Gaza solution begins with Hamas"*

*Interview with Rabbi Jack Moline on washingtonpost.com: "Gaza solution
begins with Hamas"*
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/jack_moline/2010/06/take_a_step_back.html

*Q: In a statement Monday, Vice President Biden said the U.S. is consulting
with other nations "on new ways to address the humanitarian, economic,
security, and political aspects of the situation in Gaza." What are the
religious and moral considerations in determining those "new ways,"
especially in light of Israel's raid on an aid flotilla from Turkey bound
for Gaza.*

I don't subscribe to the conventional wisdom that the "Gaza flotilla" was a
watershed event in the Middle East. And the facts contradict the presumption
that the residents of Gaza are suffering wholesale life-threatening
deprivation. They have been deprived of certain materials that Hamas has
consistently diverted from peaceable use to waging war on Israeli civilians.
So it is hard to answer this question in its context. But I do have an
answer.

The religious and moral context of alleviating suffering in Gaza begins with
an insistence by the world community of humanitarians and peace activists
that Israel's right to exist be affirmed. As long as the "partners" in
delivering goods and supplies to the residents they "govern" are on record
as demanding the dismantling of Israel by any means necessary, it is
disingenuous to suggest that outsiders have some special responsibility to
offer aid and comfort to them.

If the goal is comprehensive compassion and fairness, then let's hear Turkey
and and other concerned parties begin by speaking truth to Hamas. If Hamas'
cooperation and moral conduct are forthcoming, then I will join the chorus
of people demanding changes in Israel's policies. Only then I suspect there
won't be a need for one.
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