the enemy of peace'

by
2009-01-05 13:35

Lindani Gumede, News24 User

Although I'm no expert on the Middle East conflict, I have done a great deal of reading on Palestine, Israel, Terrorism and Zionism.

I've also listened to Prof Steve Friedman, former Minister of Intelligence Ronnie Casrils, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and many others.

I fully agree with the latter that every country or nation has the right to defend its "territory" and its "citizens", and I disagree with Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah and others who insist that Israel has no right to exist.

I will then base my argument on these two fundamental points. When the apartheid government of South Africa illegally occupied Namibia, the people of Namibia formed SWAPO and the People's Liberation Army of Namibia to fight the enemy off their country and defend their "territory" and "citizens".

The people of Palestine today are left with Gaza and the West Bank, which combined are only about 30% of the original Palestinian land. The rest has been taken by Israel.

'An evil state'

Despite this fact, the West Bank is still littered with more than 100 Israeli settlements as a direct result of Zionism. The entire borderline with Jordan is occupied by Israel.

Israel has built a wall separating them from the Palestinian territory but also took the whole of Jerusalem, which is supposed to be shared by both Israel and Palestine. The wall also goes way beyond the boarders set by the UN.

The Gaza Strip was also occupied by Israel until 2005. The Jewish state has illegally occupied southern Lebanon and parts of Syria and Jordan. The former resulted in the formation of Hezbollah.

The people of Palestine have no other option but to fight to defend their territory which continues to be eaten up by the Zionist state.

In my view, Israel is an evil state - probably worse than apartheid SA. Ronnie Casrils said so himself even though he's Jewish. Israel is not only an enemy of the Arab world, but also an active and powerful enemy of peace!

The only solution for lasting peace in the region is that Israel withdraws from all occupied territories and cede southern Israel to the Palestinian Authority to give back their land and connect Gaza to the West Bank.

The ongoing massacre of the people of Palestine by Israel will not yield any lasting peace. It will only harden the hearts of Palestinians and promote terrorism. The people of Palestine have suffered up to the point where nothing matters to them anymore.

If one person can give up their life to contribute, however insignificant, towards a better future for future generations then suicide bombing seem a worthy option.

The aggressor

Israel is the aggressor and not acting in self-defence. The Palestinians are launching rockets only to fight an enemy from their land.

According to the Israeli Defence Minister's argument, Palestinians have the right to do so - to defend their territory.

Let us support the people of Palestine as the world supported us when we were oppressed by the apartheid regime. Let us condemn the evil state of Israel.

Israel has been fighting other nations and taking up their land from the times of Moses. Someone must stop them!

