Israel is not only a Jewish and democratic state but also a nation based on the principle of humanity. No matter where a catastrophe strikes anywhere in the world, Israel is the first to lend a helping hand, be it Turkey, or Thailand or now Gaza Strip.
The health of Palestinians on the West Bank and Gaza (especially the workers who make a living in Israel) should be a top priority for the country’s leadership, as well as the moral, religious aspects and ethical involved.
As far as I can see, giving vaccines to the people of the Gaza Strip is not a demonstration of weakness, but of strength. It will not hinder Israel ‘s security interests, but will help maintain the calm of the southern border.
It also strengthens Israel’s public relations efforts, which reinforces the difference between Jerusalem’s humanitarian efforts and Hamas ’ongoing hostility.
The vaccination move thwarts any further efforts to repatriate Israeli citizens and fallen soldiers captured by Hamas, including my brother Oron Shaul (who was killed in battle during the 2014 Gaza war). Any contract for their return must involve a prisoner swap and the Israeli government already knows, which is why I do not oppose a small transfer of the vaccines.
Aiding Gaza will only exacerbate the Israeli situation with the leadership of Hamas and the Palestinian enclave, helping to build cooperation and communication between the two sides since normal prisoner exchange talks do not seem to be going to anywhere.
3 צפייה בגלריה
Top left: False soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, capture Hisham al-Saeed and Avera Mengistu
Israeli decision-makers are also well aware that a prisoner swap contract is the only way to take our boys home, even if they tell the media that no vaccines will enter the Strip while that they do not co-operate on humanitarian issues.
These mantras do little but serve their public image and cover up the lack of success in returning the catchers and MIAs. In fact, these political slogans do not preclude any possible progress.
For six and a half years, Israel had chosen to punish Gaza by stopping some humanitarian aid and for six and a half years, Hamas has held my brother Oron.
The renewal of Israeli policy towards the Gaza Strip is a process that could take decades and our leaders have not even begun, despite the lack of success in the current way they view and dealing with the circulation.
3 צפייה בגלריה
Hamas leader in Gaza Strip Ismail Haniya (C) waving Palestinian flag during rally in Gaza City
(Photo: AFP)
In addition, in 2020 our family held meetings with ministers, security experts and Mideast, who repeatedly stated that imposing a policy is irrational and inappropriate. humanitarian aid for Gaza when they return the captives.
Humanitarian support for the Gaza Strip must include deepening ties and trust with Hamla enclave residents and leadership, and only then will any real progress be made in negotiations to get our boys on back.