Letter to the Editor: Toby F. Block

Letter to the Editor,

The case against Israel in the International Court of Justice is so ludicrous that it would be laughable if it didn’t present such a threat to Israel, her leaders, and her people. Hamas broke a ceasefire to deliberately attack Israeli civilians, torturing, murdering, and abducting many. Furthermore, Hamas’ violations of the rules of Armed Combat (such as hiding weapons in schools and apartment buildings, storing munitions in hospitals and mosques, firing missiles at Israeli population centers from Gazan population centers, having women approach Israeli troops with explosives hidden under their modest clothing, running summer camps where children are given weapons and trained to use them) guarantee that Israel’s exemplary attempts at avoiding civilian casualties will not be 100% effective.

Even before Israel responded to Hamas’ October 7 attack, the Palestinians in Gaza were suffering as Hamas diverted monies and supplies donated for the people’s benefit to Hamas’ efforts to destroy Israel. Hamas claimed that an Israeli blockade (actually an embargo on war materiel) prevented Hamas from developing the enclave’s economy. Yet, the “blockade” didn’t prevent Hamas from building an extensive network of well-supplied terror tunnels under Gaza (which eventually led to the collapse of numerous apartment buildings when Israel destroyed the tunnels dug beneath them).

Hamas is threatening to inflict many October 7’s on Israelis. Imposition of a ceasefire now would stop Israel from eradicating Hamas and permit the terrorists to eventually make good on their threats. Instead of abetting Hamas’ evil, the ICJ should be investigating Hamas’ genocidal plans. The Hamas Charter clearly states that negotiations are futile, the conflict can be settled only by Jihad (Holy War), and it is a Muslim’s duty to work for the destruction of Israel.

Toby F. Block, Atlanta, GA