[CONSOLIDATED] Israel & Palestine Hamas conflict updates [History Discussion and stirring against any religion NOT ALLOWED]

[XcoVar]

Missiles fired on Oct 7th...nah, we're in Dec feasting mood now. Merry Christmas!!!!

 

[skylink67]

Rocket hit base and burn vegetation = hit base with nuclear

 

[cranthir]

CO23176 | Antisemitism-Islamophobia: Labels, Accusations, and Prejudice in the Israel-Hamas War
Paul Hedges
01 December 2023


RSIS Commentary is a platform to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy-relevant commentary and analysis of topical and contemporary issues. The authors’ views are their own and do not represent the official position of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU. These commentaries may be reproduced with prior permission from RSIS and due credit to the author(s) and RSIS. Please email to Editor RSIS Commentary at RSISPublications@ntu.edu.sg.

SYNOPSIS​

In the current Israel-Hamas war, accusations of antisemitism and Islamophobia are deployed by global advocates on each side. Such accusations are, however, often more political than substantive, though serious prejudice does exist and must be countered.

COMMENTARY​

Ever since the 7 October Hamas attack in Southern Israel, and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza, some have taken a partisan approach. To discredit the other side, accusations of people being antisemites or Islamophobes flow into the debate. However, such allegations can be polemical and rhetorical to delegitimate the opposing side. We therefore need to look at what is entailed in such accusations.

Prejudice​

Both antisemitism and Islamophobia are forms of prejudice, and our understanding builds from Gordon Allport’s pioneering work in the 1950s. A prejudice consists of three main components: stereotypes, or intellectual and emotive representations of a group; prejudice as an emotive response and acceptance of these stereotypes; and, discrimination, which is the active component against another, harming them as an individual or a group.
While some argue about what terms to use, generally we accept that antisemitism is prejudicial hatred against Jews, and Islamophobia is prejudicial hatred against Muslims. While coined over a century apart, the former in the nineteenth and the latter in the late twentieth century, they share much in common.
Importantly, neither antisemitism nor Islamophobia, like any prejudice, is simply about personal hatred and contempt, but is also reflected in structural components within social systems, language, and worldviews.

Good Muslims, Bad Jews, and Vice Versa​

Today, Jews globally are held accountable by some for the acts of the Israeli government in its war in Gaza, which have stoked mass outrage due to the mass killings of civilians caught in the crossfire, and which some wonder how to justify morally, with ethical arguments for and against. But many Jews are not Israelis, many Israelis (whether Jews or not) did not even vote for the current government, let alone what is now occurring. Meanwhile many Jews, Israeli and otherwise, have sought justice for the Palestinians. Holding all Jews accountable for one government’s military actions is antisemitism.
We have seen this double standard also applied against Muslims, especially since 9/11, where to be regarded as a “good Muslim”, one was expected to actively denounce terrorism done by others claiming Muslim identity. Not to do so, was seen as making one a “bad Muslim”, i.e., suspect and potentially a terrorist sympathiser.
Both Jews and Muslims are often treated as monolithic groups, with individual agency denied, and an undue expectation – not applied to any others – that they must speak out against any violence which is otherwise held to represent them as a whole. When you don’t see individuals, only groups, then this is a sign of prejudice.

Antisemitic and Islamophobic Tropes​

This “groupism” ideology has seen various types of accusations levelled against both Jews and Muslims. For centuries, Europeans often spoke of “the Jewish problems”, of Jews as an unassimilable group, bound more closely to each other than non-Jewish fellow citizens, and by racial and religious inclination polluting of Western norms. Today, the same allegations often haunt Muslim populations.
The European imaginary of Muslims also, for centuries, painted them as violent and untrustworthy, reflecting centuries of imperial contestation around the Mediterranean and beyond. It also was exported with colonialism across the globe. Jews, lacking political power, did not historically face this accusation, but it surfaces today in how they are portrayed in the military actions of certain Israeli governments.

