Posted in: Israel strikes across Gaza as U.S. says it will block another cease-fire resolution at U.N. See in context
NB: sadly too many Palestinians aren't interested in a 2 state solution. They perfer a one state solution- theirs, with Israel being destroyed. "From the river to the sea", remember? How is Israel supposed to negotiate with people like that?
Again, it seems like the so-called "genocide" is quite slow motion. Even if we believe the inflated and inaccurate numbers provided by Hamas, less than 30,000 Gazans have been killed in more than 4 months of intense fighting. That is a remarkably low number, and also represents less than 2% of the population. Some genocide...
As for the ghetto-like society, perhaps for some. But the leaders of Hamas and the PA live in luxury, having reaped billions in illicit gains. Not to mention, Gaza was far from a 'camp' before this attack. It was thriving, vibrant, there were 3 star hotels and restaurants (just check TripAdvisor), hardly a refugee camp as most people imagine.
-5 ( +3 / -8 )
Posted in: Israel strikes across Gaza as U.S. says it will block another cease-fire resolution at U.N. See in context
Hamas, what you are doing is known as "reaping the whirlwind". You wanted a death struggle, you got it. The so-called 'innocent' civilians in Gaza have had more than 15 years to throw the terrorist scum out and did not do so, Rather, they coddled and encouraged them, with the overt support of UN groups like UNRWA.
Gaza was not occupied when the terrorists attacked on October 7. It was simply pure evil in human form.
For those calling for sanctions on Israel, what sanctions do you propose to put on Hamas? Or is it OK for Hamas to remain in power in Gaza for you. It is kind of hard for Israel to try and negotiate, when the other partner in the negotiation starts from the perspective that Israel should be eliminated and all Jews should die.
-3 ( +4 / -7 )
Posted in: Israeli PM says U.N. agency for Palestinians must close; Israeli warplanes strike Gaza See in context
15 million refugees were created when India and Pakistan separated. They didn't get a separate and special agency. Nearly a million Jews were ejected from various Muslim countries in the 1940-50s. They didn't get a separate and special agency. So why do a few hundred thousand Arabs?
-5 ( +1 / -6 )
Posted in: Cease-fire efforts for Israel-Hamas war gain steam, but agreement still appears elusive See in context
There is no way that Hamas should be rewarded with a state after the horror they unleashed. The only thing Hamas needs is to be erased from the face of the Earth. Unfortunately, in their heart of hearts most Palestinians actually prefer a one state solution, 'from the river to the sea'. The very existence of a Jewish state as a neighbor is anathema to them- reminds them of their past failures to kill all the Jews in the area.
If you want a cease fire, a good start would be if the so-called 'peaceful innocent' civilians of Gaza would turn over all Hamas members to the IDF, along with the hostages and all weapons used to attack Israeli civilians. If they were to do so, the war would be over in a day.
But that won't happen because Hamas enjoys widespread support among the people of Gaza. And as long as they support Hamas, they will pay a price.
-6 ( +3 / -9 )
Posted in: Israel pounds central Gaza, as thousands of Palestinians try to escape See in context
...and the IDF is on a "genocide mission" for "decades". Sure. The poorest, least effective, and slowest genocide in human history. A genocide where the targeted population has grown by 500% since 1967. Enough of the hyperbole.
Same with "refugee camps". There are no "camps" in Gaza in the way most people think. Gazans weren't living in tents in camps, trekking for water and doing their laundry in the sea. Perhaps in 1949, but no longer. The places labelled as "refugee camps" today have high rise apartments, wifi connections, cafes, and markets. Yet more Hamas propaganda that needs correcting.
-4 ( +5 / -9 )
Posted in: Israel pounds central Gaza, as thousands of Palestinians try to escape See in context
Antique- yes, it is all on Hamas. Well, Hamas and the other islamofascists living in a fantasy land of grievance and wounded pride.
They had the chance for their own nation in 1948 and threw it away. Now, their chance of actually returning to Israel is exactly zero. Third and fourth generation 'refugees', kept impoverished by their brothers and fellow Muslims, fed a diet of anger and bitterness. They are the only group to have their own special UN organization to help them keep the blood flowing. The only one that refuses to accept reality.
Israel exists, and will exist, as a Jewish state. There are more than 20 Arab states, and more than 50 Muslim states, where the Palestinians could easily have been accommodated. Yet they weren't.
And yes, the 'right of return' is a fantasy, and a cruel joke. Unless you ALSO accept that all the Jews were were abused and forced out of the above mentioned Arab/Muslim states can 'return' and demand their property back.