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Badbones 1/5/2009 1:50:29 PM
So it's fine for Hamas to shoot missiles at Isreal but as soon as Isreal shoot back then you want to cry wolf ....... Hamas believes in war and believe the only way to resolve the issue is with war ..... Narrow minded don't you think?
Jim 1/5/2009 1:51:35 PM
Palestine is free to defend itself as much as it likes. The Palestinians should be attacking Hamas who are doing their utmost to attack Israel. The Israelis are well within their rights to defend their sovereignty with everything at their disposal. You agree with Israels right to exist. Why then do you deny them the right to protect themselves against an indiscrimnate attack directed at civilians? SA did not occupy SWA. It was given a mandate to govern by the League of Nations in 1919.
John Camp 1/5/2009 1:52:25 PM
Do some more homework before commenting on a subject area way out of your depth.
MJ 1/5/2009 1:52:58 PM
"The Palestinians are launching rockets only to fight an enemy from their land". Maybe, but what would Mandela say? Fight them, or use peaceful means.
ForSA 1/5/2009 1:54:00 PM
Hammas is harbouring terrorism.
Waleed 1/5/2009 1:55:27 PM
Zionist Israeli's will have to answer GOD ALL MIGHTY some day... i fear that outcome, they are a Blasphemous doomed nation condemned to hells fire.. its inevitable
Anti-war 1/5/2009 1:55:38 PM
As far as I know it was hanas that started it by launching missiles into Israel. So hanas shouldn't cry now, they must face the music!
Michael Atkins 1/5/2009 1:55:42 PM
What an incredibly narrow minded simplification of a very complicated place. You miss the point completely. Israel has a right to exist too. If Israel put down all their weapons they would be slaughtered. If the Palestinians put down their weapons there would be peace. Israel has at every stage offered more than the Arabs who want only genocide.
Vicky 1/5/2009 1:56:05 PM
needless to say this violence undermines world worse as it will only serve to generate more terrorism. I am ashamed that america where she could prevail instead they're support massacre of unarmed civilians. This is the saddest times of our lives.
John Camp 1/5/2009 1:56:22 PM
I never realised that launching mortars and missles randomly without a known target was classified as self defence. Lindani would you do this as a form of self defence? The problems in the Middle East/Israel are far more deep rooted than you make out.
xp 1/5/2009 1:58:29 PM
Ok, Linda why don't you start making bomb-belts and Qassam rockets so long in your garage. By the way, please do not steal anything while you are in "Palestine" as Sharia law is strictly enforced. I am right behind you...just a long way behind though. If you need an airline ticket to Egypt, the Muslim BrotherHood or Islamic Jihad maybe contacted at: 1-800-SuicideMartyrs
Les-Maada 1/5/2009 1:58:41 PM
likes of the The Truth & other Mr/Mrs Intellects who even after the last few days Israel's offensive which resulted in Hundreds of losses of Palestinian lives & displacement managed to find a way to justify Israel's action!Some idiot even went as far as labelling me as Pro-Hamas for a mere fact that i criticized such an act of barbarism by Israel!Israel is a real terrorist state & oppressor of God's Children & i wish fate could deal with it accordingly!Keep them coming Lindani!!
Mike 71 1/5/2009 2:00:16 PM
Lindani, whilst I fully agree with ur view, equally, it would be fair to also state that u have an identical view on Zimbabwe as well. As u put it : Israel is not only an enemy of the Arab world, but also an active and powerful enemy of peace! This is nothing different when it come's to that self proclaimed soverign leader of Zimbabwe- Mad Bob. The level of atrocity levelled against humanity is that same- albiet committed in different ways.
Anton 1/5/2009 2:08:18 PM
You are fighting a losing cause here.
Amateurs writing 1/5/2009 2:18:59 PM
How someone can start a column by proclaiming they are no expert on a subject matter and then still continues to write such rubbish is beyond me. Lets shoot a couple of missiles into the creche where your baby goes to school and we will see how long your sympathy will last. Hamas even prevented their own people from getting help by preventing ambulances from Egypt to enter Gaza to pick up the wounded.
nthatuwa 1/5/2009 2:19:06 PM
Mandela?He says NOTHING about EVERYTHING,no disrespect.We dont expect him to voice his opinion on what's happening here,why should we care what he says on this issues?Wont comment on the topic,its way out of my depth,huh Mr Camp!!How about you write something to enlighten us.I sure dont want to be woken up by a bomb 1 day,not knowing how the ish there made their way to SA,if they ever will.But I wont go to war there,Hell NO.
Rusty 1/5/2009 2:20:19 PM
An anti-semitic, over-simplified and ignorant column.
Jabu Pule 1/5/2009 2:20:46 PM
I'm a believer of heaven and hell but Israel is the most cruel and brutal nation that has many times escaped the International Court of Law. Israel must stop the occupation, then the rockets will stop. Israel must release billions of dollars intended to fund Palestinian people, then the rockets will stop. Israel must release more Palestinian prisoners who have not been charged for 10 years, then the rockets will stop. Israel must open borders of Palestine and Egypt, then the rockets will stop.
Shaheed 1/5/2009 2:20:48 PM
Lindani i thank u on a well documented topic n i see u have done ur homework.. Israel is killing innocent Palestinian civilians including children so who are the real terrorists?! Since this war started only a hand full of Israelis have died, while almost 500 Palestinians have been murdered and thousands wounded
Butterfly 1/5/2009 2:26:26 PM
Very well written letter indeed, Someone mentioned in another article that they are the chosen people by God... Since When, they were condenmed by God because of murdering a phrophet AKA Jesus, so God the land away from them, it does not belong to them.
T. Towel 1/5/2009 2:27:28 PM
Hamas is a terrorist organisation and they have treated their own people like scum from day 1. Without international aid, the situation there would be even worse. Yet Hamas and the inhabitants of Gaza take aid with one hand while strapping their kids to bombs with the other. It's time they started trying to build something good rather than destroying themselves even more quickly than Israel ever could.
Joe 1/5/2009 2:29:40 PM
You sead you did a lot of reading, wonder what you read....
anti_zionist 1/5/2009 2:29:55 PM
Hammas is harbouring terrorists & Zionist Israel are terrorists .... the last of the apartheid states.
VinnyTheSaffer 1/5/2009 2:30:02 PM
Since 2001, over 10 000 rockets have been fired into Southern Israel from Gaza. Israel does not want to go there - They have to; In order to route out the radical cowards who launch attacks from residential areas. You need to do more research, son.
BEE the Corrupt 1/5/2009 2:30:22 PM
Hamas can fire rockets into Israel, but if Israel defend their country the whole world is againsed them. Hamas have started this war, they hide behind the people of Gaza, they fire their rockets from highly populated areas, they are cowards. Like the rest of the middle east and Arab nations. Voilence is everyday live for them, they don't know of any better. The people of Gaza voted Hamas into power, now they get killed because of Hamas. Don't blame Israel.
Sam 1/5/2009 2:31:26 PM
What a sick filthy situation the USA has created to destabilise the Middle East for their oil interests. How stupid are both hard line religions peoples for supporting the bloodshed. Any idiot who knows the history can see that it is the USA who set this up. Now most of our countries right wing supporters like TM and the mostly western supporters have Selective Morality when it comes to our fellow humans in Palestine. When we were being killed like dogs by the Apartheid Regime, the Palestinian people supported us, but now and for the past many years the people of the Beloved country has only been obsessed with their own enrichment.
Angola Badprop 1/5/2009 2:31:40 PM
Please stop using leftist communist ideology when writing articles like this. There is absolutely no comparison between Isreal/Palistine and Apartheid/Swapo. You can?t compare a religious war with a communist one that the former SANDF had to fight. You eagerly forget that SWAPO murdered and raped the Ovambo's. SA only occupied SWA/Namibia to keep communism from its borders. Obviously you and your government will support your leftist buddies in the world like Palestine, Cuba, Russia, North Korea and Iran. It?s funny that you sit on the wrong side of the fence and call the other side evil.
Robert 1/5/2009 2:32:04 PM
You seem to be very confused!! It's the other way round and the palestinians and other muslim nations, especially those with fanatical views such as Iran will not rest until is Israel is wiped from the face of the earth. Israel is a tiny nation and has the right to defend itself. It is also God's chosen nation and those fighting against it will sooner or later experience the wrath of God. God made it very clear that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who come against it.
Philosopher 1/5/2009 2:32:09 PM
It is ALL Israel's land, going back 3000 years. Even the West Bank and Gaza. Every Christian in the world should believe this implicitly. That means Israel should have the support of the world's largest religion. If they don't, then those people shouldn't call themselves followers of the Bible. As for atheists, agnostics, and supporters of other religions, well, it is entirely understandable that they will oppose Israel.
bekkie 1/5/2009 2:32:25 PM
