Why does no one blame Hamas for the destruction in Gaza? Hamas wanted this “round of violence” to demonstrate that Abbas isn’t the true protector of Al-Aqsa and of Jerusalem — Hamas is. Since May 10, 4,000 rockets were fired at population centers in Israel, intending to overwhelm the iron dome, which has intercepted ninety percent. [Source: New York Times] Without iron dome, half of Israel would be in rubble, and thousands would be dead. Instead, they are living in safe rooms and bomb shelters. In southern Israel people have 15 seconds to get to a shelter when they hear the siren.
Hamas also has a fool-proof system for protecting its civilians. It’s called don’t fire rockets at Israel.
In 2005 Israel withdrew from Gaza with hopes for peace. Greenhouses were left behind to give the state income. They were burned to the ground. Gaza has served as the launching pad for thousands of missiles to rain down on Israel ever since. In 2005, the missiles could only reach southern Israel. Today, thanks to their limitless supply from Iran, missiles reach most of Israel. Hamas fires rockets from population centers to deter Israel and to get them to kill more people for the photo opportunity (to delegitimize Israel). Hundreds of rockets fell short and killed Gazans. [Source: Wikepedia]
Should Israel sit around and wait for its annihilation while Iran-backed Hamas perfects its weapons? Every country protects its citizens. Israel warns Gazans to leave before they strike. [Source: Israel National News].
Although Gazans live in poverty, Hamas spends $100 million a year on its military, 40 million goes to building the 1,300 terror tunnels under Gaza. Each rocket costs hundreds. [Wikipedia, Times of Israel]
What would Gaza look like if these funds were spent on growing their seaside country instead of destroying Israel? When people chant “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” what they are openly admitting is that they want a world with Israel wiped off the map, which is part of the Hamas charter. I feel for innocent deaths, and know that a military solution wrong. But please see the role of Hamas in Gaza suffering.
Rhonda Wainshilbaum lives in Leyden.