As it happens, Emmanuel (in this thread, who happens to be an Israeli) and I had an extensive exchange debating the RoR which you are invited to read here.

Interesting choice of words for an analogy, John …. but it is inapplicable and reflects your opinion and normative judgment that the RoR is unacceptable. You may find it unacceptable but Palestinians do not, and it is their moral human right to assert, supported and enshrined in international law. It is Israel’s ongoing ethnic cleansing that is not supported by international law or any reasonable civilised morals. In fact many Gazans are from Askalaan (renamed Ashkelon) and the surrounding area, now forced to live in a concentration camp Israel has created of Gaza, from a people who should know better.

Your last statement is entirely and demonstrably false. Hamas have had every overture (including this latest one) it has extended rejected by Israel.

I am deeply affected by Israel’s ongoing carnage and loss of life on both sides of the border and I am glad you have expressed the same about the civilian casualties. I am upset that ISRAEL started the war and violated the ceasefire as I’ve argued in your post on the topic entitled “in support of Israel”, supported with evidence.

I must say I don’t know what you are basing your unsupported assertions on, because I think you are being badly served by any information services.

If two guys are fighting, and one says “I will stop fighting if you will have sex with a donkey”, then that is not a serious bid for peace. Likewise, if Hamas says “We will continue trying to kill civilians if you won’t accept this unacceptable proposal” then it indicates that they actually WANT the war.

Hamas could very easily have avoided this war, and they could very easily stop it at any time. If you are upset about the deaths (as I am), then you must be VERY upset with Hamas for both starting and continuing this war (as I am).

If I wasn’t mistaken, I’d be inclined to think you just like prolonging a talk shop in this thread. I’m afraid your disappointment and regard (for me) are not of paramount importance; we are here talking about people being massacred and I care not for minutiae. You’ll find ample self-criticism of “my side” elsewhere on this blog, including of Hezbollah, whom I largely support.