Hamas, Hamas, Hamas. Their policy is to destroy Israel, and they have no intention of changing. They could go and say, please we surrender, we will stop and give the weaponary over, they can say we will change out policy, then they can go to the negotiation table and come to some sort of agreement. Israel it not the aggressor!
marc 1/5/2009 2:32:30 PM
Lindani, my dear if you truly want to understand what's goin on, study Israel's history for the last 100 years or even better the last 2000 years. There is soooo much more to this situation than what you see in the news. Even the most experienced and seasoned journalists and politicians are handling this situation with the delicacy it deserves. This can in no way be compared to Apartheid...
fred 1/5/2009 2:33:06 PM
It always happens..one side starts bombing the other side, the other side defends themselves and now the side that started the bombing is now acting as if they the victims of "evil Israel"..i wish we could all live in peace but unfortunatly we will never have peace in this crazy world of ours..man will always have something to fight about
Jim 1/5/2009 2:33:17 PM
Lindani, if you think Israel should continue talking with these people while their citizens are under continual threat by terrorists, then think again! Don't you understand that the Isreali's have tried talking and the current situation is the only option left to Israel. Unfortunately there are Palestinian civilians that are bearing the brunt of the Israeli retaliation while Hamas continue to hide behind a civilian population who seem to be supporting them anyway - go figure!!
GP 1/5/2009 2:33:43 PM
I know of Hamas, but, I guess Badbones & ForSA are experts about Hamas, and what they stand for. It is NOT ok to launch missiles at Isreal, neither is it right for Israel to unleash multiple attacks on Palestine. The innocent suffer the most with war.
ahmed 1/5/2009 2:33:53 PM
Isreal (zionist) are evil. These morons have stole enough land over the years. The leaders of Isreal have blood on their hands and faces..they have killed thousands of innocent Palestians over the years (many of whom are innocent children, women & even babies). Palestians are always labelled' terrorists' but when Isreal attacks Palestine (its only defending its self and its people)? Like COWARDS they bomb palestine from the air (90% of the time killing civilians) - who is the real terrorist???
Tribalzone 1/5/2009 2:34:32 PM
I never take sides based on media reports and hate to see one country killing people in another but I just have to feel the guys in GAZA are the "bad guys" based on the fact that they fire rockets from civilian areas and hide in schools and mosques thereby putting the civilians at risk. Isreal have no choice but to kill civilians that these guys use as a human shield. If you go to war or shoot rockets make sure u do it away from innocent families!!!
Sarah 1/5/2009 2:34:32 PM
Israel left Gaza. Hamas took over and hasn't stopped aiming rockets at Israel since. The people of Gaza have never been in a worse state as money (all international aid, nogal) for roads and schools and sanitation and education is spent on weapons. The people of Gaza should be rising up against their real oppressors - Hamas.
Juan 1/5/2009 2:34:32 PM
Say what you want about Israel, but they don't take any cr@p from people who want to invade them. I think we should ALSO use our so-called military to defend OUR borders!
hmz 1/5/2009 2:35:16 PM
I have been to palestine. I witnessed pure apartheid, worse then here in SA. Zionism is a creation from Theodore Hertzl. The real jews are the Naturei Karta who are against Zionism, please read up on them. Zionism is a nationalistic movement and regards everyone else as 2nd class. They are the real Satan! by the way, Hamas weapons are like fireworks, has there been any real damage compared to the over 500 palestinians casualties? the entire world condemns this genocide, holocaust!!
DKNY 1/5/2009 2:35:30 PM
Way to go Lindani...Brilliant article.
Seth 1/5/2009 2:36:59 PM
re: 'Israel the enemy of peace'. Your little diatribe reads like a Unisa first year assignment- and a bad one at that. From your very first sentence: 'I am no expert...but'' these kinds of sentences are almost always followed by some one trying to give expert opinion anyway! You've 'done a lot of reading' what? on the back of a match box? My friend, your ignorance is embarrassing to say the least. Labelling Israel as an 'evil state' is absurd. May the war go on!
VG 1/5/2009 2:37:04 PM
I'm no expert on the MidEast so someone pls enlighten me: as far as I understand, the disputed land was given to Jewish people after WW2.Was there a process of negotiation over this land? what was supposed to happen to the then occupants of the land? was compensation paid? did the neighbouring countries agree to the establishment of a Jewish state next door?
Andre - F 1/5/2009 2:37:15 PM
Hamas is a terrorist group, same as Al-Quada, Tamil Tigers and ETA. They don't want peace, they only want destruction at all cost to enforce their evil on the world. Hamas should be wiped of the face of the earth toghether with Iran who supply all their weapons and rockets. They are a threat to world peace!
AJ 1/5/2009 2:37:58 PM
You are no expert on the Middle East conflict.
Phelan 1/5/2009 2:38:17 PM
Without pointing out the mistakes in your reasoning I must agree with your sentiment. I cannot more harshly condemn the situation as it stands. And then for the Americans to block the rest of the world from trying to force a settlement? Absolutely disgusting! Hammas made a huge mistake by trying to force the issue with the Cease Fire, but that in no way licences the Israelites to attack the general Palestinian population!! This is as bad and worse than Apartheid!!
JT 1/5/2009 2:38:59 PM
I know really little about the situation in the middle east. Just watever propaganda either side has been feeding the world. An interesting observation.. on the current footage have you noticed how much nicer it seems on the israeli side ? Green pastures, farms etc.. onthe palestinian side its composed mostly of rocks and goats. Seems to me the jews are doing more with the land than their neighbours who appear to be living off donations.
Zaid 1/5/2009 2:39:39 PM
takes what does not belong to them and use force to put down those who stand up. Why is it that words such as "terrorists", "fundamentalists", "extremists" are used to decribe Muslims. Anyone else is described as "freedom fighters" "defenders of their land"....etc. This is because the major news networks are controlled by Jews. What is happening in Palestine will never ever be shown in its entirety. Go there and see for yourself, then comment!
White_African 1/5/2009 2:39:53 PM
Hamas would do to Isreal if they were the ones with the strong military might and weapons. It's true that all Arab states want to get rid of Isreal. That much is clear. It only seems excessive cause Isreal has the muscle, after they were provoked. It's like a big vs small dog bite. The big dog isn't necessarily worse or more evil, it's just that it's big and when it bites you are going to feel it a lot more. But sometimes those smaller dogs are the biggest aggressors and always start the fights
Phelan 1/5/2009 2:40:36 PM
For those of you who hold with the rights of Israel to defend its citizens? Who are they defending it from? The little kids you see nightly being carried into hospitals? The same goes for Hammas! If they fight the IDF then good for them, but to blindly fire rockets into cities?
ov 1/5/2009 2:40:48 PM
Peoples memories are very short. guys like Camp forget jewish people have suffered the most in history. How can you oppress a nation after usurping their land? No wonder the jewish nation has suffered the most.
craig 1/5/2009 2:41:21 PM
have the right to defend themselves, Hamas are hiding among civilians,firing rockets from civilian strongholds.Their tactics are cowardice in the extreme. If they are willing to hide amongst civilians, then they have no right to complain.I am not advocating war by any means, but if Hamas stopped their raids, and bombs, then there would be no war.
Big Bad Bob 1/5/2009 2:41:37 PM
Much of the palestinian terrority under British protectorate ended up being assigned to Transjordan, now the Kingdom of Jordan. It's incorrect to say that Israel ended up with roughly 70% of that territory.
Luke 1/5/2009 2:43:05 PM
Arab nations are very quick to react against Israel,words only,why dont they take action?Why arent they helping their brothers fight?Israel has acted correctly,but I am afraid that this is the beginning of violence against all jews,but the day will come where the blood will flow through the streets of those that persecute them.
Faisal 1/5/2009 2:43:13 PM
I agree fully with Lindani I also believe Isreal is the terrorist here as it has occupied this land since 1948 and has forcefully removed the Palestinians from thier homes, made them refugies denies them the right to return the right to self rule. These people live in a prison called Israel 24.7 and coannot leave, in order for a Palestinian and his family to move in thier own country permission must be granted by Israel what kind of a life is this (How much more can these people take)
Crimson 1/5/2009 2:43:24 PM
Hamas has declared war on Israels religion (Jihad means holy war).Dont compare Apartheid to this. Apartheid was about colour.This goes much deeper.This is about religion.Hamas and those alike will not stop untill all that is not Islam is destroyed.That is the law of Islam.If a termite starts biting away at my house I dont just kill the termite(I refer to Hamas not Palestinians) I remove the nest.While I dont condone Israels action there are still 2 sides to every story. Get your facts straight
Big Bad Bob 1/5/2009 2:44:12 PM