Justifiable Violence​

It is hard to see Hamas’ attack on 7 October as anything but a terrorist atrocity. But, for some, Israel as an occupying and belligerent force justifies such attacks. Hamas’ original charter called not just for the destruction of the Israeli state, but also the killing of Jews. This latter part, which is clearly antisemitic, was renounced in 2017.
Yet the brutal killings of women, children, and the elderly suggests not a military action of freedom fighters, but an antisemitic assault in which all Jewish people are seen as complicit in the actions of the Israeli government. Those who strongly support Hamas’ attack need to reckon with this deeply antisemitic aspect.
The Israeli defence minister meanwhile described Hamas as “human animals” and such dehumanising language can lead to brutal suppression when the other is seen as less than human. The vast level of civilian casualties – which at the time of writing is reported at almost 15,000 and around 40 per cent of whom are children – caught in the Israeli military response implies a disregard for the lives of Palestinians. Strong defence of this war may indicate a degree of Islamophobia in which Muslim lives are regarded as less significant (notwithstanding that many Palestinians are Christians).

​

 

[cranthir]

Zionism and Israel​

The situation is complicated by discourse around Israel and Zionism. Israel, by its detractors, is often accused of being an illegitimate state. However, such allegations seem to treat it by different standards. Such accusations are therefore at least structurally antisemitic.
As the world’s only Jewish state, it is also understandable (especially given a millennia-old history of pogroms, ethnic cleansing, and genocide) that many Jews, even if not Israelis, feel Israel’s right to self-defence is absolute. Yet there is harsh criticism of the Israeli government treatment of Palestinians and the settlers who take Palestinian homes from many Jews, Israelis and otherwise. Indeed, the words of some Israeli officials may stoke opposition to that country’s actions. However, some supporters of Israel try and frame any criticism of the country as antisemitic.
Many Jews, even if appalled at the recent military actions by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza, would not disavow Zionism, which at base is the belief that Jewish people have the right to a state. Yet, in the good-Jew vs bad-Jew antisemitic trope, Jews are often called on to denounce Zionism to prove they are acceptable, with accusations that militant settler violence represents all Zionism.
This is antisemitic, holding Jews to a different standard and stereotyping Jewish nationalism. But, equally, Muslims are often called out to condemn what Hamas did as if, as noted above, this is something we cannot expect of Muslims. Hence, we see similarity between antisemitic and Islamophobic tropes, and prejudice against both is on the rise.

The View from Singapore​

Singapore has offered support to both Israel and the Palestinian Authority over the years, and consistently called for a two-state solution. Many here may feel greater sympathy for either the Israeli state and its actions – seeing it as involved in a war on terrorism which justifies the deaths of civilians for a supposed “greater good” – while many others may see their sympathy with the underdog – especially the millions of innocent and defenceless civilians of Gaza. Wherever one’s sympathy lies, with one or both, it is important not to stigmatise and demonise the other side, which will lead to prejudice.
Good people can hold different views, which may arise from historical conditions, personal commitments of family and friends, or other factors. Seeing the other as an individual and seeking to understand them, rather than lumping them into a generic group, will allow differences to exist without disrupting social harmony or causing personal animosity. We are all prejudiced to some degree, but we must not let those prejudices control us.

About the Author​

Paul Hedges, PhD, is Associate Professor of Interreligious Studies in the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. His most recent books are Understanding Religion: Theories and Methods for Studying Religiously Diverse Societies (California, 2021), and Religious Hatred: Prejudice, Islamophobia, and Antisemitism in Global Context (Bloomsbury, 2021).
Categories: Commentaries / Country and Region Studies / General / International Politics and Security
Last updated on 04/12/2023

 

[AZE]

Really arh? Sho the minister suggesting to use nukes on gaza ish actually speaking the truth?
Can tell UN investigate?

 

[yobyella]

israel never admitted they have nukes or not

So can we trust their words?

