Today began dull and drizzly but turned bright and sunny later. Maybe we’ll get out for a walk while the sun is still shining. Flood warnings are still around in other parts of the country but we still seem to have got off lightly.
Meanwhile I seem to be turning into my mother, spending a large part of Sunday thinking about and preparing food for a possible “invasion” by the family. Okay, that is something of an exaggeration: i do other things as well - reading, writing, drawing, painting, knitting, stitching of one kind or another.
In the wider world, UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Cairo Summit for Peace on Saturday. Talking about the aid trucks that should have crossed from Egypt to Gaza on Friday but didn’t move until Saturday he said: “Those trucks need to move as quickly as possible in a massive, sustained and safe way from Egypt into Gaza."
Today there is further delay. They might possibly get more aid moving on Monday or, more hopefully later today. One speaker on today’s radio news described the aid that has got through as a drop in the ocean. And in the absence of fuel in the supplies, more than 100 premature babies in Gaza will very likely die.
Antonio Guterres has been calling for peace rather than retribution, here is an excerpt from his speech:
"Excellencies,
Let’s be clear.
The grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long.
We cannot and must not ignore the wider context for these tragic events: the long-standing conflict and 56 years of occupation with no end in sight.
But nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorized Israeli civilians.
And those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
International humanitarian law – including the Geneva Conventions – must be upheld.
That includes protecting civilians and not attacking hospitals, schools and UN premises that are currently sheltering half a million people.
Excellencies,
Our near-term goals must be clear:
Immediate, unrestricted and sustained humanitarian aid for besieged civilians in Gaza.
Immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
And immediate and dedicated efforts to prevent the spread of violence which is increasing the risk of spillover.
To advance all these efforts, I appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire now.
Excellencies,
Our sustained collective efforts and resources have never been needed more.
As we focus on ending the bloodshed, we cannot lose sight of the only realistic foundation for a true peace and stability: a two-State solution.
Israelis must see their legitimate needs for security materialised, and Palestinians must see their legitimate aspirations for an independent State realized, in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and previous agreements.
The time has come for action.
Action to end this godawful nightmare.
Action to build a future worthy of the dreams of the children of Palestine, Israel, the region and our world."
It should be obligatory reading for all the politicians form all over the place who are flying around declaring their support, mostly for Israel.
Meanwhile, journalists getting abuse from both sides for giving both sides of the argument. BBC staff have been criticised because of the the corporation’s editorial policy of not using the word terrorist to describe Hamas, saying instead that it is “proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and other governments”. Even the Israeli government accused the BBC of perpetuating a “modern blood feud” over the reporting of the explosion at Gaza’s al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza on Tuesday evening. Here’s a link to an article about how traumatised journalists are.
In this modern age of instant feedback on social media, we must be careful to keep a balanced view and keep hoping for peace. .
Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!
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