Machsom - Israeli women peace activists

Not all Israelis are bad. Machsom is an organisation of Israeli women peace activists who amongst other things, monitor the border crossings between the occupied Territories and Israel.

At their site there are a number of articles which highlight Israeli injustices against Palestinians.

One such example is that of Saddam, a 20-year-old Palestinian who has a mental age of only 3. He was detained for no legitimate reason with 3 other Palestinians. All four were released individually at different remote locations and had to make their own way back to their homes. Saddam wasn't found until the following day, when he was picked up by the Palestinian police.

Such examples of inhumanity perpetrated by the Israeli authorities are not unusual, more are catalogued at the links in this article.

Prediction: Israel to mount new attack on Gaza

I anticipate that Israel is currently trying to provoke the Palestinians into providing Israel with a pretext for a further large-scale attack against Gaza.

According to Israeli journal "Haaretz", the Israel Air Force has carried out two strikes today, ostensibly targeting known terrorists who were about to launch an imminent attack on Israel.

I don't question that these were known terrorists, but I have grave doubts that they were about to launch an imminent attack. I strongly suspect that Israel is trying to provoke a reaction from the Palestinians in order that they can then use that as a pretext for an already planned military operation in Gaza. Palestinian militants are reported to have already launched an unsuccessful missile attack against Israel in response.

Then in another article at the same newspaper is the following little nugget:

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz marked the three-year anniversary of Operation Cast Lead yesterday by hailing it "an excellent operation that achieved deterrence for Israel vis-a-vis Hamas." However, he warned, cracks have emerged in that deterrence over time, and a second round of fighting in the Gaza Strip is not a matter of choice for Israel.

Such a round must be initiated by Israel and must be "swift and painful," he said, adding, "I do not advise Hamas to test our mettle."

Buckle up, Palestine, I think you are in for another rough ride, and don't expect any support from the 'civilised' countries.....