These attacks are not surprising. Even in this previous post, I warned that Israel would continue to attack the neighboring nations during the ceasefire because they have more time and manpower to dedicate their attacks on Lebanon and Syria. Israel is doing just that.
Hezbollah stated that they would comply with the ceasefire in Gaza if Israel complied, but Israel has continued bombing Lebanon. Israel attacked a UN peacekeeping convoy yesterday. This group, UNIFIL, was besieged by Israel while on a routine patrol of the border. Thankfully, no one was harmed. There is silence from leaders regarding these attacks on Lebanon and on these peacekeepers.
Israel also struck the Damascus airport in Syria. The airport has been targeted several times and just opened again for flights when they were attacked by Israel. Israel maintains that their reasoning behind it is to limit arms deals with Iran, but have not provided the proof of these deals. No other world power is calling these actions unjust for a sovereign nation to be attacked without proof.
If Israel’s goal is to destroy Hamas, then why attack these other countries if there is not a broader goal?
Commanders within the IDF have stated that they are going to annex Lebanon. As for Syria, Israel has had a long history of attacking Syria and attempting to annex land from Syria as well. Israel has been bombing the Damascus airport for an entire year even after an earthquake that devastated the country.
So even when there is supposed peace, and the opposing forces agree to a truce in fighting, Israel will continue. Settlers are killing Palestinians in the West Bank despite this pause in fighting. Israel is bombing neighboring countries.
The goal is clear and Israel wants land to expand. The budget that is being discussed within the Israeli government covers settlement communities expansion.
No land should be lost. Borders must be respected. World leaders must address the hunger Israel has for land and quell its appetite with embargoes. These leaders did just that with Russia when Russia invaded Ukraine, but they are all silent when it comes to the Middle East.
The truce is almost up between Israel and Gaza. Will they be able to extend this into a permanent ceasefire? There is hope, but with Israel wanting to expand their borders and annex land, it is unlikely. We must keep pressing for a permanent ceasefire.
World leaders are doing very little to make a difference. What does make the difference is the public outcry. What does make a difference are the worldwide protests. Never stop fighting for Gaza until a permanent ceasefire is established and respected.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. May the whole world be free.
Protest. Boycott. BE UNGOVERNABLE. Volunteer. Organize. Donate. Contact your elected officials. Share the stories from Palestine. Share the news from Palestine. Share the history of Palestine. Please extend the same energy to other areas that are also experiencing atrocities and genocide in the Congo, Sudan, West Papua, Armenia, and the Uyghurs.