June 29, 2006:

The Israeli incursion into Gaza is indicative of how volatile the situation is, and of how extreme Israeli military response is. Since Israel unilaterally disengaged from Gaza six months ago, small factions of Palestinian militants have launched Qassam missiles (crude and inaccurate mortar shells) over the Gaza boarder, killing 8 Israeli citizens. In response, Israel has shelled Gaza using large sophisticated weapons, killing 80 Palestinians.

The recent events leading up to this incursion are typical for Israel, but not so for Hamas. The military group of Hamas crossed over into Israeli territory and attacked a military compound, killing 2 and kidnapping one soldier. They then asked for the release of the hundreds of women and children held in Israeli prisons. This tactic has been used before, and previous Prime Ministers have negotiated prisoners for hostages. Not to mention, Israel has sanctioned kidnapping as a leverage tool itself in the past. This time, Israel decides to invade Gaza, shelling and destroying a power plant and several bridges, effectively cutting off electricity, power and water for Gaza's 1.3 million inhabitants.

Those who always argue against moral equivalency as to terrorist attacks vs. military attacks are amazingly quiet on the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel, and the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, which violates international laws. Even if this incursion causes Hamas militants to release the captured soldier, Gaza will be in crisis for months trying to repair the damage, provided they are given the aid or ability to conduct such repairs. The idea that the life of one military soldier is equal to millions of civilians goes to the heart of how Israel regards Palestinian life.