The Middle East images on the news are horrifying. Israel has initiated its ground offensive. Its going to be an intense battle, with terrible losses of life on both sides.
Hamas is constantly releasing videos of the death and destruction caused by the Israeli attacks. I would like all the videos of the Oct. 7 attack released to the public, so that the world will see exactly what extreme war crimes Hamas was guilty of, and why Israel’s retaliation is so severe. Hamas is clearly winning the propaganda war.
Hezbollah is already involved in small attacks on US forces in the region, with the US retaliating on a small scale. Iran is backing both Hezbollah and Hamas. I fear that this could get extremely ugly with escalating hostilities between the US and the Arab countries in the region, not to mention Turkey, and even Russia, if the US were to attack Iran. Even China is now getting involved, blaming Israel for the hostilities, and even the Jews in the Western world for their support of Israel.
In my opinion Israel has gotten more than enough payback for Oct. 7. I do not feel there is any positive outcome possible from more hostilities. In fact I feel that the longer it goes on the more the hostilities will spread, with potential for a wide-spread war involving many countries.
I do not believe Hamas can be defeated without unacceptable Israeli soldier casualties, and the Arab children are so indoctrinated against the Israelis that there will be more Hamas recruits for generations to come.
It is time for a cease fire, and serious negotiations, when the emotions have settled down, for a 2 state solution that accepts Israel’s right to exist, and gives the Palestinians their own land, without the apartheid they have had to endure for many years. Of course this will require a much more moderate government to be in power in Israel for this to be achieved. Netanyahu must go.
I realize that I have changed my views from being optimistic for a victory over Hamas, to a more realistic one, in my opinion, that Hamas cannot be eradicated. A mutually acceptable and peaceful 2 state solution must finally be found...