Activist Post Editor's Note:
Longtime readers should know quite well where we stand on the various conflicts around the world, but for new readers, it's simple: we are pro-peace and pro-humanity. We are distrustful of any statements coming from ANY governments, especially those involved who have a monetary interest in the provocation and escalation of conflict. And we are equally distrustful of their media mouthpieces who only echo the talking points that they've been given. We do not know for certain what is happening on the ground in this war, other than it's not good for anyone. This war especially has the potential to engulf the entire world, as we've posted here in this article, which also offers much more context as to how this might have developed. That said, we are sickened by the rhetoric from all sides which seems to view their party or country of choice as inhabited only by the righteous, while the opposition are nothing more than rabid animals that should be exterminated. This is the exact mentality which has led to our abysmal state of peace and consciousness on this planet and will make things far worse in the time ahead. We only present the following op-ed in the spirit of debate, and because the author is clearly focused only on military assets. She clearly hopes there can be a peaceful outcome for all civilians involved, and she also has routinely shown a humanitarian concern in her other work, which we do applaud. Her overall focus, however, is misplaced here in our opinion, the historical context limited, and the presentation largely one-sided, but let us know what you think in the comment section.
Op-Ed by Emily Thompson
Israeli army forces are gearing up for an imminent ground incursion into Gaza after Hamas terrorists, funded by Iran, attacked Israeli communities Saturday in a combined land, sea, and air invasion, killing and wounding hundreds of soldiers, policemen and civilians and taking over 100 hostages, including women and children.
The group also fired an estimated 3,000 rockets throughout the day toward Israel, according to an official Israel Defense Forces X account.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to completely destroy Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad capabilities to ever wage a military campaign against Israel again.
"We have only started striking Hamas," Netanyahu said in an address late Monday. "What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations."
US President Joe Biden on Sunday declared support for Israel.
“The United States unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel,” he said. “Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also declared US support for Israel and “reaffirmed our efforts to secure the immediate release of all hostages,” according to a statement on X.
A senior US defense official said the unprecedented Hamas attack is notable for its violence.
"I want to differentiate this from other times we have seen conflicts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza," the official said. "This is ISIS-level savagery that we have seen committed against Israeli civilians — houses burned to the ground, young people massacred at music festivals."
According to the US Department of Defense, “The United States is also bolstering U.S. presence in the region. [Secretary of Defense Lloyd J.] Austin ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The aircraft carrier has an embarked airwing and accompanying cruisers and destroyers. The force will conduct maritime and air operations in order to assure allies and partners throughout the region and ensure regional stability.”
The United States and Israel have both said Iran is behind this attack and was heavily involved in its planning and execution.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has denied Iranian involvement in the deadly attacks launched by Hamas, but he praised the terror group saying, “We kiss the hands of those who planned the attack on the Zionist regime.”
But Middle East experts have dismissed Iranian denials, as it is well-known that Iran funds Hamas and supplies training and weapons to the terrorists.
The recent Biden administration decision to release $6 billion to Iran has come under severe criticism as having, at least partially, lent a hand to the unfolding tragedy currently taking place.
But the Biden administration is not the first.
Under the guidance of deposed Iran advisor Robert Malley – now under investigation for allegedly helping Iranian spies gain jobs in sensitive US government positions – the Obama administration in 2009 released $150 billion to the Iranian regime.
With such an influx in cash, it is easy to see where that money went – to Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran also funded the Houthis in Yemen, who had been attacking Saudi Arabia for several years.
Let it be crystal clear: Iran is the source of terrorism in the Middle East and Israel is fighting a proxy war with Iran in Gaza.
It is important that Israel destroy Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad while adhering to the laws of war and international humanitarian rights. Civilians are dying and no doubt this is a massive human tragedy.
At the same time, Iran cannot be allowed to control Gaza any longer through Hamas and all terrorist groups there must be wiped out.
Israel has promised to change the equation once and for all.
With a new beginning, devoid of terrorist groups, can Gaza become the Singapore of the Middle East as was once hoped when Israel pulled out of the area in 2005?
At the time the Palestinian Authority controlled the Palestinian population in Gaza until Hamas brutally overthrew the government and took control in 2006.
While we are witnessing an unprecedented tragedy in Israel and Palestine today, let us hope we will soon see the end of Iranian influence in Gaza and the start of a new and bright future for Palestinians and Israelis.
In the meantime, Israel needs to win this war against Iran.
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