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Originally Posted by Z

I feel terrible for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip that are suffering the consequences of Hamas gleefully committing such barbaric atrocities, I do, but I am really appalled at the number of people I know who have chosen to share support with the people of Palestine without so much as a tear for the massacre that prompted this latest escalation. I keep wondering if these same people would be declaring the Manchester Arena bombing victims deserved what happened to them because our government does terrible things around the world to other populations? The actions of the Israeli government or Hamas do not reflect all the civilians they represent any more than our government represents all of us. I do not believe a majority of people in the UK are equipped to discuss what's happening in Israel, Palestine and the borders of Lebanon and Egypt, our media and politicians like to present the Middle East as an amorphous desert war zone and definitely don't want to explain any sort of context of why there is so much hostility, because it's the fault of our ancestors.

People sharing infographics that imply 'well, Hamas had the right to slash throats, burn people alive, kidnap and gun them down, because, you know, Israel' is feeding into anti-Jewish sentiments. It's grotesque. I have a friend who went to Palestine a few years ago and she's been, in my opinion, fervently sharing stuff like this, as if this all happened in a vacuum. It's really affecting me in a way I can't shake. Israel is surrounded by hostile entities. How can anyone reasonably expect the Israeli government to... calmly accept what happened? I understand denouncing them cutting off water, electricity and safe passage because that is objectively terrible, but what's the practical alternative at this very moment? Doing nothing certainly can't be it. I don't know, I'm feeling very sad about it all, I feel very sorry for the innocent people caught up in all this chaos, and very disappointed with the rhetoric I'm seeing in our country about it all.

Thanks for this thoughtful post Z. I share your feelings about the situation.