[Marxism] Massacre in Gaza: protest needed!

[Jeff <meisner@xxxxxxxxx>]

Americans will be waking to the news of the massive Israeli attack on Gaza, 
with the death toll already reaching 140. Considering the population of 
Palestine, that is a much greater death toll than from the 9/11 attack. Not to 
mention the continuing strangulation of the economy and food supply to Gazans. 
And rather than being portrayed as a one-off, the Israelis are more talking of 
this as just the beginning!

I would strongly urge those in a position to act, to try to organize an 
immediate public response. In doing so, the US government should not be 
regarded as uninvolved. In an interview with BBC, the US ambassador (I believe, 
or a spokesperson) in Jerusalem was specifically asked whether he was calling 
for restraint on "both sides." Scorning the implication of the question, he 
blurted out (paraphrasing) "No! We are calling on the Palestinians to stop 
their murderous barrage of rockets into Israel....."

Especially since this act is being widely viewed as but the first step toward 
Israel's determination to "take out" the Hamas government, with a ground 
invasion to follow, I think that a very rapid international response can make a 
tangible difference in the unfolding of the situation. We have already 
scheduled a protest in Amsterdam tonight and I'm sure such actions are being 
organized widely. Don't let your city be left behind!

Even Egypt has been forced to open the Rafah crossing in order to provide 
access to hospitals. I'm sure there will be a similar outcry from various 
governments and an appeal to the UN security council. But of course it is 
popular pressure from below that propels the (insufficient) movement for 
solidarity with Palestine. And that is especially true in the US, the 
superpower which, as I mentioned above, is providing cover to Israel's 
despicable actions and intentions.

- Jeff


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