Dear all
Answering your question: I don't want to be "other of those" in your words "Those in Israel said that they were defending themselves". I prefer to repeat the words of the Palestinian President Abu Abbas "Hamas could prevent this massacre" or the Egyptian President Mubarak "I told the Hamas to stop firing rockets against the pop of Israel".
Since more than 2 years Israel left the occupied Gaza (100%), the answer was firing rockets against the civilian population of Israel with the purpose to kill, and to sent suicide bombers.
Six month ago Israel and Hamas achieve a cease fire accord, and that thanks to the mediation of Egypt (Because Hamas said that will never recognize the existence of Jews in the Middle East), one month ago these cease fire ended, and Israel and Egypt declared that they wish to renew the pact. Hamas declared that they will not continue with it, and started to bomb all the Israeli population (92 rockets in only one dayand 600 in 3 weeks) in the south of Israel. Unfortunately all the press as well the UN was silent (and many of my friends).
During 7 years all the Israeli children in the south of Israel (500.000 pop) are in panic, they don't know what is to sleep and to wake without panic. I don't know what to say to them, you don't either.
Gaza was part of Egypt until 1967 and now has common borders with it. Maybe this country should take responsibility. If Hamas don't want contact with Israel the border will be closed. However, what I want and most of the peace makers in the peace camp, is to achieve a peace agreement.
I agree that Israel should withdrawal from all the occupied territories in 1967, even if this country have some historical rights, and there is a need for international guaranties.
If the government of Gaza and its army stop firing (YES, even if you don't believe they have a government, ministers, army. etc.) , Israel will do the same.
Ernesto Kahan
