This is an abridged version of Sen. Chuck Schumer’s bold speech on the floor of the US Senate, urging steps toward a lasting peace through a two-state solution; this also links to the speech in its entirety.
There’s a refusal by some on the left to denounce Hamas as a violent terror group that not only committed a vile atrocity against Israelis, but has exercised authoritarian violence against Gazans for over 17 years. [Posted by permission of the Forward]
Despite its horrors, the Israel-Hamas war provides a new opportunity for diplomatic solutions; but that won’t happen if Netanyahu remains in power.
Global eruptions of antisemitism precipitated two conferences at the same venue, over 20 years apart. Although Israel is not to blame for the hatred of Jews, its policies and military actions often trigger it.
I analyze the nature of Hamas and explain why Israel is not guilty of genocide yet has apparently violated the rule of proportionality in its war against Hamas. I also advocate an endgame strategy that reintroduces the prospect of a 2 state solution.
Each side has strikingly different perspectives on the deaths and victimization of the other side’s civilians.
To secure a peaceful future, not just Hamas, but also Smotrich, Ben-Gvir and their Israeli allies must be removed from power.
There’s irony in that the Oct. 7th surprise attack occurred one day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, and was characterized by a similar Israeli blindness and arrogance. We also examine war crimes, sexism, the day after, and more.
I, for one, wish a sustained ceasefire was the answer. My heart tells me the violence should stop. But my head tells me an extended ceasefire would enable Hamas leaders to remain in power, retain their current arsenal, recruit combatants to replace those who were killed and continue to threaten Israel.
I hold the truth that Hamas is evil and the massacre they committed was the lowest that humanity can sink to, alongside the truth that Gazans deserve freedom.
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