There was in fact a ceasefire negotiated and that held for a while. Each side now has a complaint that the other broke this. What would improve matters would be if the various funding states stopped supplying weapons or paying for weapons, insisted on a ceasefire and release of political prisoners on both sides and started investing in infrastructure.
Cameron 1/5/2009 2:44:35 PM
Iran (which funds and arms Hamas) has repeatedly stated that Israel should be wiped of the face of the earth and has no right to exist. Israel has asked for peace, giving up lands and settlements in pursuit of this, freeing thousands of prisoners - and for what? So that these cowards can continue to fire missiles and hide behind civilians, sending youngsters on suicide missions to kill Israelis in shops, restaurants and cafe's with explosives around their waists. Enough is enough.
Waleed 1/5/2009 2:45:27 PM
FACT: to support Zionist Isreal action is Blasphemous in the TORA.. this is not the conditions of The Coming... or do you not know your own Bible?... Fact is that majority of Jews do not know it and are ignorant Zionist supporters... Stealing the land of others will is probably what they want for themselves I guess trying to steal ARGENTINA and UGANDA wasn't enough, when will the worlds' eyes finally see the TRUTH of the matter
The Oracle 1/5/2009 2:45:38 PM
Hamas are looking for trouble and complains when they get it! Screw them!
Yeehaw 1/5/2009 2:45:43 PM
and this coming from the likes of U....that's Laughable in itself.
Big Bad Bob 1/5/2009 2:46:21 PM
Yes, initially SWA a protectorate of SA. But then for some years SA stayed on after the UN had ruled that there was no justification for such an arrangement. After that, in international law, SA's presence was illegal.
Antelope 1/5/2009 2:46:40 PM
Spot on dude! When I heard the SA governments condemnation of Israel, I wonderd why the same outspoken stance is not taken against Zimbabwe's Zanu-PF. Israel should not exist if one is to be fair to history and the rights of the original inhabitants of the area. The USA will always support Israel as a launch pad for their oil games and this is why Israel still exists.
Conscience 1/5/2009 2:46:46 PM
The IDF should be commended on how they have conducted their strikes so far. All news agencies have noted that Gaza is one of the most dense populated areas in the world and after 9 days of air strikes and bombardments on legitimate targets - only 520 dead of which 30% are civilians. Anyone who understands the Law of War, the difficulty of such urban operations and the potential for collateral damage and casualties, will appreciate how careful and mindful the IDF really are! Stop complaining!
Glenn 1/5/2009 2:46:55 PM
before we comment on an area 9000km away. It made me angry that our goverment "emphatically" condemed Israel yet these idiots keep absolutely silent about Zimbabwe where more people have died there from cholora than in the silly war in the Middle East...What an absolute bunch of hypocrites they are with no moral compass. The SA goverment view is more than likely been laughed at by all because of our "quiet diplomacy" with Zimbabwe. Is it because Israel is a 'white' state?
carel 1/5/2009 2:46:55 PM
There is no right or wrong in this fight anymore - as fast as one of them does something good, the other one breaks it down again; Israel is even battling with its own citizens in an attempt to give the Palestinians back Gaza, so as to establish peaceful co-existence! How many more human rights you want broken - even these "illegal" Israeli settlers have Rights!?!
Regardt 1/5/2009 2:47:59 PM
Your argument is based on lies. Go do a thorough history check please. 1. Israel was always a majority in Palestine (then called). 2. Israel bought the land from Arab land owners, LEGALLY! 3. Land gained through war is LEGAL, as per International LAW. 4. What happened in DAR FUR is a "massacre". More Palestinians are killed by internal fighting. 5. Israel has a right (according to International law on self defense)to defend it self against DAILY rocket, and suicide attacks.
Nisar 1/5/2009 2:49:07 PM
So shooting Missiles in Mosques and Schools is acceptable. If one looks at history the Zionists actually bombed Synagogues in Paris before the creation of Israel (sic). How about wiping out entire Palistinian villages (remember Sabra and Shatilla). Remember when the UN declared Moshe Dayan (sicko) a terrorist. A nation created by violence will only succumb to violence - Aluta Continua .......
markn 1/5/2009 2:49:08 PM
You have no clue as to what you are saying... Israel, South west Africa etc.. you will be voting for the ANC because of your closed minded and short sited article mixes well with ANC policies... Dumb
cedb00 1/5/2009 2:49:41 PM
I am certainly no expert on this issue, but tell me, why can't the wall be torn down and all the peoples live as one? Is it not why we abolished the "Independent States" in our country because it was apartheid? Why should they be separated? Is it purely religious segregation? Again, please tolerate my ignorance, but I'm just asking....
xp 1/5/2009 2:51:20 PM
the land rightfully belongs to the palestinian nation, its so unfair cause israel says it is doing this to 'teach hamas a lesson' but really all there doing is killing hundreds of innocent lives and ruining the lives of thousands of palestinian people. If someone bombed your house, killed your mother father, wife, children etc etc.would you care anymore?NO, i can sympathise with the suicide bombers put yourself in there shoes
Eman 1/5/2009 2:51:32 PM
before you pass comment you should inform yourself correctly. It is clear you do not really know what is going on in Israel. Go back to your books, brother. read more widely and get informed.
ali 1/5/2009 2:52:56 PM
i am sure no any body on the planet like to be killed as innocent or to be targeted as he is soft targeted we are one nation live on one planet so pls let us stop fighting in hply land ;somalia; kongo ;iraq and all over the world
Les-Maada 1/5/2009 2:53:30 PM
SA was catergorised as one of the terrorist states by America & its Allies for a simple reason that the Blacks & other races by means of cocktail molotovs,stones & self made guns where defending themselves & their land against the more superior white gov!There were massacres,illegal detentions etc. & the most casualties were Blacks!But for what...Fighting for their God given land?How valuable is a truce when u still occupied my land?What is terrorrism & how do u fight it..by killing the innocent?
jack 1/5/2009 2:54:04 PM
What a load of crap , why don't you stick to your african politics
KOBUS 1/5/2009 2:54:07 PM
Michael Atkins makes a good point, which is a good summary of what is happening. If Israel put down their weapons, they would be slaughtered. If the "palestinians" put down their weapons, there would be peace and they could work and play freely in Israel. Israel used to occupy Gaza and kept the peace there, until they said to the palestinians that they trusted them to do it themselves. Look what is happening now! Pure jealousy that the Jews were able to make a paradise in the desert in 30 years
Mohammed 1/5/2009 2:54:07 PM
So i guess when one Israeli dies it makes headlines as first causality what about the 500 Palestinians that died.The bottom line is Palestine is alone in this war while Isreal is assisted by the rest.Its not going to be long when the entire Islamic Countries all over the world come together then we shall see who will be standing
Sarky 1/5/2009 2:54:15 PM
Just want to mention to Lindani that the name Palestine in not the original name for that piece of land.Its was changed by Hadrian to suppress the national feeling of the Hewbrew people after Rome crushed Bar Kochba's revolt.So go look at the history and you will know to whom that land belongs...
Tuffy 1/5/2009 2:54:16 PM
And you can form opinions. You decided Israel is evil. You agree Israel has a right to exist. I find it strange that you resort to name-calling in Israel's case when they occupy and clean out surrounding terrorist nests that threaten and continually kill Israelis because those terrorists do not share your view that Israel has a right to existence. The ANC is quick to condemn Israeli action yet the ANC celebrate every death of an Umkonto or liberation war hero with state funerals or presence.
ov 1/5/2009 2:54:18 PM
Well said Lindani. Even if you are out of your depth your article is still mild. Numerous UN resolutions have been treated with contempt by Israel. Unfortuanately the pro Israelis and pro Americans control finance, media etc. As well as having majority support from the western world. So its no problem if you are my friend you can continue your reign of terror. Nothing new as America and its allies have been murdering innocent people in its self created so called war on terror.
Anti-war 1/5/2009 2:54:53 PM
The barbarism is also hamas's fault because they use innocent people as shields, I can bet you they planned to build there little hideout between civilians. What is funny that there is not much concern to the senseless missiles being fired into Israel which is also killing people!
Paul 1/5/2009 2:55:00 PM
Although the killing of 500 odd Palestinians is tragic the loss of life is to be expected in a war. I think if the arithmetic is done I think one will see that more prople have been murdered over the same period of time in SA. I know this was certainly the case when Israel invaded Lebernon and there is no comment on this.
Andy 1/5/2009 2:56:28 PM
