316 Comments
тна Return to thread

I consider the actions of the Netanyahu government in Gaza to be war crimes of the first degree. What Israel is doing in Gaza, however reprehensible and counter productive, is not genocide and it is morally inexcusable to abase the term genocide by suggesting that it is.

Expand full comment

It's not like any of the other Arab countries have been lining up to open their borders to Palestinian refugees. One could make a moral case they are complicit in Bibi's war crimes. It's not like the countries surrounding Ukraine didn't demonstrate how to handle a massive flow of war refugees.

Expand full comment

I agree not genocide, but what war crimes in the first degree? While it's possible war crimes have been committed, I have not seen that proven, either in court or in the court of rational discourse. ( And Hamas propaganda is not proof; neither is the fact that civilian Gazans have been injured or killed proof. Sadly, civilians are injured and killed in war.)

Expand full comment

I agree with you, for now is just mass displacement and apartheid.

Expand full comment

Apartheid is a tricky term: I, and I think most people, view it as dejure discrimination within a country. I've never seen the term used in the context of occupied territory. Unless you are contending that Israel proper practices apartheid. Which is a big stretch. If Israel incorporates Gaza and the West Bank into itself, then yes, it would be apartheid. Which is why so many Israelis want a two-state solution.

Expand full comment

Agree about the term. However, here is an update on Israelis and a two-state solution: "Prior to the attack, many Israelis supported this path to peace with the Palestinians. Now, 65% oppose it, with nearly half of this shift occurring directly as a result of October 7, reflecting a deepening skepticism about the feasibility of such a plan amid ongoing terrorism and violence emanating from Gaza" [https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2024/08/02/polling_shows_shift_in_israeli_opinions_of_gaza_and_two-state_solution_1048994.html].

Expand full comment

In what occupation would there NOT be apartheid? Occupation, by its nature, previleges those who are occupying. In any case, the Court did not rule in its advisory opinion that Israel itself is an apartheid state. But half the student protesters will think it is. I'd also be interested to know what percentage of protesters think ALL of Israel is 'occupied'.

Expand full comment

Thx. I was unaware of that decision.

Expand full comment