War in Gaza
Publicado em Jan 12, 2009 12:31 PM
Inesc
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE WAR IN GAZA
Institute for Socioeconomic Studies (INESC)[1]
The situation in the Middle East developed toward an exacerbation of the conflict and historic hatred between Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict cannot be explained solely by the region’s ancient and bellicose history. The Gaza war also results from a recent international political triangle of horror and omission.
On the one hand, Israel’s brutality has the objective of proving its military might called into question after the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, in 2006. On the other hand, the Arab world shows political indifference and omission concerning the Palestinian people. Finally, there is also omission of the great powers in relation to promoting real diplomatic dialogue conducive to a lasting peace in the region.[2]
Israeli brutality and disproportional attacks against the Palestinians are unacceptable. However, it is also unacceptable Hamas’ guerilla strategy against the Israeli population. Since 2001, Hamas has launched thousands of rockets against Israeli civilians. In addition, the fact that Hamas does not recognize Israel’s right to exist only fuels ideologically a never-ending war. The state of Israel is a concrete and undeniable reality, as much as the state of Palestine is legitimate.
As a consequence, this war is marked by the killing of hundreds of civilians, especially women, children and elderly people who are hit in the spaces of their daily activities, violating their fundamental right to life and fostering a culture of hatred.
In such a context, the only acceptable solution are diplomatic negotiations. It is fundamental to promote an immediate cease-fire on both sides; set up an international commission to monitor humanitarian aid and peace; call a UN multilateral peace conference; ensure control of the Gaza-Egypt border by international forces; and finally guarantee strict adherence to all humanitarian and other treaties.
Peace negotiations should aim at a permanent cessation of attacks to any territory, recognition of Israel’s existence by the Arab world, and definition of borders for the Palestinian people. Finally, the region needs more democracy and radicalization of human rights in all their dimensions.
[1] INESC is a public-purpose, nonpartisan, democratic nonprofit Brazilian NGO founded in 1979. Its mission is to "contribute toward improving direct, representative and participatory democracy with the aim of ensuring human rights, by fostering links in civil society and strengthening it to influence domestic and international governance spaces."
[2] The omission of world powers also includes other barbaric acts throughout the world, where thousands of men, women, and children are murdered, tortured, and quartered. For example, In Darfur, Sudan, millions of people have been expelled from their homes.
