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To get to where to begin, we must discuss where we have been. Gaza was a Philistinian city and Jews began living there in the Hasmonean Era (140 B.C.E. to 37 B.C.E). At that time it was known as the place that Sampson died. Driven out by the Romans in 61 C.E., Jews have lived there off and on for 2,000 years, with their strongest presence in the 19th & 20th centuries. Israel took control of Gaza during the 1967 "Six Day War."
By 2005, 8,000 Jews were living in 21 communities in Gaza. A total of 166 farms were growing $120 million a year of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They employed many Gazans as well. But Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who had served in Israel's military for almost 40 years, was tired of the attacks on Jews in Gaza. He decided to unilaterally abandon those communities. All Jews were forced to leave their homes and businesses, and the territory was turned over to the Palestinian Authority, with whom Israel had numerous peace agreements beginning with Oslo I and Oslo II. Within two days, hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of infrastructure, that was left for their use, was destroyed by the Gazans.
In addition to providing safety for its citizens and reducing tensions, Sharon hoped that these unilateral decisions would gain Israel political capital on the world stage. Sadly, that didn't happen.
In 2006, Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, held elections in Gaza. Much to his chagrin, Hamas won the election.
Unable to form a coalition government between the two parties, Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.
For centuries Christians also lived in Gaza and at one time represented 15% of the population. Sadly, today Christians are 2% or less of the population. In 2006 and 2007, many churches were ransacked and looted. The desecration culminated with the destruction of a church and school in Gaza City.
As mentioned, the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza was founded on the premise to reduce tension and create goodwill. If anything, it created a launching pad for Hamas. From time-to-time, Israel has had to go into Gaza and take out terrorist infrastructure.
Israel goes to great lengths to protect ordinary Gazans. When Israel targets a building housing weapons and terrorists, often located in mosques, schools, office and apartment buildings, every effort is made to reduce/avoid civilian causalities. These methods include dropping leaflets, written in Arabic, telling people to get out of the building as it will be bombed shortly; using automated telephone dialers to phone numbers with a message to evacuate the targeted area; and using knock, knock bombs. These are shell casings without explosives and when dropped on the roof of a large building, which cause the entire structure to loudly vibrate and Gazans know to leave immediately. Since October 7th, Israel has made 79,000 evacuation calls, dropped 7.2 million leaflets, sent 13.7 million text messages, and left 15 million recorded messages.
Retired British Col. Richard Kemp has said many times over, "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare."
It is necessary to understand the record of reoccurring terrorist activity from Gaza to Israel. The following information details the cycle of terrorism since 2005. After each round of terrorism, the compassionate, world community comes together to rebuild Gaza.
∫ 2005-2007 -- Hamas fired 2,000 rockets and mortars (R&M) toward Israel, four Israelis killed.
∫ 12/7/2008 to 1/18/2009 -- 719 R&M fired to Israel, nine Israeli soldiers killed
∫ 11/14 – 11/21/12 -- 1,506 R & M fired to Israel, six Israelis killed.
∫ 7/3/14 - 1/8/15 -3,256 R & M fired to Israel -- 64 Israelis soldiers & 3 civilians killed; 463 Israeli soldier and 83 civilians injured.
∫ 5/10 - 5/21/21 -- 4,350 R & M fired to Israel; six missiles made their way to Jerusalem for the first time. Twelve Israelis killed and 342 injured.
∫ 8/5 – 8/8/22 -- 1,100 R & M fired to Israel.
∫ 5/19 - 5/13/23 -- 1,469 R & M fired to Israel. One Israeli killed.
∫ 10/7/23 -- 2/13/24 - The most heinous attack ever on Israel. Some estimates state as many as 3,000 terrorists, in an organized assault, breached the security barrier in the predawn hours and attacked musical festival attendees and nearby communities. Around 1,200 Israelis were slaughtered in the most inhumane methods imaginable.
As of Feb. 13: 1,450 Israeli civilians and security personal killed, 364 soldiers killed, 132 Israelis still held captive.
The history provided from 2005 to the present is quite important. After each conflict, it's like the Bill Murray movie "Groundhog Day."
After the fighting stops, interested parties will make suggestions of what should be done to solve problems.
This cycle of violence follows with humanitarian aid, money, and supplies for rebuilding Gaza. However, it also allows Hamas to rebuild and rearm. While the civilian population is trying to get their lives back together, Hamas is using some of those supplies to rebuild their tunnels, build new rockets, and whatever it takes for the next conflict.
Last month, one enterprising analyst wrote about his philosophy for when the conflict ends. It is quite the opposite from "Groundhog Day." He is Richard Goldberg and is with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. His ideas were published in Commentary magazine and is entitled, "After Hamas Is Destroyed, Here Are the Five Things That Must Not Happen in Gaza."
"First, Gaza has no future with Hamas or other terrorist groups involved."
"Second, Israel cannot repeat the mistake of unilaterally abandoning security control of Gaza."
"Third, no country that ever sponsored or provided safe harbor to Hamas can be allowed any role in Gaza's future."
"Fourth, no political party or governing authority that pledges to destroy Israel, promotes terrorism against Israel, or pushes economic warfare can be part of post-Hamas Gaza."
"Fifth, international organizations that promote Anti-Semitism or incitement against Israel, that are compliant in Hamas War Crimes, and that fail to submit their staff and contributors to U.S. counterterrorism vetting cannot be trusted to help build a better future for Gaza."
Only when these and other policies are enforced, can Gaza be made safe for its citizens and Israel. Then the region can grow and prosper. Finally, with its superb location on the Mediterranean Sea, Gaza may have the potential to become the vacation spot which has been envisioned for years.
Stuart V. Pavilack serves as the executive director of the Zionist Organization of America: Pittsburgh.