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'Condemning Israeli offensive' [editor's
title] We agree with Barry Gardiner that 'Israel's attack on Gaza is not just wrong but madness' (letter, 15 Jan), but unlike him cannot but condemn them for it. As we write, Israel’s latest indiscriminate and disproportionate offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians, including 322 children. Another 4,000 are injured. The casualties over the same period on the Israeli side is 13. What’s not to condemn for this unrelenting and horrific attack? Moreover, Mr Gardiner risks playing into the hands of the Israeli propaganda machine by attempting to reframe the latest onslaught as somehow consequent upon an earlier rocket launch by Hamas. The propagandists would also have us believe that the deaths Israel has directly caused were instead the result of the alleged use by Hamas of “human shields”. It were as though, for argument’s sake, that could justify Israel in killing Palestinians held hostage - in order to save them. No, even on its own terms, Israel’s onslaught is self-defeating and could be predicted only to increase violence and extremism in turn. Brent Green Party calls upon Barry Gardiner to respond to his constituents' concerns about the terrible loss of innocent lives by putting his full weight behind all efforts to bring about* the withdrawal of Israeli troops – in accordance with the latest UN resolution 1860. Shahrar Ali, Green candidate for the European Parliament London Region Martin Francis, Green Parliamentary candidate for Brent North Brent Green Party *"a ceasfire and" deleted by editor since change in situation at time of publication. |
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Letter published in |