Albuquerque Journal · Albuquerque, New Mexico · 27 June 2010

CP-2010-028

Mavi Marmara Reaction

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Transcribed from the clipping

RICHARD FORER’S op-ed column on Israel’s “attack” on the flotilla ship Mavi Marmara in Wednesday’s Journal aids Hamas in its propaganda war against Israel, but it doesn’t do much for the cause of peace.

His statement that “it is the blockade that is the stimulus for rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory” displays either complete ignorance of recent events, or a blatant desire to mislead. The blockade was imposed in 2007 amidst a continuing barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, which started when Israel withdrew in 2005.

The blockade eased during a 2008 cease fire that lasted for six months, until the rocket fire began to intensify again.

Forer ignores other key facts: Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, elected by the populace there in 2007, refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a nation; Hamas declares itself to be at war with Israel and seeks every means possible to replenish its supply of arms.

Under Hamas, Gaza militants have continued to fire hundreds of rockets into Israel in violation of the 2009 ceasefire, including several this very month. Israel’s blockade is an ugly and tragic thing, but unavoidable under such conditions. All sides need to seek ways to establish a just and lasting peace.

In the meantime, Israel transfers 10-15,000 tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza a week, including the aid brought in on the five ships of the flotilla that, unlike the Mavi Marmara, cooperated with Israeli forces.

But of course, cooperating with Israel might help meet needs in the Gaza Strip, but it doesn’t help win the propaganda war, and that was the real aim of the Mavi Marmara. RUSSELL RESNIK Albuquerque

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