If the argument is that the nation that lived somewhere first is the legal occupant of that state, propably no-one, including some black tribes in South Africans, deserve to live where they do currently, because they where not there first. The Jewish people has been living in that region long before Islam was even founded. Religious extremism is an evil of our time, and since they will stop at nothing, including making suicide bombers out of teenage girls, I say, if they shoot, shoot back.
Zaid 1/5/2009 2:57:21 PM
"Most of the founders of Zionism knew that Palestine (the Land of Israel) had a small Arab population, though some spoke naively of "a land without a people for a people without a land". Still, only few regarded the Arab presence as a real obstacle to the fulfillment of Zionism. At that time in the late 19th century, Arab nationalism did not yet exist in any form, and the Arab population of Palestine was sparse and apolitical".
spartacus 1/5/2009 2:57:30 PM
Arent we all a bit bigoted sitting in our armchairs commenting as though we fully understand what going over there...every single on of these comments show a lack of an understanding of the situation there read up on this whole conflict before you comment! If you take a side fair enough but justify it reasonably...
skillie 1/5/2009 2:58:22 PM
100 years ago israel didnt exsist,only after the second world war when jews left for jerusalem after the holocaust.now look at them.power hungry and wanting to control the palestinians.they see them much in the same light is as say white people did blacks in the apartheid era.religion is to blame here as both believe they have the right to the land.both sides are not right in the killing of innocents,but palestinians are not the terrorists,alot more of ther innocent have died than the israels
Robin 1/5/2009 2:59:45 PM
This article is not only poorly worded, but it is nonsensical and purile. Quit simply, Israel is not occupying Gaza. There isn't one Israeli left in Gaza and Hamas have no other desire, but to destroy Israel. I wonder how South Africa would respond if Robert Mugabe started lobbing rockets into South Africa. Perhaps call Thabo Mbeki for some quiet diplomacy?
Dave 1/5/2009 3:02:36 PM
It is with sadness and dismay that I read the same ideological nonsense as we hear on tv from the extremists in Israel and Hamas. The sad truth is that politics and extremism on both sides makes it impossible to find a lasting solution to crisis that is the killing innocent people on both sides. The atrocities such as suicide bombers and indiscriminate bombings and the violent escalation in Gaza will not be resolved as long as old men get young men to die 4 old causes!! Shame on both sides.
Geopolitical Bob 1/5/2009 3:03:15 PM
I would love to see the map for the connect Gaza to the West Bank part of you letter. The bottom line is that both sides are looking for a fight and that is what they got. Pity the poor civilians, but that war isn't it, no fun for any one, except the Generals.
Land Claims Commission 1/5/2009 3:03:48 PM
Just who does the land belong to ? Who was there first ?
Ben 1/5/2009 3:03:56 PM
Lindani,it's important that before you start making such inflammatory & blindly biased comments you properly do your homework.Should you wish to have such a discussion with your friends that's your business, but when you publicly make such comments & state that you have studied the subject,when you clearly have not,all you are doing is fuelling the fire of hatred.Following the media is not going to educate you on this matter,it is only going to increase your bias.
Kgodumo 1/5/2009 3:04:57 PM
I understand that even in a war, there are rules of engagement. Those that violate these are thus called war criminals. The amount of force in defending oneself is also governed in war or day to day life. I don't want to go into the number of casualties on both sides. Maybe I should as this sometimes gives an indication of the force used (in defence or violation of rules of engagement). Looking at the pictures on http://photos.mg.co.za/view_gallery.php?gid=313, especially those of a father mourning the death of his three kids and that of 5 siblings lying in a morgue, I had to ask if Israel is using the appropriate force in "defending" itself. My logic is that in an all out war like this, these children would have been moved to area away from legitimate war targets like police stations and military bases. I agree that Hamas targets civilians which might be due to them not having the same military capabilities and resources as Israel. Israel would have the moral high ground if it fought a better war by targeting legitimate targets as defined in various war crime statutes.
ndife 1/5/2009 3:05:21 PM
you fool start by doing thorough research on the conflict and the history of jews and arabs before opining ur mouth.and dont rely too much on the media.ronnie kasrils want bread in SA
stephan 1/5/2009 3:05:48 PM
Ok, first, check your facts. The old SA did not illegally occupy Namibia (then SWA) - it was a former German colony, and after WWII become a protectorate of SA, much like Germany and Berlin was carved up between the Allies.
Martin 1/5/2009 3:06:00 PM
All this article does is fully justify the need for News24 to attach the disclaimer. Thanks for 'stealing' 5 minutes of my life. The only other reference i'd like to make is to your perfectly ironic contradiction at the end of the article. Indeed, Israel was ours since the time of Moses and so I ask, who is stealing land from whom?
Mundane 1/5/2009 3:06:59 PM
Clearly you aren't sitting on the fence in this conflict. "The Jewish state has illegally occupied southern Lebanon and parts of Syria and Jordan." I suggest you do some research into the six day war to find out why this happened. This conflict has been going on for far too long to mention any acts of aggression in isolation.
ShRoOm 1/5/2009 3:10:46 PM
Why is it South Africans are quick to jump on the bandwagon when the international media condemns the USA or Israel for attacks on innocents and yet resorts to 'quiet diplomacy' and pandering when faced with the grim truth of Mugabe and his cronies in Zimbabwe? As far as I am aware Zimbabwe is on our border and affects us much MORE than anything going on in the Gaza Strip? Am I wrong? Is torturing people slowly and starving them to death more justifiable than blowing them up with tanks.
AV 1/5/2009 3:11:22 PM
People condemn Hamas for the current conflict but then conveniently forget that it was the Israelis who drew first blood in 1967.Return the stolen land to the Palestinians and peace will prevail.Period.
Jake 1/5/2009 3:11:33 PM
What have you been smoking Lindani. We all know that Hamas hides their ammunition under and in the houses of civilians. If you as a civilian allow this to be done then you must accept that Isreal will bomb your house. Also they have various underground tunnels running from Egypt to civilian houses where they smuggle in weapons. How else do you think the weapons enter Gaza if it is so closely monitored by Isreal. Do some homework please before you write another column.
H 1/5/2009 3:11:38 PM
Palestinians should work on their PR, Israel can bomb, kill and destroy whatever they want and still look good on the evening news, Palestine fires one rocket and they are made to look like genocidal terrorists. Maybe media to blame?
tsoraman 1/5/2009 3:11:49 PM
How do you identify an unarmed civilian from a terrorist? Are there any identifying marks? Do (terrorists) they carry special identity documents or have a special Hamas business card?
Hassan 1/5/2009 3:13:52 PM
Many people, muslim and non-muslim are not aware of the history of the land. The palestinians including Hamas is protecting their land that was and is still being stolen by zionists. True jews do not support zionism. Do research before talking. What did we do in SA when we were oppressed?? We took steps and by force we got our land back!! Palestine will be liberated.
SN 1/5/2009 3:14:38 PM
u are joking!!! these hamas animals are hiding weapons in places of Godliness? They are not the victims like you make them out to be. they are unscrupulous, brainwashed, right-wing muslim sadists who will stop at nothing and justify their babarism through religion. the hight of gutlessness!! let Israel wash us of these pests
Themba Makama 1/5/2009 3:14:47 PM
quick to condemn Israel and we all know that it is not in Africa. They don't condemn all tyrants in this continent but they quick to judge Israel when it is defending itself against rockets fired almost daily by Hamas. I suport Israel 100%. AFrican leaders must get a life esp Motlante who says Zimbabwe will be solved by Zimbabweans and not international countries whereas he is quick to judge Israel which is not part of Africa.
BBF 1/5/2009 3:15:06 PM
Hi Lindani - while you seem to have "some" facts correct. I can't understand what message you are trying to send out? Firstly you are stating that Israel is the enemy of peace but if can quote you "suicide bombing seem a worthy option." you are now endorsing the use of violence? Seems contradicting to me.Also you state that Israel is the aggressor and what the 6000+ rockets that have been fired at Israel in the last 3 years? Let me guess signal flares!
Butterfly 1/5/2009 3:16:13 PM
Very well written letter indeed, Someone mentioned in another article that they are the chosen people by God... Since When, they were condenmed by God because of murdering a phrophet AKA Jesus, so God the land away from them, it does not belong to them.
slabs 1/5/2009 3:16:14 PM
Nothing gets said about Zim and the people dying as I speak, instead you refer to the apartheid regime. This is typical african propaganda, everthing backed by the west or should I say the whites is simply evil, what about all the suicide bombers and terrorist attacks.I say finish them off now and get this war over with.
Darkwing 1/5/2009 3:16:34 PM
