As the war between Israel and Hamas hits the 100th day, it has come time for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The historical irony is that the calls for a cease-fire and claims of genocide coincide with a drastic expansion of the conflict by our own country.
The numbers from Gaza are horrendous.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, there the more than 24,000 killed —with more than 23,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and the West Bank and 1,200 deaths in Israel.
The United Nations reports that as of Dec. 13, 2023, there have been over 18,608 Palestinian fatalities in Gaza, including approximately 5,153 women and 7,729 children. This is in addition to the 1200 fatalities in Israel since the attack including at least 33 children.
As of January 12, 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalist’s preliminary investigations show at least 82 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began on October 7.
More than 300 health workers have been killed, including 135 staff employees of the United Nations and 32 Civil Defence workers while on duty.
As of Dec. 24, 2023, on average, one or two UN employees have died in Gaza each day of the war. That toll is “something we have never seen in the history of the United Nations”, said its secretary general, António Guterres.
And now this ……..
The United States and Britain have launched military strikes in Yemen in response to Houthi rebel attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, raising fears of an escalation of conflict in the region.
Hours after Friday’s attacks, which the rebels said killed five people, the Houthis warned that all US and British assets have now become “legitimate targets”.
US President Joe Biden said the strikes followed “unprecedented” attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships in the Red Sea and warned he would “not hesitate” to take further action if necessary.
Claims of Genocide
A two-day public hearing in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began on Thursday. The South African government brought the case against Israel on December 29, accusing it of “genocidal acts” in its assaults on Gaza.
And the US has been supplying Israel with all those bombs.
All of this forces our collective moral conscience to demand an immediate cease-fire!
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said Thursday that the worsening cycle of violence in the Middle East is why she “called for a cease-fire early.”
“Violence only begets more violence,” Lee added. “We need a cease-fire now to prevent deadly, costly, catastrophic escalation of violence in the region.”
The Rag usually doesn’t comment on international issues but this one requires all of our focus.
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Thank you to The Rag and to the writer of this article. Thank you for being a clear and direct voice in the sea of obfuscation and whataboutism. This is a local publication that serves the community with humanity and compassion and its important to see that perspective extended to those in need on the other side of the world. It shouldn’t be considered brave to call for the cessation of indiscriminate devastation and suffering, but today it is. Thank you again.
On this Saturday, join CODEPINK and San Diego Veterans for Peace who are staging another Peace Vigil for Palestine in Ocean Beach.
It will be held at noon on the plaza corner of Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W. Point Loma Blvd., at the entrance to Ocean Beach,
People are asked to wear pink and bring a peace-related poster if you have one!
For more information go here: https://www.codepink.org/sd113
That sounds like a great event
When all this s**t subsides, the best fish and chips in Tel Avis can be enjoyed right here:https://www.molly-blooms.com/
They even know how to pour a proper pint if Guiness.
I’ grateful to OB Rag Editor Frank Gormlie for this important notice.
What IS going on inside the Biden Administration? It looks like American government hawks are embedded at the highest levels of Biden’s White House — taking calculated risks with a fragile problematic world peace.
They amplify shocking American complicity with the disgraceful Netanyahu government of Israel as it destroys Gaza and its tragic Palestinian inhabitants; promote military strikes against Muslim Hezbollah inside Lebanon; strike armed Houthis allies of Gaza in Yemen; bomb areas of Syria where Iran has allegedly directed hits on U.S. military encampments there, also in support of Gaza.
And all the while our own government’s National Security flacks lie to us, the American people, about what’s really going on, via upbeat official public relations statements. I cannot imagine what they are thinking — that this domestic presidential election year offers an opportunity to show our strongman-stuff to the Russians and Chinese? When, in fact, they are putting us all at risk.
Well put!
When all this inconvenience subsides, Israel is a great mountain bike destination: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O51cK7-zu8
Chris, I think you spelled Genocide wrong. It seems to be happening to a lot of people!
I’m fully aware of what’s going on. A couple friends of mine originally from Israel have lost some relatives over there.
Then you can understand why framing the situation as an inconvenience is anemic and disingenuous.
It’s called making an understatement.
Thank you for this clear, imperative message.
There is no justification – none – for killing innocent children.
We dropped a nuclear bomb and killed innocent children in Japan…
innocent children in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Iraq, Afganistan, Libya, more…
How am I supposed to vote for politicians who authorize money and actions that result in such massive death?
What sort of country is this that our government justifies these things?
I would agree (to a point) there is no justification but who (in your opinion) should be held accountable? The Soldiers who pulled the trigger? The leaders who gave out the order? Both the leaders and the soldiers? Should it depend on the time, place and circumstances?
The POTUS will always be the commander and chief of the U.S. military so it may be kind of hard to not vote for someone who won’t authorize such things to some degree.
Fuck Frank gormlie lie lie fucking commi piece of shit . All fucking fucks at obrag
You seem awfully angry and bitter for someone who just rose from the grave.
LMAO. Eric Clapton lyrics come to mind….”Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself”.
Just wanted to show everyone the occasional hate sh*t we get.
Thank you for sharing, needed a good laugh this morning
Martin Luther King said “Only Light Makes Light”.
On this beautiful, sunny, MLK day, it’s worth thinking about that.
Thanks to Hamas the two state “Palestine Solution” is a dead man walking.
I support the Israeli Nation in its amazing self-discipline.
Since Israel allowed Hamas to live in their country, Hamas has not changed its attitude toward Israel. Appeasement to Hamas has resulted in a continued effort by Hamas to destroy Israel. Hamas is paying for the October 7th massacre with its own destruction.
The IDF will disarm and kill anyone who does not surrender. Once Hamas is destroyed, Israel will never again agree to appeasing the Palestinians.
Anyone who thinks allowing Hamas to hide out under hospitals and use hostages as shields should continue is in favor of a cease fire to allow these criminals to regroup and attack again.
The IDF will not stop until Hamas is eliminated as a military threat. the only choice is surrender or die.
I have no doubt about the outcome. Gaza will be reduced to rubble and everyone who refuses to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist will be repatriated to another country.
With a united Israel, its enemies will no longer have safe haven for the snake of war.
Peace comes to Israel when Hamas is destroyed.
Since it’s fairly obvious that you did not come here to have a discourse. I want you to know that the world is becoming educated on the crimes against humanity that the state of Israel has been committing since 1948. I want you to know that the strangle hold lobbyists and Christian Zionists have in this country is unraveling. And I want you to know that Palestine will be free.
Well, at least Netanyahu agrees with you, Rich, and I guess your good buddy Daniel S. The rest of the world supports the 2-state solution, one state for Israel and one state for Palestine.
I only speak for myself, Israel is Palestine and it will be one state when the soldiers of Hamas either surrender or die.
“ Today Palestine is in reality the State of Israel occupied by Arabs of war who refuse to acknowledge the right of Israel to exist as a state.”
This is not rooted in any understanding of history. This is simply your special feelings.
No matter what your version of the history is, there is absolutely no
justification for killing innocent children.
None.
Anywhere.
Not Gaza
Not Vietnam
Not Cambodia
Not Laos
Not Iraq
Not Afghanistan
Not Korea
Etc., etc,
etc.
Not El Salvador
Not Nigeria
Etc, etc.
Not Libya
Not Iraq