In July 2014, Danish journalist Nikolaj Krak reported on the scene in Israel during “Operation Protective Edge” in Gaza, where Israelis cheered air strikes on the Strip from a hilltop transformed into a war theatre. The conflict ultimately led to the deaths of thousands in Gaza, sparking protests in Israel demanding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
Massive demonstrations across the country have called for an end to the violence and the return of Israeli captives, with some 700,000 protesters taking to the streets. While international commentary may focus on ending bloodshed, the primary concern for many Israelis is the return of the captives.
The disparity in value placed on Israeli captives compared to the lives of Palestinians in Gaza reflects Israel’s chauvinistic outlook as victims of Palestinian “terrorism”. Despite relatively low casualties on the Israeli side during conflicts, the Israeli military continues to perpetrate disproportionately high levels of violence against Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the recovery of Israeli captives’ bodies blamed Hamas, shifting focus away from Israel’s role in ongoing violence and the sabotaging of potential ceasefire negotiations.
As the protests in Israel continue, many are beginning to question the government’s policies and treatment of Palestinians. While some hope for an end to the bloodshed, the underlying issue of Israeli military aggression and disproportionate violence remains a central concern. The constant cycle of violence in Israel and the occupied territories is a troubling reality that continues to play out in a deadly and destructive manner.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com