As for Gaza in particular, they were given a chance in 2005. A chance to make something for their children, and for themselves. Aid money to create a flourishing economy, a thriving democracy, and a secure state. They chose to throw it away and keep nursing on hatred.
-1 ( +6 / -7 )
Posted in: Israel pounds central Gaza, as thousands of Palestinians try to escape See in context
Very true. The people of Gaza have let Hamas grow in their midst, fully aware of Hamas' genocidal goals. The UN cooperated by feeding the fantasy 'right of return' to them.
Well, the bill is due.
-9 ( +4 / -13 )
Posted in: The right to protest is under threat in Britain, undermining a pillar of democracy See in context
Endangering public safety and welfare by intentionally clogging up the streets is obviously a crime. The protest could just as easily be held on the sidewalk or in a park.
-6 ( +22 / -28 )
Posted in: Somber Bethlehem marks Christmas with vigil See in context
Resistance to what? The Israeli occupation of Gaza?
Oh yeah. Doesn't exist. Never mind.
-2 ( +0 / -2 )
Posted in: Syrians cancel Christmas festivities in solidarity with Gaza See in context
I wonder if the Jews in Syria did the same…
-1 ( +2 / -3 )
Posted in: Israeli airstrikes kill dozens across central and southern Gaza See in context
Sakura: you might also want to read about the 'Jewish Nakba', which happened after the state of Israel was formed. Nearly a million Jews were expelled from various Arab/Muslim countries with no compensation or pity.
The problem here is that Hamas is still trying to fight wars that have been lost. Smart countries like Jordan and Egypt (not to mention the Abraham Accord nations) are facing reality and willing to move forward. Iran and their proxy terrorist groups are unable to do so, and are trying to disrupt the process with these attacks.
There is no oppressor/oppressed narrative here. It is a ridiculous neo-Marxist simplification of history to see it that way. The only 'genocide' is the one that Hamas and their ilk would love to unleash on Israel, if they had the power do so.
-2 ( +2 / -4 )
Posted in: Israeli airstrikes kill dozens across central and southern Gaza See in context
We can always re-fight history- there WAS a 'two state solution' in 1948. It was rejected by the Palestinians and their Arab backers, and Israel was attacked in an attempted genocide. Successive generations saw more attacks, and more defeats of the Palestinians and their backers. Time for them to admit defeat and recognize the reality that Israel will continue to exist. And will continue to kick their asses until they do.
Then, we can talk about peace. Palestinians receive billions of dollars in aid every year. More than enough to make a flourishing and independent society, but the money is stolen by thugs and terrorists. Instead, they prefer to nurse old grudges and allow themselves to be used as puppets by the mullahs in Iran. Well, that time is ending.
-3 ( +2 / -5 )
Posted in: New York will set up commission to consider reparations for slavery See in context
Exactly. The budget of New York can easily stretch to accommodate this latest pander /s
Nothing like guilty white liberals to pour more slop into the government trough.
-2 ( +0 / -2 )
Posted in: U.S. envoys work for new hostage release deal, scale-down of Israel-Hamas war but say no timetable See in context
Richard: if you want to see mass murder, just look at what Muslims do to each other. Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, far worse than anything Israel as ever done.
If you are agaiinst human rights, women's rights, LGBT rights, then by all means support Hamas and the Palestinians.
-2 ( +4 / -6 )
Posted in: U.S. closes 2 rail crossings in Texas so agents can help process migrants See in context
"Process" migrants? What does that mean... take their names and release them into the country. How about refuse to let them enter in the first place? Or detain them until they can prove their claims for refugee/asylum status? It really isn't that hard to figure out.
The human smugglers in Mexico and central America are getting rich due to America being so soft. Thousands of fit looking young men turn up every day. None look like they have had an arduous journey on foot from somewhere far away. All relatively well dressed, carry similar backpacks, are clean, shaven, and with neat haircuts. Again, not looking like they just walked 1000km to the border. Obviously, they paid human traffickers to carry them to the border and then just bounced across. The image of the poor, starving family struggling along the long road to freedom is a myth and a lie.
-6 ( +1 / -7 )
Posted in: U.S. envoys work for new hostage release deal, scale-down of Israel-Hamas war but say no timetable See in context
The people of Gaza are learning that if you lie down with dogs, you get fleas. Years of supporting Hamas, looking the other way when Hamas fired terror rockets from their gardens, built tunnels under their schools and so on, have led them to today.
And even so, the IDF has been remarkably restrained and merciful.
-3 ( +4 / -7 )
Posted in: Talks on border security grind on as Trump invokes Nazi-era 'blood' rhetoric against immigrants See in context
Typical media spin. The ACTUAL problem- millions of people flooding the US illegally, is only briefly discussed. However, the REACTION of the GOP is discussed in excruciating detail.
