Is this story literally true? Are the opinions accurate?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/contributors/gershon-baskin.html
Because. Because. If it is, then how could we draw any other conclusion that the Prime Minister of Israel is a dangerous criminal with a total disregard for human life and no interest in peace.
This story was written by an Israeli peace negotiator*.
What appalls me most is how easy I find it to believe this is true … How terribly sad.
The first casualty of war is truth. But we need to know the truth of this. The world deserves to know.
The dead of Gaza and Israel deserve to know.
*Gershon Baskin is the founder of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information, an NGO and think tank established in 1988 to pursue a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Gershon Baskin’s efforts as a negotiator led to the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas in Gaza from 2006 to 2011. Through this work, Baskin came into mediated contact with Ahmed Jabari, commander of Hamas’s military wing. According to Baskin, Jabari had just been presented with the draft of a long-term cease-fire proposal, another effort of Baskin’s, when Israel assassinated Jabari on Nov. 14. The Israeli government was aware of Baskin’s attempts, he says, but “decided not to take that path.”
The targeted killing and accompanying bombings broke off an informal truce, mediated by Egypt, that had seemed to signal an end to escalation. Baskin wrote in The Daily Beast: “Jaabari is dead, and so is the chance for a mutually beneficial long term cease-fire understanding.”
Well, This Is What I Think 
Several days ago I had read a reference to “backdoor” negotiations that had been cut off by the assassination of al-Jaabari. This definitely appears to confirm that such negotiations were taking place. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that the escalation of violence is directly related to upcoming Israeli elections. And I am deeply disturbed by President Obama’s blind, unquestioning support for Israeli policy and actions.
Once again my country has prevented the UN from taking action to hold Israel accountable for their unlawful ~ and deadly ~ actions. We never hear the Jewish voices for peace speaking from inside and outside of Israel. I despair that most in the U.S. will ever comprehend the complexity of the situation in Israel/Palestine, or have any idea of the state of oppression and near-torture in which Palestinians have lived for the past 65 years.
Here is the latest post from my friend Dawn, who is presently in Bethlehem as an Ecumenical Accompaniment team member. It may give to your readers another human perspective on the conflict. http://4justpeace.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/gaza-i-am-left-without-words/
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Thank you very much indeed – I am sure many people will read that with interest.
I think your friend writes eloquently of the despair that many people feel, on both sides of the border with Gaza, and around the world, that this brutal conflict can ever end. It seems incomprehensible that both sides cannot resolve their differences equitably.
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There are people who talk as though Israel has no right to defend itself, but it certainly appears that this incident goes way beyond self defence. I can’t help being reminded of Trayvon Martin, not to imply that national issues should be resolved exactly like one-on-one issues, but the way the “stand your ground” laws warp the entire concept of self defence.
I can certainly understand why Baskin would feel personally betrayed, and also why he feels that Israelis and Palestinians have both been betrayed. I agree despair is the appropriate reaction!
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Incidentally I shared this with my cousin, and her response was “…I smell oil!!!!”
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*chuckles*
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i think this is very sad for both Palestinians and Israelite to continue in that pass of violence with out ending citizens of both communities need peace seriously , my concern is the blind support given by the USA.and Iranian presidents . To me both these supporters should not take side instead they should provide these two fighting parties with the reality of the destruction done by war to their communities ,that these two communities will always exist in that area and any attempt to dislodge one of this will not work but will only bring destruction .Two state solution and live in peace with full sovereignty is the only solution
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I agree with you totally Daniel – the region clearly needs a huge dose of common sense. As things stand simply more and more innocent people are going to die …
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Very late to the party, I know, but I just received the forward from my cousin who is so sensitive to the odor of oil.
http://kucinich.house.gov/news/email/show.aspx?ID=I26NBQEMIP3ISRLAO7PNHGCA6A
I know it is not you I need to notify that some Americans have a conscience.
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It does, indeed, seem incredible that the House would only allow one minute to discuss such a matter. I also note the congressman has picked up the same story I reported.
Since then we have, of course, seen the vote in the UN to allow Palestine upgraded representation. I do not know what good that will do in practical terms to advance a solution to the problem but it is certainly highly symbolic. And symbolism means a great deal at times like this.
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