Turning the flotilla tide

Published: 18 June, 2010

• THE Tribune’s recent articles on the Gaza aid flotilla illustrated a lack of insight into the Israelis’ and Palestinians’ plight.

The Israelis have been under attack from Arabs and Palestinians for 24 years. The huge psychological effects of such a prolonged and ever-present danger on succeeding generations cannot be ignored. 

The sheer length of time involved and the previous extended reality of suicide bombers entitle Israel to practise a policy of zero tolerance towards any attacks on Palestine.

Independent aid to Palestine must be under the jurisdiction of the United Nations, working in close collaboration with Israel. 

Israel was entitled to interpret the sheer size and number of the ninth flotilla as an invasion and to attempt to turn the tide before it reached the 68-mile exclusion zone.

The Palestinians’ plight deserves in-depth consideration. Those Palestinians not members of organisations such as Al-Fatah, Hamas and Al-Qaeda have suffered by being forced into exile on occasions. Because of their small numbers, they continue to be marginalised.

SHELIA MEBERLY
Packington Street, N1