I read with interest the letter from Mr Rowan, expressing some valid points, and indeed I thank him for his muted support of the Wednesday Flag Wavers.
As with a letter published in the Star 18 months or so ago from a Ms Fenwick, on the same subject, there are some misrepresentations and judgements based on assumptions. Never really safe.
There are points in Mr Rowan’s letter that I agree with, although there are a few comments that need further discussion. If the letter writer of a year ago and Mr Rowan would like to amble along one Wednesday and have a chat and coffee with us they’d be very welcome. It would be great to hear their points of view and wonderful to be able to explain our perspectives. ‘Coffee o’clock’ is usually around 11.30. So much better than taking up space in the local paper.
Mr Rowan, Ms Fenwick and others make a point which is erroneous and needs clarification. This whole atrocity did not start 2 years ago, as the Foreign Minister states and suggested by our 2 learned friends. For decades
The Gaza Strip has been known as ‘The world’s largest open air prison’, it is now referred to as ‘the world’s largest open air cemetery’. The illegally occupied West Bank has been surrounded by an apartheid wall for decades, through which it is very difficult for Palestinians to pass. Palestinian houses are demolished and the land has settlements built on it, contrary to International Law. Thousands of Palestinians are held in prisons without trial. “A serious attack” on Israel is often referred to, but we mustn’t forget that Gaza has suffered many serious attacks, as have those in the Illegally Occupied West Bank over decades. Put simply it did not start on October 7, as many say.
Sometimes objectors shout at us ‘Free The Hostages’, my reply is always “yes, I agree, free ALL the hostages, All the Palestinian hostages as well”, which of course includes all those held in prison without trial, all those behind the separation apartheid wall in the Illegally Occupied West Bank and all those in “the world’s largest open air cemetery”
As I write this letter the headlines in the UK Guardian are “Israel military preparing to expel Gaza City residents as baby in tent amongst those killed in latest attacks” and “….condemnation after Israel bombs Gaza hospital then bombs it again killing rescuers, medics and journalists” and that is not all that has happened.
Letters on this subject will now be closed