Oh, come on. How can people who blow themselves up to get at other people be regarded as victims? To say that Israel is the enemy of peace is to say Hamas is the enemy of peace.
Ernst 1/5/2009 3:16:49 PM
1) Civilians are dying as Hamas uses their own people as 'human shields'. Israel has the full right to defend themself against cowardly terrorists such as Hamas. The only 'Enemies of peace' are cowardace terrrorists like Hamas who attack civilians. Are you pro terrorism? 2) 'Apartheid SA' was mandated by League of nations (now UN) to govern SWA until peacefully(without war) being granted independance as Namibia. The 'Border war' was against communist Cuba's occupation of Angola.
Danny 1/5/2009 3:17:19 PM
Israel adopted a more aggressive stance two weeks ago, which coincided with the end of a 6 month ceasefire. During this ceasefire Hamas continually launched rockets and mortars into Israel. Hamas is supported by Iran, a country bent on destroying Israel. And from a legal perspective, the giving back of land (handed to Israel by Britain) sets a precedent. Does this mean that the Jewish people have claim to land taken from them in WW2? I'm sure you justify Mugabe's land-grab too?
VLS 1/5/2009 3:18:21 PM
the Arabs and their collective outrage at the attacks by Israel. The Arab world has stood by quietly while the Janjaweed millitants in Sudan have set about to exterminate the entire black population in that country. Recently, the Dakar rally (which hugely benefits poor African countries) had to be moved to South America due to Arab terrorists threatening to kill drivers and visiting spectators. Where was the condemnation from the Arabs? I'm black by the way.
Boni 1/5/2009 3:19:17 PM
I just get irritated by those who claim that Linda's post is narrow minded and ill-informed, and yet they post nothing factual to counter his arguments. From reading various media report you get the likes of you who critisise others views without putting forward their understanding of the mid-east situation. if you have other facts please do put them forward!!!!
Love Africa 1/5/2009 3:19:23 PM
Your argument had credit until this point "The Palestinians are launching rockets only to fight an enemy from their land." So therefore Israel is acting in self defense. I think the statement this land ain't big enough for the both of us comes to mind. They are both fighting for God's that don't exist. If they did exist thy shall not kill would govern this conflict. They will still be fighting in 1000 years from now.
lloyd macklin 1/5/2009 3:20:19 PM
..you make some interesting points but your prejudice against Israel taints your argument. Perhaps you can explain why the wealthy Islamic nations would rather spend obscene amounts of money in self indulgent displays in places like Dubai [and the casinos of Europe]than on the upliftment of those suffering in Palestine. If the Palestinians were socially secure would they not enjoy peace?
Boerseun 1/5/2009 3:20:37 PM
Hi, to all the zionist out there! I think your forfathers that have died in the genocide would turn in their graves! If they had to see the unjustness being done to the Palestine People! There is absolutly no way the violence can be justified! And I am sure there will never be peace as long as Isreal exists
Mark 1/5/2009 3:21:14 PM
You think that you are smart! Why don't you try living under the threat of rocket attackes and suicide bombers! The minute that the aggrieved party retaliates then people like you are up in arms. If you do not understand the politics of the region or the history, why not try spending time and educating yourself on the matter? Stop making inane, ignorant and misinformed comments. Your view means nothing to the educated and enlightened.
bj 1/5/2009 3:23:01 PM
This all really started because of two opposing views of the tooth fairy (aka God) if we are honest. They really hate each other because their religions differ. Another reason to ditch it, but alas a world without superstition that would be too much to ask. Isreal and the Arabs should just have a massive war and sort this shite out once and for all. Winner takes all. I for one am sick of it.
J.O 1/5/2009 3:23:46 PM
"Although I'm no expert on the Middle East conflict..." At least you are spot-on with that part of your article. Thereafter, it's just a lot of BS.
Point Blank 1/5/2009 3:24:15 PM
Oh please man you typically commenting on what you see on TV. Did you know that for 8 weeks Hamas launched rockets into Israel every single day? I bet you didn't know that because it wasn't shown on TV. Now that Israel retatliate and Hamas run off into the civilian areas and cry foul. Hamas are cockroaches, nothing more nothing less.
Gavin 1/5/2009 3:24:48 PM
This conflict stems from the beginning of time - why would we suddenly think we can find peace now. The hatred is too deep seated. Both sides must shoulder blame. It is most definately not a one sided issue. Who are we to try and interfere with something we know little about. Let them sort it out. Makes interesting viewing..........
Dave 1/5/2009 3:25:11 PM
Lindani, catch a lesson in the real history of this conflict and then catch a wake-up. Hamas is a terrorist organisation, plain and simple. They and their Palestinian borthers and sisters have done nothing during the last three years in Gaza other than kill each other and amasse weapons. Your ignorance is truly staggering.
Reko 1/5/2009 3:27:30 PM
Well said Lindani..to those who feel this act of terrorism is justified God have mercy on your souls, because the rest of your lives you will have to live with a flawed character that is blinded to differentiating between right & wrong, honour & evil, freedom-fighter & tyrant! If your heart cant reach out to defenseless & innocent children & women, WE have failed humanity, each one of us.. Lets take a stand, Jew, Muslim, Christian & all other faiths against Zionist Imperialism!
E.B. 1/5/2009 3:27:42 PM
Israel is only defending itself from a Hamas barrage of rocket fire on its citizens, and after all, Hamas broke the ceasefire and attacked Israel's citizens. God promised the Israeli territory to the Jews and nobody will ever expel them. Muslim nations with their superior numbers have been trying for decades to displace 7 million Jews from Israel, to no avail, because they're under divine protection. Why doesn't Hamas come out into the open like the Israelis and fight like men instead of hiding?
RR 1/5/2009 3:28:12 PM
This makes excellent reading for those who study 'one-blind-eye' disease.
morena 1/5/2009 3:28:40 PM
i guess you soooo smart and better informed than the minister of intellegence
Sarah 1/5/2009 3:29:00 PM
Both parties are guilty of not sticking to guidlines set out for the peace process. It is always easy to point fingers when you are not inside the problem area. I do need to say that the palastinians are not just guilty of blasting Israel, but the muslim on muslim violence within Palistine is horrific. The culture of hatered is now inbred, & they don't seem to mind where the violence is directed, so long as people get hurt.
KAC 1/5/2009 3:30:37 PM
Out of your depth darling and do some background checking. The Palestine people know how to stop this offensive and how to live in peace but there is more to gain by trying to inflict a war between Arabs and Israel. So far the Palestinian and hamas people have shown that they cannot be trusted as their word means nothing. Every time there is peace then somehow the requests from the Palestine people will change and then the same pattern will follow, terrorist missions. I think that the Palestinian people must also be on the wave of liberation before education. It shows.
Mack Myburgh 1/5/2009 3:30:54 PM
Both these nations are at fault , and Lindani keep on listening and reading - this question will be with us forever , as it has been - forever !Read your bible and you'll find that there can never ever be a political solution ,to any problem (dont fool yourself that our problems are solved ), one man will always govern over another at the other's peril and disadvantage - facts are facts !
Ror 1/5/2009 3:31:46 PM
i would have to agree with Lindani here, israel has been oppresing the pelestinian people for ages, they are cramped into such a tiny state and isreal starves them of even the most basics no wonder they fire rockets...they are frustrated the israelis are practicing whats called collective punishment and they are like the old apartheid government except in the middle east...
morena 1/5/2009 3:32:00 PM
well if you occupy my land, i don't care who the mortas are directed better get yourself out of my land simple as that
CTheB 1/5/2009 3:34:04 PM
Why does Israel have a right to exist? As far as I remember (I could be wrong), all of Israel is occupying land taken from Palestine because a particular book says that it was promised to the Jewish people by their particular God. Whatever the case, Israel has no right to do what they're doing now.
TB 1/5/2009 3:35:03 PM
This time Israel has gone too far. They even acknowledge that their air strikes and possible invasion will not eradicate Hamas rocket attacks. So then, what is the point in destroying the lives of civilians in Gaza? Surely they could have used more intelligent tacticts, like sniffing out the rocket launchers with the help of satelite and destroy them with tactical missiles instead of destroying the whole damn place.
sataar 1/5/2009 3:36:00 PM
Some readers forget that Israel is a Occupier and Racist like the old Apartheid Goverment.The Palestinians are fighting for their land and their dignity which has been stolen by the zionists with the help of the Aericans and British
Maish 1/5/2009 3:37:00 PM
lINDANI how can you say we must support Palastine like the world supported us during Apartheid.Wake Up don't you remeber how much the Jewish people of SA did to stop the apartheid regime..and the palestinian's,tell me what did they do????
