Houston, Texas. Happy to be here!
@oconnell @gusbova @palestine Lots of numbers being thrown around. I think we can all agree that deaths are tragic even if we don’t agree on who is to blame. Israel’s defensive actions lack any connection to genocide, in either intent or result. Look at data. The population of Gaza grew dramatically both under Israeli occupation and since Israeli withdrawal. Two years after the current conflict ends it will have probably recovered from the current losses. (1/2)
@oconnell @gusbova @palestine The term genocide is being horribly misused in reference to Israel’s counteroffensive, reacting to the October 7 massacres. There is no systemic annihilation of the Palestinian people, otherwise the war would have been extended to the west bank, and many, many more Gazans would be dead. The IDF’s mission is clear and limited. Collateral casualties are high due to Hamas hiding in civilian areas and not obeying established rules of war.
@oconnell @gusbova @palestine The only actor in this conflict attempting to kill an entire population simply for who they are is Hamas. They showed their intent on October 7 and vow to do it again as soon as they are able, killing Jews for being Jews. Unfortunately, any ceasefire without the total destruction of Hamas is simply a return to October 6: ceasefire with Hamas ruling Gaza and planning their next murders. (2/2)