Now that Operation “Days of Penitence” is over, it is worth exploring the effectiveness this operation has had in fulfilling its prime goal. On September 28 2004, following the death of 2 Israeli infants hit by a Qaasam rocket, the Israeli army undertook one its most widespread and concentrated military campaigns in more than 4 years, reaching the heart of the Jabalaya refugee camp in Northern Gaza. Following the 18-day onslaught, Gaza has yet again been turned into a demolition site, in effect reducing it to ruble.

Operation ‘Days of Penitence’ was recently described by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon a successful operation that significantly decreased the number of Qassams being fired at near by Israeli towns and cities. More so, absurdly enough this latest military operation is seen by the PM as an effective policy in reducing and hindering further attacks from taking place in the future. Any sane person with just a touch of humanity would think the contrary to what PM Sharon said. Namely, Operation ‘Days of Penitence’ was an absolute and utter failure in achieving its main goal. Maybe, as part of Israel concentrated policy of complete violation and obstruction of International and Humanitarian Law, can this operation be deemed a success. In this respect the Israeli Army and the Israeli Government at large deserve a grade A for both their achievement and effort. The numbers speak for themselves.

• Over 133 people killed of whom over 37 are children under the age of 18 (Al Mezan)
• Over 450 people injured of whom 138 children. (Al Mezan)
• Over 90 homes completely demolished leaving 700 people homeless (UNRWA)

However, as part of Israel’s policy of supposedly going through every length at protecting its citizens, especially the ones living in the immediate vicinity of Gaza, Operation ‘Days of Penitence’ has been a complete and utter failure. The initial aim of this operation was to hinder and/or decrease the number of Qassam rockets being fired by Palestinian militants from Gaza. However, the question arises, why does a report by Al Mezan state that the majority of casualties in this latest incursion were mostly innocent civilians. Hasn’t history proven time and time again that suppressing people, creating more and more despair and making people homeless only breeds enmity. With a deep culture of hatred permeating much of Gazan society, Israel’s latest operation will most definitely not prevent future Qassam rocket attacks from targeting Israeli civilians; on the contrary, it may increase such attacks.

Furthermore, during the Operation, US Secretary of State Colin Powell was quoted as saying, “Prime Minister Sharon’s offensive in Gaza is not in contrast of the disengagement plan…he remains committed to the plan and hopefully that will get back on track.” Is the killing of innocent civilians, including children, with no disregard to anybody or anything conducive to peace? What kind of a step towards peace is this latest operation which is supposedly complementary to the internationally backed ‘Road Map?’

On another front, the Palestinian people have been dealt another heavy blow which was perfectly portrayed by the United Nations Security Council’s, ability to issue a resolution (1559) calling for the withdrawal of all foreign troops (Syrian) from Lebanon. Neglecting, the fact that Syrian troops are stationed in Lebanon, as part of an agreement (Taef accords) that ended Lebanon’s 15 year civil war. Moreover Syrian troops are stationed or occupy Lebanon in an effort to aid the Lebanese army in maintaining peace and security. The Syrian army in Lebanon has failed in committing a single war crime against the Lebanese people. Yet for some twisted reason the US pushed forward this resolution.

On the other hand, Israel occupies Palestinian land illegally and for a prolonged period of time while possessing a miserable human rights record, committing war crime after war crime. Sadly enough these facts are not compelling enough for the US to accept a simple resolution which merely called on Israel; to immediately halt its military operation, respect international humanitarian law, ensure unfettered access and safety of United Nations personnel to provide emergency assistance to the civilian population, and finally called for a resumption of peace negotiations under the framework of the internationally backed Road Map. The proposed resolution received a Veto from the US because of its supposed lack of balance, whatever that may mean these days.

How paradoxical that is, when war crimes are committed by foreign troops the US doesn’t push for the withdrawal of these troops, but when war crimes are not committed by foreign troops the US pushes for a withdrawal of these troops.