Mr M 1/5/2009 3:37:25 PM
This matter is far deeper than the simple way Lindani is seeing it .What i find very strange is that the Arab world is so quick to point out that it is women and children that are being killed , yet they never comment when women and children strap themselves full of explosives and blow innocent people to pieces
Farakhan 1/5/2009 3:39:42 PM
I am not an Israelis fan but what Israel should do? The Hamas started to fire the rockerts to Israel so what Israel should do then? Wait for more Innocent Israelis people to die from the Hamas Rockerts hope that the Hamas will stop. Please lets be fair here Israel have to choice but to defend themselves and I feel sorry for the fact that Innocent Palistians are dying not the violence perpetrators.
Fanie Gerber 1/5/2009 3:40:29 PM
I would suggest you do a bit more reading on the matter....There is a wide selection on the topic available at exclusive books - these two situations is so far removed from each other it is just not funny
Valk 1/5/2009 3:46:23 PM
You start with "I am no expert on the Middle east conflict" and then you continue to talk the biggest bull I have ever read on this subject.Get your facts straight, you are a disgrace to the journalism profession !
VG 1/5/2009 3:49:14 PM
I'm no expert on the situation so perhaps someone can enlighten me: as I understand it, Israel was created post-WW2 on land that was clearly occupied. How was the land obtained? was compensation paid? were there negotiations? did the neighbours agree to having a Jewish state established next door?
A DJ 1/5/2009 3:49:46 PM
South Africa did not illegally occupy SWA?? Your Grandad tell you that? ANC? SWAPO? Your sources are corrupt.
colin 1/5/2009 3:51:41 PM
How can you kill a 3 year old boy playing in his backyard without any reason and try to justify it. The question I would like to pose is how much of a tread is Hamas or the people of Palestine to the Jewish state of Israel and how much damage have Hamas caused on the people of Israel - the only way to stop this conflict is for all Islamic states to unite there forces and declare a Holy war on Israel to settle this conflict once and for all - I bet you the UN will then get off there asses.
Bheki 1/5/2009 3:52:16 PM
The problem with the land intially known as Canaan,the Israel and then Palestine and then Israel again is the volatile concotion of politics and religion. Jews who are the descendants of Abraham believe that God gave them the land they are fighting for right now when God made a promise to Abram and to Moses again. However Ishmael the son of Abram, mother by Hagar (slave of Sarah) was given a promise by God also according to Islam belief. Ishmael father of Islamic Arabs. Its a family feud.
Understand Biblical History 1/5/2009 3:56:14 PM
Guys and girls. There is far more to this than meets the eye. The history of fighting between Jews and Muslims are steeped in history. The history of Isreal defending itself goes back to Old Testament history. For more info go to http://www.joels-trumpet.com/ Regards
Filemon 1/5/2009 3:57:36 PM
that they can divert attention from their piss-poor attempts to broker a (illegitimate) deal in Zimbabwe while those people starve and die from torture and cholera. And Namibia situation is not the same. Swapo was a useless organization of terrorists backed by the communists of Cuba, Russia, Hungary and East Germany illegally deploying their smokescreen war until we kicked their asses out of africa. correct the neighbouring Zimbabwe situation before getting involved in the Middle East
Giorgio 1/5/2009 4:00:18 PM
Please get your facts straight. Israel was a strong ally of the Apartheid regime. They even helped the Apartheid governmenr build a nuclear bomb. So dont blatantly lie and claim that they supported the ANC. They, true to form, supported a racist, oppressive regime, and obviously learned lessons in oppression from the Nats.
marc 1/5/2009 4:00:40 PM
While I believe that eveyone is entiled to thier own opinion,I feel it my duty to point out mine.Hammas is a terrorist organisation plain and simple.They launch rockets and hide behind the innocent Palisinian populace,in my opinion,Hamas is a greater threat to the people of Palesine than Isreal itself. I consider Hamas an evil organsation, and the Islamic code that they preach an evil religion. Islam is not evil in itself, but certainly blowing yourself up is, remember 9/11?
Point Blank 1/5/2009 4:00:46 PM
You throw a stone at my house I'm coming out to beat the crap out of you. So stop being so self righteous, and when I come out and you run and hide behind your child then what does that make you, then worse of all you stick the stones in your childs pockets, then you cry because while I was thumping you you picked up your child and put him in the path of my punch. That is Hamas.
Cape Town Kid 1/5/2009 4:01:44 PM
It cannot be anything else. I am ashamed at the cold surgical slaughter of children.To see them dying yes dying on TV is in the realm of the UNELIEVABLE.What have we become, if we condone this? Are we heartless?..The murderous acts of the ISRAELIS is totally unacceptable and inhumane. And this from those who suffered under HITLER, this is why it is so UNBELIEVABLE! Murderers cannot be called by any other name but murderers..
morena 1/5/2009 4:03:25 PM
well you talking nonsense, you saying just because you helped me in times on pain because of that i must support in whatever nonsense you do, thats stupid
T 1/5/2009 4:04:44 PM
Lindani, I suggest that you do a tad more reading before commenting on world affairs. Also, at the same time, brush up on SA's involvement in SWA/Namibia (go back to WW I). Oh, and please stop listening to Kasrils and his mates. It's for you own good, believe me.
Point Blank 1/5/2009 4:10:19 PM
Do you know that the Al-Aqsa mosque which is very holy to Muslims is built on top of an acient Israeli temple? So tell me, who's land is it again?
Groot Volstruis 1/5/2009 4:10:47 PM
There is no crisis in the middle east. Let Africa solve its own problems and let the Middle East solve its own problems. Yours truly -- Mr Ex Prez
Stephen 1/5/2009 4:24:22 PM
Strange how the world and the South African Government now have a lot to say about Israel bombing Gaza.They condem the action.I wounder why the world was so silent including the South African Government when Hamas was shooting rockets into Israel, not a word of condemnation about that.
Mangaliso 1/5/2009 4:26:00 PM
Before world war 2 there was no isreal. This state has been an agenda of the UN states for years. This has been part of the plan for centuries. This war will never stop. Truthfully speaking, That land bellongs to none of the above mentioned nations. Jerusalem was builed by the Theops... to begin to understand this conflict, you need to look at history from the beginning and not from when Israel was astablished.
Pam 1/5/2009 4:28:54 PM
hamas should be held responsible for the civillians in palestine. hamas launch their rockets in suburban areas and put civilians in danger, using civilians as human shields. thats the kind of terrorism israel have to deal with and it won't stop there. these people are born to kill. this is not about land, religion or politics but evil evil people who wants to see blood flow.
Puhleez 1/5/2009 4:29:50 PM
Isrealis believe that, because they were discriminated against in Europe, that gives them the right to victimise others. If anyone complains, they call them "anti-semitic". Why can't anyone question whether Britain had the right to hand their colony over to the Jews, with no regard fo the people living there (the Palestinians), without being called a Nazi? Israel's anti-semitism card is as over-used, cowardly and boring as the ANC's racism card. Let's discuss whether Israel has the right to exist
Goose 1/5/2009 4:32:34 PM
Most people on this column are completely ignorant of the history of that area. Look at the history of the area over the last 3000 years and you will see who is truly the rightful owner of that land.
Hussein 1/5/2009 4:34:39 PM
The blessed land of Israel has witnessed the return of Jews for the second time in history.Do we interpret this movement to mean peace or violence for the future?The universal laws of the cause and effect are unchangeable.If we live by the sword,then the sword will eventually lead to own destruction.If we live by peace,our end will be peaceful.In this respect humanity has a duty to guide Israel and Palestinians to learn to seek peace or risk global mayhem.The choice is clear.
peace 1/5/2009 4:35:44 PM
Peace can not be emphasised enough- people are dying so stop theorising any attack from either side to be justified. Both parties must learn to dialogue and not destroy each other like animals - it just makes the war go on from generation to generation....
Elizabeth 1/5/2009 4:36:34 PM
You call the Israeli people racist. They are Jews, correct? Did you totally miss the news reports on Helen Suzman? I support Israel all the way. Where are they supposed to go, CtheB? What if some country decides SA has no right to exist and start launching missiles from their hiding places in residential areas? Will you then say SA cannot fight back, but must just take the missiles? Mohammed, was that an attempted threat? Because it failed.....
Shinbet 1/5/2009 4:41:16 PM
Pre 1948 the Palestinians had a chance to share the land with the Jews. They would own most of the land. The Jews said they would share, the Palestinians said no way! Why? Because they are racists. They teach hate to their kids, their leaders spew this hate and call for the destruction and death of every Israeli! How can Israel ever negotiate anything with a backward people like that? Why can Hamas shoot rockets into Israel without a peep, yet let Israel attack Hamas and the world cries foul ???
