A cease-fire is in place and has ended the conflict in Gaza for now. No telling how permanent it will be.
Hardly surprising, there is no actual, mutual cease-fire agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians -- each side has made its own unilateral declaration of a cease-fire. Leave it to those in power to make sure to get the political posturing just right. Brilliant.
During 22 days of fighting, Palestinian officials in Gaza have reported more than 1,200 Palestinians killed, while Israel has reported 13 Israelis killed. Palestinian medical sources said 23 bodies were pulled from rubble Sunday in Gaza, adding to the Palestinian toll.
The leaders on both sides can craft statements to explain to the families left behind what the purpose of it all was. The Israelis are undoubtedly happy that many in the Hamas leadership have been killed. Many Palestinians are likely to be glad that at least a few Israeli soldiers lost their lives. How all of that tallies up on the scoreboard I guess I can't tell you. CNN has a postgame wrap-up of sorts, for what it's worth.
Meanwhile, today, the talk I heard amongst Israelis in the restaurant at lunch and at the kibbutz we are staying at tonight was all about Gilad Shalit, and less about any political agendas. Who is he? He is the Matt Damon (think "Saving Private Ryan") of Israel. Google his name and find out. There is major disappointment that he has not been rescued, and for everyday citizens, his fate seems to be more important than any strategic issues that leaders love to talk about.
Hopefully he can be found and brought home again to be happily reunited with family and live a life of peace and happiness with a future.
There are 1,200 Palestinians and 13 Israelis that won't.
No comments:
Post a Comment