How about reporting on why so many of the so-called 'refugees' are actually young, fit men. Who seem remarkably well dressed, well fed, well groomed and well equipped despite having supposedly made a long and harrowing journey of hundreds of miles on foot to get to the border. Or report on the busses and trains that ferry them to the border. I even heard one network referring to a human trafficker as a "guide" who was hired by Chinese migrants to help them cross into the States.
But no. Every syllable that drips from the lips of the Bad Orange Man is more important, and must be put under the microscope.
-11 ( +1 / -12 )
Posted in: Israel faces new calls for truce after killing of hostages raises alarm about its conduct in Gaza See in context
The IDF is a professional military force and conducts itself as such, much like the British Army, US Army, German Wehrmacht, and so on. But sadly, when fighting an enemy that pays no respect whatsoever to any semblance of humanity or proper conduct, tragedies like this will happen. The difference is that the IDF will make an honest effort to evaluate what happened and take steps to prevent it. Would Hamas?
The whole 'whose land is it' narrative is moot. Israel exists, and will not give any land back to people that left in 1948. That is simply the way human confilct works. Jews from Algeria, Morocco, etc cannot go back and claim THEIR land again. Muslims who fled India during the partition can't go back to India and claim their land. Why are Palestinians different? Simply, they are not. But they have been fed propaganda and lies from fellow Arab/Muslim countries for decades, they have been given false hope to keep them upset and easy to exploit. And the results can be seen today.
-8 ( +2 / -10 )
Posted in: Biden impeachment inquiry authorized by House Republicans, despite lack of evidence See in context
There are two separate issues here- Hunter's taxes and Joe's impeachment.
As for the business dealings, the goalposts have been moving steadily. From the 2020 Presidential debates when Joe said "my son made no money from China" and "we never talked about his business". That changed to "we weren't in business together" and now finally "not financially involved in business". Which means of course that Joe WAS involved in Hunter's business dealings, just not financially.
The impeachment is another matter. There doesn't need to be a direct pipeline to Joe Biden for his conduct to be illegal. If any of his family benefits directly from Joe's actions, he is also guilty on bribery or influence peddling charges.
-5 ( +4 / -9 )
Posted in: Israel strikes across Gaza as offensive leaves both it and U.S. increasingly isolated See in context
Yes, stop the genocide in.....where? No genocide in Gaza, the population there GROWS every year. Plus the supposed "geniciders" make constant efforts to reduce civilian casualties. Can you say the same for Hamas?
No, the only solution is that Hamas is erased from human history. Gaza is rebuilt (without the help of scandalous groups like UNRWA) and re-educated. Allowed to thrive, free of racism and hatred of their neighbors. Blooming in the desert, as it was pre 2005.
-4 ( +3 / -7 )
Posted in: Israel strikes across Gaza as offensive leaves both it and U.S. increasingly isolated See in context
If you truly support Palestine, then you would cheer Israel's efforts to eliminate Hamas. Terrorism and propaganda are two of the biggest impediments to the Palestinian people actually making progress towards joining the community of nations.
-3 ( +4 / -7 )
Posted in: Biden takes tougher stance on Israel's 'indiscriminate bombing' of Gaza See in context
No audio or cameras because Biden has become a gibbering moron, he cant even read the teleprompter or his prepared notes without making major blunders.
If you want peace vote for Trump. No new wars in the Middle East, targeted killings of a few key terrorists, the Abraham Accords, elimination of ISIS.
1 ( +10 / -9 )
Posted in: Israeli defense chief resists pressure to halt Gaza offensive, says campaign will 'take time' See in context
Also, Peter, what land do you think Israel has to "share"? It is a tiny little country now, the size of one or two Japanese prefectures. By contrast, the Arab countries around it are huge- 30 to 50 times the size of Israel. Yet Israel has to "share"?
-6 ( +3 / -9 )
Posted in: Israeli defense chief resists pressure to halt Gaza offensive, says campaign will 'take time' See in context
Peter- there WAS a two state solution, in 1948. It lasted for one day. Then five Arab countries embarked on a war of genocide against Israel. So you can understand how they may be a touch skeptical about easily agreeing to it without iron clad guarantees for their security.
A large part of the problem is cultural and economic. Palestinians are fed propaganda with their mothers' milk, they are taught to hate Jews and blame Israel for their sad circumstances from before they can walk. They grow up resentful, angry, and entitled. They support organizations that have no interest in democracy, freedom, or peace. The solution needs to start THERE. Take the UN and the execrable UNRWA out of the picture. It may take a generation, but the results could be worth it.
