Aid and Advocacy Mixed

A few days before the standoff between the Israeli soldier and the activists, the former issued a stern warning that the flotilla carrying the humanitarian aid will not be allowed to enter the Gaza strip.  Israel has called the delivery of the aid to Gaza a provocative act, as it suspects the vessels to carry arms, rockets and missiles for the use by the Hamas in strengthening its troops and arming the local population. Israel has claimed further that Gaza is stable and is not of need of humanitarian relief.  Besides, the flotilla is said to violate international law, put Israel’s security in jeopardy, and politicize humanitarian aid especially since it was held by the Israeli authorities that the Turkish Islamic charity that supported the humanitarian aid had ties with terrorism networks, including al-Qaeda.

To the credit of some flotilla passengers, they did admit that one of their goals was to highlight Israel overly strong position on Gaza and against the Palestinians.  They, however, maintained that Gaza is running short of essentials of daily living.

The confrontation generated a global outcry.  Israel tried to defuse the tension by setting free hundreds of arrested activists.  The activists, nevertheless, claimed that they were physically and verbally abused by the Israeli soldiers. 

At present, another flotilla of humanitarian aid is being prepared by the activists.  Are we to see another round of violent confrontation?  Israel is showing signs that it is not going to bow to the global pressure brought about by the media coverage and global condemnation of these developments.

The Israeli leadership calls for direct talks with their Palestinian counterparts, as indirect peace talks began last month with the United States as mediator.  But, a major cause of concern is how the bloody confrontation to affect the prospects of peace in the Middle East.

Definitely, the actions by Israel – like the release of the activists – are temporary solution.  And, the main issue in this incident is for Israel to finally end its three-year blockade of the coastal enclave of Gaza.