Reko 1/5/2009 4:43:20 PM
18 Israelis (soldiers & civilians) killed in rocketfire since 2001...500+ Palestinans killed in a week... self-defense??? "appropriate" measures of retaliation?? are we blind??!
razeen 1/5/2009 4:43:31 PM
I must say that all this talk of Israel has the right to defend itself makes me absolutely sick to the stomach. Check out Avnery's article "Molten Lead". Uri Avnery is a former Irgun, Knesset member. Having changed his views decades ago, he's now the oldest salt of the fragmented Israeli left (Dr Uri Davis, for eg, loathes him) and founder of Gush Shalom (Peace Bloc). A friend of 'Arafat and over 80 years old now his cynical observations are always close to the mark. What makes him interesting is that he has access to sources within Israel often out of reach of journalists. http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1230937462/
DJ 1/5/2009 4:43:44 PM
Hamas has as one of its (THE) key objectives, the eradication of Jews from the land known as Israel. This is no secret, as it is clearly recorded in their constitution, as well as literature tough to children in Palestinian schools. Israel historically belongs to the Jewish nation, and the deceleration of independence in 1948 was therefor an affirmation of historical fact. After 2000 years of persecution at the hand of Arabs and the rest of the world,the Jews deserve to live in peace.
baboon 1/5/2009 4:47:02 PM
Using civilians as human shields is a war crime and a crime against humanity. Deliberately attempting to indiscriminately bomb civilian targets (Sderot for eg) is a war crime and is attempted genocide on the basis of religion. So: Hamas are genocidal war criminals guilty of crimes against humanity. Starting at that point Hamas was elected by a majority. Therefore their actions are endorsed by the majority of palestinians in Gaza. They danced in the street when 9/11 happened. Nice people.
krycor 1/5/2009 4:47:14 PM
Its false to think Palestinians started the current problem because the truce was broken in nov 5th already when Israel went into the west bank.. since then the rockets have started being fired again.
Robert 1/5/2009 4:51:06 PM
1. Hamas "activists" hide in a civilian population, civilians willingly harbor and protect these cowards.. 2. Law of conflict states; those complicit in sheltering evil are fair game..if a city is built around a military establishment, the residents of the city should expect to suffer.. 4. Israel has only expanded its borders after retaliation, not through aggression. Arabs/Muslims lost land through aggression. 5. Who keeps supplying poor Hamas with ammunition to indiscriminately fire on Israel?
IM 1/5/2009 4:51:29 PM
On the question of who the land of palestine belongs to. Biblically Palestine belongs to the 'Tribes of Israel'. Who are these Tribes of Israel? The Tribes of Israel are certainly not the Zionists who currently occupy the land. They are descended mostly from a Russian tribe called Khazars, who cannot genetically trace their ancestry to Palestine. A genetic trace would have them end up somewhere in southern Russia. The Tribes of Israel are in reality the Palestinians!
Francois 1/5/2009 4:52:07 PM
Butterfly, Jesus was not a prophet or a man, He became flesh and lived amongst the people of the time, but he remains the Son of God, still alive today. And He did forgive the people that crucified Him, so who are you to condemn the them. You should maybe read your Bible more thoroughly then you will know that. Fact - it is the promised land. Love Africa, God does exists. Thou shall not kill has nothing to do with war deaths, it has to do with murder, big difference.
Boertjie 1/5/2009 4:53:22 PM
Lindani, the internet gods must have endless patience to allow such drivel to pass before their very eyes. You should read more and listen less to "intelligentsia" of the caliber of Prof Steve Friedman and former Minister of Intelligence (what a contradiction in terms!) Ronnie Casrils. By trying to compare Namibia with Israel is quite pathetic. What are you smoking? Israel has the right to defend its citizens. Finish and Klaar. AmaShini wam!
Riaz 1/5/2009 4:54:59 PM
Everyone who have defended the ''Evil State'' should do some research to see who started this conflict, how it started and why? And you'll will see that the Isreali's are at fault, this conflict was not born after 9/11, if the 9/11 attacks did not happen your views would not be the same, the USA has brainwashed everyone into thinking that every Muslim Islamic state are torrorists, Lindani hats of to you for such a wonderful artical.
Pro Truth 1/5/2009 5:00:21 PM
Anyone that takes sides in this matter against Israel (Including certain people in government) should get their facts straight and start using their brains to make an informed decision. All the islamic nations surrounding Israel, have one purpose, and that is to destroy Israel using any means possible - fact!!!. Even tellings lies or setting up their terrorist facilities in civilian areas from where attacks are launched, if needed. Do you blame Israel? I dont!
Ali 1/5/2009 5:01:07 PM
Since you want to make this a religious issue;you shouldnt be asking what the Palestinians did during Apartheid, but rather what did the Muslims do...Ahmed Kathrada - 26 years on Robben Island. Yusuf Dadoo, one of the ANC pioneers against Apartheid...I could go on...so rather than ranting about senseless stuff like who did what during the struggle, talk about the issue at hand which is Israel killing women and children.
Fikile Myati 1/5/2009 5:03:12 PM
SA Government, ANC & COPE say so, so all of SAfrica the ones that count agree with Hamas & we feel for ur loss. The ANC Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) is listed as a terrorist organization Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a terrorist, I will be proud one to, proud to know someone that would give his last drop of blood for his land. If u don't like it please leave
Rashaad 1/5/2009 5:07:13 PM
For more than 1300 years Jewish, Christian and Muslim Palestinians were living side by side. The problem is Zionism. Zionism has nothing to do with True Judaism. http://www.jewsagainstzionism.com. Desmond Tutu has also said:"Zionism has very many parallels with racism". For this the words "Black Nazi pig" were written on the walls of the St. George's Cathedral in East Jerusalem, where he was staying.
Boettie 1/5/2009 5:13:59 PM
There is a Huge difference between occupying land and closing your borders (any country has the right to close its borders with a neighbour). Israel closed off the border crossings into Gaza to keep Hamas out of Israel and cut off their rocket supplies. Gaza however is not surrounded by Israel, and shares a border with Egypt, this border is also closed because their Arab brothers in Egypt view them as troublemakers too.
Shahid 1/5/2009 5:21:00 PM
Israeli cowards can only attack the poorly armed Palestinians shame on them. HizboAllah(army of God) really messed them up when they tried to pick a fight in Lebanon. Only thing the cowards could do was to bomb the infrastructure. The cowards can only kill children, women and families. Come and face the Palestinians man to man, or should I say man to coward.
Mohammed 1/5/2009 5:25:10 PM
Israel are 100% in their rights to defend what is rightfully theirs. Your comments can be aligned with those of a chimpanzee..... You are a fool.
Audrey 1/5/2009 5:30:00 PM
There is an old saying that if you do not know what you are talking about... shut the hell up....!!! Do more research before you base your drivel on your ignorance! Pathetic article!
Dries 1/5/2009 5:32:49 PM
"Israel is the aggressor and not acting in self-defence. The Palestinians are launching rockets only to fight an enemy from their land." Bull excrement!! Stop using your terrorist mindset to look at the world. I guess the three ladies who were murdered by your idiot hero, Robert Mcbride, also invaded the land and he was merely defending himself. Cowards who fire rockets at others and hide between "innocent" masses should not cry when they say "enough is enough".
Steve 1/5/2009 5:36:41 PM
Some people really need to do some reading before they come with their biased 'one-eyed' stance. http://www.mideastweb.org/briefhistory.htm http://israel-palestine.de/books/Books.htm Also take a peek at http://www.honestreporting.com/
Dries 1/5/2009 5:37:30 PM
Approximately 60 of the 500 odd people killed in Gaza in the last 10 days were civilians, the rest got what they deserved. In South Africa more than 500 innocent people would have been murdered due to the ANC finally making SA "ungovernable" 15 years after they came to "power".
Afri 1/5/2009 5:37:47 PM
Hamas must take the blame for what is happening in Gaza. Lindani please get your facts right and stop being a commentator with argument based on hearsay. What Israel is doing should have been done in Sudan,Rwanda, DRC , Burundi and other parts of Africa where people call themselves rebels and kills civillians for years with out any actions. Send troops to smoke them out and get it done with.Send real ground offensives like Israel.
Zee 1/5/2009 5:38:01 PM
The land of Israel was formed by the British government, who decided to award land that they took from the arabs to the jewish people after the atrocoties of WWII. Palestinians had no say in the matter, so technically speaking - Israel does NOT have the right to exist. Israel is an occupying force on Palestinian soil, used by the British in the past and the US currently to further their commercial interests in the M.E. Compare Israeli casualties to Palestinian casualties - a bit lop-sided no?

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