-3 ( +6 / -9 )
Posted in: Israeli defense chief resists pressure to halt Gaza offensive, says campaign will 'take time' See in context
Yes, the Palestinians should return to their homes.... in Israel? Are you serious? Been 75 years, those homes are gone. But, using that as a guiding principle, I guess the million plus Jews in Israel who are descendants of Jews kicked out of Muslim countries in the 1950s can ALSO go 'back home' to those countries and claim their land. Right?
Israel is the only democracy in the region. They have fought 5 wars to survive against the combined might of all the Arab nations around them. This, IMHO, is a bit part of the problem. The Arabs feel powerless and emasculated by Israel. A thriving democracy with rights for women and LGBT people cannot be allowed in their tiny theocratic minds. So it must be eliminated.
-4 ( +6 / -10 )
Posted in: Israeli defense chief resists pressure to halt Gaza offensive, says campaign will 'take time' See in context
Yharman, I am sure you have a long and drawn out explanation of "historical context" to justify Hamas' crimes. And supporters of Israel could then write their own equally long justification.
The difference is that Hamas chose to deliberately escalate the level of violence and destruction. They CHOSE to target innocent Israeli women for rape and mutilation. They CHOSE to desecrate the corpses of their victims. They CHOSE to murder and torture children. They CHOSE to film themselves in the midst of their evil, and to brag about it to their families. These are the reasons that Hamas' actions stand alone and do not need anyone to try and provide justification. Because there can be none.
-3 ( +7 / -10 )
Posted in: Israeli defense chief resists pressure to halt Gaza offensive, says campaign will 'take time' See in context
Yharman. Yes, they have. That's why it's called "war". Stuff gets broken and people get killed. All can be laid at the feet of Hamas. Or do you have a better, less destructive way for Israel to achieve the righteous goal of removing Hamas from the face of the earth? Because I would love to hear it.
And Hamas did not kidnap Israeli citizens because of other Palestinians being in Israeli prisons. They kidnapped them to increase the terror and pressure on Israel to not retaliate. Well, kidnapped some Israeli citizens. The ones they did not rape, defile, mutilate, and murder. Just look up the treatment of a young German girl, Shani Louk, to see what kind of beasts Hamas are. And the support Hamas gets from the so-called 'innocent' civilans of Gaza. Dancing, cheering, spitting on the raped and mutilated body of an innocent girl. Innocent civilans.
-6 ( +6 / -12 )
Posted in: Israeli defense chief resists pressure to halt Gaza offensive, says campaign will 'take time' See in context
Israel is already trying to reduce civilian casualties. That is why this conflict is taking as long as it has, and will take longer still. Now, can Hamas say the same thing? They have hidden in hospitals, put weapons in schools. used aid money to buy explosives and build tunnels. Civilians? Not their responsibility.
As Mousa Marzouk (Hammas spokeshole) said, "Protecting Gaza civilians is the responsibility of the UN and Israel".
-8 ( +5 / -13 )
Posted in: Hundreds more Palestinians killed as Israel pursues Hamas in south Gaza See in context
GuruMick: "ceasefire now" guarantees that Hamas will perpetuate another atrocity, or several atrocities, on the scale of October 7, in the future. Their leadership has already promised as much. So that means hundreds more gang rapes, sexual torture victims, mutilations, and murders. Is that an acceptable price for "ceasefire now"?
-6 ( +4 / -10 )
Posted in: Hundreds more Palestinians killed as Israel pursues Hamas in south Gaza See in context
I am waiting for the Holy Trinity of Shibboleths ('genocide', 'apartheid', 'ethnic cleansing') to make their shoddy appearance here. Perhaps I missed them?
Anyway, Israel will pursue Hamas to the ends of the earth. One the rat's nest of Gaza and the terror tunnels used by Hamas are discovered and destroyed, the job will be almost done. All that will remain will be to go after those who fund and aid Hamas from abroad- the fat cats in their luxury hotel suites who shout "Allahu Akbar" as they send others to die.
Then, Gaza can be rebuit. With scrutiny so that the money is not siphoned off, as has happened up to now. Even today, Gazans seeking aid are seeing it 'go underground', as one elderly lady said in an interview. There is no end to the torture Hamas is willing to inflict on both Israelis and Palestinians.
-5 ( +4 / -9 )
Posted in: Chinese professor at Japanese university missing after visiting homeland
Posted in: An expanding NATO uses its diversity as strength
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine both Austria and Switzerland are discussing joining NATO.
Posted in: An expanding NATO uses its diversity as strength
David Brent - One of the few good things about being poor is that news like this means nothing to…
Posted in: Bank of Japan ends negative interest rate policy, opting for its first hike in 17 years