It is an impossible situation, with no good solutions or alternatives.

My expectation from the leaders of Israel is that they do their best to find an optimal plan of action, to achieve the goal of protecting Israel’s population, while imposing the least amount of damage to innocent civilians on the other side.
It is my impression that it wasn’t exactly the case. But I also believe that deliberately harming civilians was not Israel’s intent either. A “surgical” removal of the threat is impossible. But does that mean that Israel should never use military force to defend its civilians? If a military option is out of the question, what other realistic options are there?
I think some people naively believe that Hamas would have “played nice” if Israel did too (like removing the blockade). I tend to believe otherwise. Which leaves me with no real solutions.

There are no easy solutions to this huge problem but that does not allow us to look the other way when others are suffering.  I am glad there are non-profits trying to help people. 

Peace, Suzanne St. Monica’s Church
Santa Monica, CA

I’m not sure why you chose to offer this news report in reponse to my post. If your point was to spotlight Hamas’ cynicism in regards to their own fellow citizens, that is certainly nothing new and I don’t see that it has much to do with Nancy’s testimony. One thing her words made fairly clear is that her family now lays the blame for their misery firmly at Israel’s door – and I suspect that most other Palestinians do as well. I don’t think the question is whether or not Hamas is pure of intention. We all know the answer to that one. I think the more important question is will Israel’s overwhelming military act of force in Gaza make things better or worse for all concerned?

The U.N. Relief and Works agency said it made the decision after Hamas personnel intercepted an aid shipment for the second time this week.

In a statement, UNRWA said 10 truckloads of flour and rice that had been delivered into Gaza on Thursday were taken away by trucks affiliated with the Hamas-run Ministry of Social Affairs. Earlier this week, Hamas police took thousands of blankets and food parcels meant for needy residents.

UNRWA said the suspension would remain in effect until the aid is returned and the agency receives credible assurances from the Hamas government that such thefts will end. There was no immediate reaction from Hamas.

UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said the agency would continue to distribute aid from its existing supplies in Gaza, but that stocks were running low.

“There is enough aid for days, not weeks,” he said. Complicating the situation, he said the agency has not been able to import plastic bags used for food distribution, and that existing supplies will run out early next week.

Yes, I can vouch for the veracity of what Nancy’s family personally experienced in Gaza. As for her family’s belief that Israel is committing a genocide against their people, I don’t have to intellectually agree with them to understand why they might feel this way.

I’m sorry you weren’t able to open your heart to Nancy’s story at least to the extent that you might understand this as well.