When The Tanks Roll In
For many, this takes place in a faraway land; for some, it is just around the corner.
Gaza is no longer under siege, it is invaded.
The Israelis have entered Gaza with ground forces, they say their sole objective is to stamp out Hamas; they say to stop the rockets falling upon their citizens, to bring an end to a conflict.
How many people must die in wars such as these? How many must suffer; homes destroyed, hospitals lie in ruins, sanctuaries attacked?
Why this conflict? Why these people? What have the Gazans done to anyone?
Are they not a peaceful people, just wishing to go about their lives?
They say the meek shall inherit the Earth; how meek are those who fire the rockets, those who fire the weapons, those who supply them for use against the innocent?
On both sides there are casualties; a holy war, a war against belief; who believes in such a thing? Well, they, must do; are they not killing each other in the name of belief?
The world watches on; people protest, people take to the streets, people say ‘no more’; governments around the world suggest ceasefires, put forward ideas, and try to influence.
How is it their war? Why does any country have a say in others’ business?
Hypocrisy will have its day, and we see it in situations like this.
Governments say, ‘cease, there should be a cessation of violence’; and yet they themselves supply weapons of destruction, supply weapons to warring factions. How many boots on the ground in Syria? How many boots on the ground in Ukraine?
It is so easy to criticise, especially when the critics are themselves hypocritical.
We hear the rhetoric, we watch the pictures, we look at the videos, and see the destruction; can two sides not come together and find some form of harmony, some form of understanding, that would allow them to co-exist?
Is this what was wanted, is this what was suggested when religion was born; if one side cannot get its own way over the other, then the only option open is defeat at all costs.
Will they raise Gaza, to the ground? Will a people be wiped out?
Will the Gazan streets run with blood?
Some say they will not compromise, they will not give in; is death really worth that price?