To the Editor:
Respected statesmen and diplomats from around the world have condemned the brutal terror attacks unleashed by Hamas on Oct. 7. In addition many leaders have been appalled by other alleged acts of horrific violence. There is no justification for the deliberate killing of 1,200 Israelis and other nationalities and the taking of hostages. At the same time it is understood the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify Israel’s collective punishment and destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The principle that should prevail is: International law is binding on all parties at all times. One must not forget the treatment of the Palestinians in the West Bank occupation and the blockade of Gaza, which has created an inherently unstable condition of repression and discontentment.
Over 130 United Nations aid workers have died, along with over 100 members of the press who have perished. Twenty-six hospitals, 339 educational facilities, 88 mosques and three churches have been destroyed or seriously damaged by bombs and shelling. Over 65% of the housing has been destroyed and 85% of the population has been displaced. Of the reported 24,000 who have died (1% of the population), over 10,000 are children and women. The population faces starvation and widespread disease. Israel at the start of the war withheld, food, water and power from Gaza. Israel continues to seriously reduce supplies, including medical supplies, to the people of Gaza. Women are undergoing C-sections without anesthesia, as are children with crushed limbs who require amputation. The conditions in Gaza are beyond unacceptable.
There is only one way to retreat from this abyss. What is needed is an immediate humanitarian cease-fire by all parties, accompanied by the negotiated release of all hostages. Both sides will find reasons to maintain the destruction as their stated goals are not fulfilled, but the nations of the world (including the United States), religious leaders, respected opinion makers must insist on the end of hostilities in this tragic conflict.
We, the members of the Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue group (SAMED) — a group of Jewish, Arab, other American citizens — in a unified voice join with other groups and organizations from around the world who are calling for an immediate cease-fire and the creation of conditions that give much needed relief to the people of Gaza. When this war ends, the Palestinians and Israelis, with help from honest brokers, must seek a permanent and just resolution to this long, complicated and difficult conflict. The people living in the region deserve a much better future than the tortured past and present they are living through currently.
Mark Field
On behalf of Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue
Auburn