Wednesday, October 11, 2023

乱世: Troubled times

乱世

Troubled times

 

On Saturday, October 7th, forces of Hamas launched a coordinated land, sea, and air attack into Israel proper following the launch of thousands of rockets. Israeli aircraft exercising absolute air superiority has pounded targets throughout Gaza and IDF reservist have been called into active duty. The Knesset has formed a emergency unified coalition[1] with the mandate to eradicate Hamas.[2]

Meanwhile China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Zhāng Jūn 张军 [Google Translate: Zhāng = Open, Jūn = military], told reporters, “What’s really important is to prevent the further escalation of the situation, and for the casualties of civilians. And what’s also important is really to come back to the two-state solution and the peace process (i.e., the Oslo Accords[3]).” This beautiful statement is naught but a faerietale. The impending nightmare which will likely engulf the Gaza Strip will make the Intifada’s[4] look like wordy playground squabbles. Think rather: “2nd Battle of Fallujah.”[5] I pray for the beleaguered Palestine populace and unfortunate Israeli’s trapped by the storm preparing hit - may God have mercy on them. 

 



[1] Tress, L. (2023, October 11). Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, a centrist rival, form emergency wartime government. Jewish Telegraphic Agency. https://www.jta.org/2023/10/11/politics/benjamin-netanyahu-and-benny-gantz-a-centrist-rival-form-emergency-wartime-government

[2] Davidson, A. (2006, December 6). Hamas: Government or Terrorist Organization? [Opinion]. NPR | WBEZ Chicago. https://www.npr.org/2006/12/06/6583080/hamas-government-or-terrorist-organization

[3] Oslo explained. (2013, September 13). Al Jazeera America; © 2016 Al Jazeera America, LLC. http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/9/13/oslo-accords-explained.html | Knell, Y. (2023, September 12). Oslo Accords: 30 years of lost Palestinian hopes. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-66751704

[4] Sharma, D. (Ed.). (2023, October 9). Explained: “Intifada” And Its Significance Amid Israel-Gaza War. NDTV WORLD; NDTV CONVERGENCE LIMITED. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israel-palestine-war-explained-intifada-and-its-significance-amid-israel-gaza-escalation-4463102

[5] Spencer, J., Geroux, J., & Collins, L. (2023, July 25). Urban Warfare Case Study #7: Second Battle of Fallujah. Modern War Institute. https://mwi.westpoint.edu/urban-warfare-case-study-7-second-battle-of-fallujah/

 

 

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