Answer to submitter. Acknowledging that Gaza is part of an unsolved issue of occupation

Max Hüttner argues that criticism of Israel’s actions in the Middle East loses credibility unless the same loud demands are placed on Hamas. I do not share that view. Conducting terrorist acts on Hamas is obvious, but it must never be used as an excuse to close your eyes to the disproportionate violence and the systematic oppression that the Palestinians are exposed to by the Israeli state.

Hüttner writes that he is involved in humanitarian support for the entire population of Israel. It is commendable, but it must not obscure the fact that the acute humanitarian need in Gaza, and on the West Bank, is a direct consequence of Israel’s decades of occupation, blockade and military interventions. Talking about support to the « entire population » without addressing the power imbalance and the specific needs of the Palestinian population risks relativizing the situation.

Similar resistance to an occupying power with terrorism is a dangerous simplification. Palestinians have the right to self -determination and the right to fight for their freedom, even though that struggle sometimes manifests itself in violence. It is important to remember that Hamas does not represent all Palestinians and that there is a broad palette of opinions and forms of resistance within Palestinian society.

The submitter suggests That a terrorist stamp gives a kind of « carte blanche » in the debate. That’s exactly what we have to counteract. Terrorist stamps are often used to silence critics of states’ actions and to legitimize violence against marginalized groups.

I am convinced that a fair and sustainable peace in the Middle East requires us:

● unconditionally condemns all attacks against civilians, regardless of who performs them. This includes both Hamas rocket attacks and Israel’s indiscriminate bombings of Gaza.

● put pressure on Israel to cease the occupation of Palestinian areas.

● Requires that Israel respects international law and human rights.

● Supports the Palestinians’ right to self -determination and its own state.

● Increases humanitarian support for the Palestinian population, especially in Gaza.

To support Palestine In this difficult time, you do not justify terrorism. It is about standing up for human rights, international law and a fair peace. It is about recognizing that the deeply rooted conflict has its roots in an unsolved question of occupation and denied the right to self -determination. It is high time to focus on addressing these roots, rather than just condemning symptoms.

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