Should Israel Be Let Loose Yet Again?

Should Israel Be Let Loose Yet Again?

Waves of protests are raging through all over the world against the attack by Israel on the ‘Freedom Flotilla’ ships that were carrying humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip who are reeling under the blockade imposed on them by the occupying forces of Israel. Its army brutally raided the ships which were heading it a 500 plus strong group of human aid activists on board to the coastal enclave of Palestine with tones of life sustaining goods. The army was not attacking enemy soldiers who had violated Israel’s borders. Nor they seized and destroyed a fleet of combat vessels. There could be only a single blame that can be leveled against the victims: They ventured out challenging the Israeli ban, only to help the dying human beings of the Gaza Strip whom the Israeli army is putting to slow but sure death slowly by blockading them and depriving them of water and food.

In additions to citizens from USA, Britain, Belgium, Greece and Poland and people of Palestine origin, the peace mission included world renowned writers, artists, journalists, and a Nobel laureate. However, these were not enough reasons to force the  Zionist state that never respects human rights and pursues racism, to refrain from raiding the flotilla.

It is heartening to note that this time, the United Nations, its Security Council and the European countries and strangely even the United States have come out strongly against Israel. The truth that it is not the first time Israel is launching attacks by flaunting all international norms and laws, should not be forgotten. The freedom flotilla incident is only the latest link in the chain of dastardly aggressions being unleashed by the rouge state against a nation who have been made prisoners in their own motherland for more than half a century. These could not have been possible without the tacit support of the western countries and mute approval of the UN. Hence they are all, in a way, could be held responsible for the assaults suffered by the human aid activists and their vessels.

It is commendable that our country has also joined the international community in strongly condemning Israel’s brutality. This condemnation and protest will become sincere and constructive only if India which remained always a close friend of the Palestinian people, is ready to sever its relations that were being maintained for a quiet long time with the Zionist state. We should not make any more delay in repealing all the agreements signed with Israel and the joint military exercises planned with them.