Tag Archives: Gaza war

International news

Trump earns affirmation

Donald J. Trump is continually searching for affirmation of deeds he has accomplished … and even deeds with which he had zero involvement.

Well, ladies and gents, if it turns out to be true that Trump brokered a deal that could end the Gaza war started two years ago when Hamas bombarded the territory in a hideous missile attack, then he will have earned all the acclaim he has sought.

I am willing to give it to him.

Trump announced that Hamas and the Israeli government have agreed on a ceasefire that will lead to the release of all Israelis held hostage by Hamas and the release of Palestinians held by Israelis. Then will come the immediate rebuilding of Gaza City, destroyed by Israeli troops, artillery and armor in retaliation for the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel had vowed to destroy Hamas, the terrorists who govern Gaza. By all accounts, Israel has inflicted heavy damage to Hamas’s command structure. The price in civilian casualties has been ghastly, with more than 60,000 Palestinians killed in the war that erupted. Israel reportedly bombed hospitals, schools and countless civilian neighborhoods in its ongoing offensive.

Yes, it is time for the carnage to end. And if Donald Trump wants to take a bow for helping bring it an end, then I will be among the first to salute him. Please, though, just accept the applause with a modicum of class and decorum.

International news

Hope may lead to possibility in Gaza

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While it is virtually impossible to expect any long-term gain from the ceasefire that has taken hold in the 15-month-long Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, there remains room for hope.

The fighting has stopped in Gaza as Israel and the terrorists in Hamas have agreed to the ceasefire. Three Israeli women held hostage since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023 have been released; more will follow them on the path to freedom.

Aid is flowing into Gaza. Rebuilding the shattered region has begun.

What does any of this portend for a permanent peace? Probably nothing … at least not at this point. However, my limitless font of optimism harbors the hope that could spring from the ashes. It might emerge as a peace framework that could bring some semblance of calm to a region that has known far more than its share of bloodshed, mayhem and heartache for centuries.

Israel vowed to destroy Hamas when it sent the tanks and troops into Gaza after the horrific missile attack that killed an estimated 1,200 Israeli civilians. The gunfire, bombs, rockets and artillery shells fired into Gaza have killed tens of thousands of civilians in return … as well as thousands of Hamas fighters.

It’s not altogether clear whether Israel achieved its mission of destroying Hamas. The terrorist organization is gravely wounded, which well could explain why Hamas is willing to accept the ceasefire framework hammered out months ago by President Biden.

So … what happens now? The bloodshed has ceased for the time being. I cannot possibly predict anything good will come from this. However, I damn sure can hope it will.

That is what I will do. Hope for the best.