Desertpeace

*PEACE NOW……..SHALOM ACHSHAV……..SALAAM ELAN*

Let me start by saying the following ( this thread is not meant to infuriate my zionist readers)…
I do not want to see harm brought to the Israeli soldier that has been captured. I want to see him returned to his family, alive and well.

I find the headline on the CNN link very strange… “Israel demands release of abducted soldier”… Demands of whom???? Have they suddenly recognised the Hamas regime now that they want something from them? Here is an article from CNN and another from AlJazeera dealing with the situation.

These quotes from CNN…
“This situation is today more grave than it’s been for quite a while. This is a crisis,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev, referring to ongoing tensions and strife between Israel and Palestinians.”
Correct me if I’m wrong… Israeli forces have been on a killing spree in Gaza for over two weeks now but “This is a crisis”?

“”We hope that this soldier will be released immediately, that’s our demand” and “if that doesn’t happen we will act to release him,” said Regev, who made the remarks after Palestinians indicated that there are diplomatic efforts afoot on the matter.”
I too hope the soldier will be released immediately, but will that stop the killings of innocent civilians? Where are the diplomatic efforts afoot to stop Israel from continuing these murders?

“If the soldier is promptly freed, Regev said, “we will see this crisis de-escalate. But once again, we have to see immediate action here.”"
That sounds hopeful… but which crisis is refered to, the killings of innocent civilians or the capture of an Israeli soldier? Is there only one crisis in the region presently?

Bottom line is… this madness has to end NOW. Israel must recognise Hamas as the Government of Palestine NOW. Israel must allow the Palestinian people to declare statehood NOW. Only then will the crisis end… not until…