Friday, October 26, 2007

The Freedom to Oppress


The siege of Gaza formally began when Israel declared the area "hostile". According to BBC reports:

By formally declaring Gaza "hostile", Israel argues it is no longer bound by international law governing the administration of occupied territory to supply utilities to the civilian population.

But the position accepted by the international community is that Israel remains legally responsible for the coastal strip, despite withdrawing two years ago, because it still controls Gaza's borders, airspace and territorial waters.


Israel imposed an economic embargo on Gaza after the Islamist militant group, Hamas, seized control from the rival Fatah group in June. It is also limiting the movement of people in and out of the territory.


But the top United Nations humanitarian official has now urged Israel to lift its economic blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Instead Israel is tightening the noose. The U.S. and Israel thumb their nose at international law. Everything is optional now, treatment of prisoners, treatment of territories, borders, treaties, and the truth. It's all about power, might and money. The days are getting darker due to actions of those claiming to bring the light of freedom.