By Tom Brennan
The media and news outlets are publishing photos and videos of the destruction resulting from Israel’s defensive action in Gaza. The death toll is a tragedy and the sorrow is felt by all those who care throughout the world. Israel was attacked by an acknowledged terrorist organization which knows no scruples, has no conscience and cannot be trusted in any way, shape or form. Hamas used the citizens of Gaza, men, women and children as shields and pawns in their despicable acts of violence against Israel and its civilian population. Can they be trusted to hold to any ceasefire, truce or treaty?
It is general knowledge that the people of Gaza have shown an increasing desire to dislodge Hamas from any positions of leadership or control in their government, and rightly so. By and large they were coerced into staying as human shields for the rocket and missile launches and tunnel construction. They were betrayed and used and our sympathy is with them. It is obvious that with the positive support of outside forces the people of Gaza would be willing to evict Hamas so that they can rebuild their homes, cities and lives in an atmosphere of assured peace. It is time for Christians to exercise their influence for an honorable and dependable peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers”.
Christians must first of all support Israel and the right of this nation to exist and live in peace with its neighbors. Israel must not be coerced into trading territory for peace by any nation or group of nations as well. Removing the instigators of the violent acts from any voice in Gaza’s governance is the fist step. Next can be that the written guarantees for any and all aid to the region be underwritten by a pledge to exclude Hamas, its members and adherents from any involvement in the disbursal of any kind of aid, material or financial. It’s time for a plan and strategy to save Gaza.
After the end of WW2, Europe was in ruins. Carpet bombing and ground warfare had left agriculture and factories were left devastated. The plans of Stalin for an expanded Soviet Union were understood by President Truman and by General George C. Marshall.They knew from history how the excessive penalties placed on a defeated Germany in 1918 gave a cause to the rise of Fascism in Europe and its accompanying anti-Semitic events and tragedies. They proposed an economic development and rebuilding plan that removed any financial incentive for the growth of Communism in Europe. The same methodology can work in Gaza.
Merely supplying temporary aid will have no lasting effect. A long term, administered and accountable plan with written conditions and monitoring will build a steady economy. A plan that would enable the people of Gaza to build a future that leaves behind conflict and enables them to work and partner with the neighboring countries, Egypt and Israel is worth serious consideration.
The funding for this “Gaza Marshall Plan” can come from multiple sources. The funds must be applied to the plan and the progress and results monitored. The government of Gaza must be held accountable. Peace cannot be accomplished while men wear masks. Real peace is made by those who are accountable, honest and have the interests of their people as their goal.
It’s time for the people of Gaza to cast aside the leaders who betrayed them and used them to further their own violent goals. Real peace will require a decision to deal honestly and honorably with Israel and to make better lives for themselves. The people of Gaza will find that Israel is a good neighbor and will welcome them with the hand of friendship once they have made their decision to make a sincere peace. Standing with Israel and insisting on honest negotiations and responsible conduct from the leadership in Gaza is the first step. Investing in the citizens of Gaza and offering real change is the next. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of G-d.”
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