WATANI International
CommentaryChoosing life
Sumaya Ureisha
Any reconstruction of a war zone or a zone in which a war may erupt any time is at best ridiculous, and is a waste of resources which may very well be needed elsewhere in the world. Reconstruction under such conditions would be a disincentive to peace, tantamount to encouraging the disputing parties to carry on with their offensives. It would send a message that donors do not mind that any rebuilding would be ruined in the event of the sooner-or-later anticipated war.
All of which signifies that the so-called humanitarian perspective of reconstruction is rather shortsighted, unless it is subject to real peace efforts on the part of the disputing parties. In such case peace should be the non-negotiable purpose proclaimed by all and strongly adhered to. Those who want war should bear the consequences and those who want peace should seriously strive for it.
It is the faithful pursuit of peace that should expose the real intention of the leaders. The warmongers would find themselves at a disadvantage with their people who would easily discover the obvious, that their leaders are merely exploiting religious or patriotic slogans to their own benefit. The people should know that their choice of leaders is bound to direct their destinies, and that they would pay a dear price for choosing unjust warmongers to govern their lands. Even if these people are oppressed they are bound to realise their [forfeited] role in determining their destiny and wake up to fight for their rights, aspiring to run their country instead of having it being managed against their wishes.
In case of Gaza, the minimum that can be done is to offer its civilians humanitarian aid which should be managed through international organisations.
It is the right of the Palestinian people to determine their own and their children’s destiny. They should be put before the historical choice of peace and life, or death, hunger, destitution, and suicide. But it is my belief they would choose life.