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu's statements 'are not based in reality,' Prime Minister Netanyahu says. Israel's Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu was suspended indefinitely after he said in an interview that dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was “one of the possibilities,” the government announced on Sunday.5 Nov 2023

 

[jkohlc2]

So can we trust their words?

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu's statements 'are not based in reality,' Prime Minister Netanyahu says. Israel's Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu was suspended indefinitely after he said in an interview that dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was “one of the possibilities,” the government announced on Sunday.5 Nov 2023

never admit vs say don't have nukes are very different things

plausible deniability

 

[ghregular]

this kind of story is like i saw u coming out of car with a young girl until u explain that shes yr daughter.

 

[thailover]

These two countries reminds me of the feud between萧远山and慕容博

The ending of all needs the power of an almighty god, just like扫地僧

You over estimate hamas la
They are at best Murong Fu
Useless one
Israel is dun want wipe them out for fear of international backlash

 

[Pumpkin Duke]

heng hama using harmless missiles

 

[ahnyaahnya]

No wonder .
Must go all out to get rid of Hamas

 

[enigmastar]

"Strike on Sdot Micha base triggered a blaze close to storage facilities and sensitive weapons"

"The report said the Hamas rocket hit inside the perimeter of the Sdot Micha base, which is located 25 miles northeast of Gaza and 15 miles west of Jerusalem. It struck at 10am and appeared to land in a small ravine. The explosion started a fire in the dry vegetations."

Sensational reporting. It started a fire in the dry vegetations in a small ravine. Maybe thats why iron dorm don't brother to intercept it. Hamas can shoot as many missile into the ravine and start as many fire in dry vegetation, it does not harm the base and the people at all.

 

[NightGhost]

It look like someone going to trigger nuk war liao. We should dig more deeper nao not build taller

 

[forests_gump]

And yet simi COP28 concludes with 20 nations pledge to 3X increase use of nuclear reactor power, as the solution to so call simi Green Initiatives ~ oh yes "there is no evidence" it is more dangerous.

Actuallee Just cut some GDP, consumption will come down as well. No Pain No Gain

 

[fire]

Don't think hamas missiles will ever touch any Israel nuclear weapons even if they had any. Nuclear weapons are likely to be stored in deep underground facilities in case of any accident.

 

[iceblendedchoc]

Hamas rocket hit Israeli base containing nuclear missiles, says report​

Hamas fired a barrage of rockets into Israel on Oct 7

An Israeli military base where nuclear weapons are said to be stored, was struck by a missile fired by Hamas on Oct 7, according to a media report.

The report said while the nuclear-capable missiles themselves were not hit, the attack triggered a blaze close to storage facilities and other sensitive weaponry.

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has so far refused to comment on the claims, made in a report by The New York Times.

The report said the Hamas rocket hit inside the perimeter of the Sdot Micha base, which is located 25 miles northeast of Gaza and 15 miles west of Jerusalem. It struck at 10am and appeared to land in a small ravine. The explosion started a fire in the dry vegetation.

The assertion, based on photographic evidence, comes as the Israeli military continues its operations throughout Gaza, and with partners such as the US calling on Israel to minimise the number of civilian casualties.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said the death toll in the territory since Oct 7 has now surpassed 15,500.

If the report is confirmed it would only trigger more concern in Israel and the wider region.

Hamas’s Oct 7 assault on Israel, which killed at least 1,200 people and saw up to 250 taken hostage, began with the firing of thousands of rockets by Hamas into Israel from Gaza. The intention was to act as both a diversion and overwhelm Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system.

An Israeli tank fires on Hamas positions on Monday




The report said it was unclear whether the strike at the base was simply part of general barrage, or if Hamas knew it was striking a base with nuclear-capable missiles. Hamas has yet to comment on the report.
In what it has termed a tactic of intentional strategic ambiguity, Israel has never confirmed or denied reports of possessing a nuclear arsenal.
But reports say it may have developed its first weapon in the late 1960s, after the end of the 1967 Six-Day War.
The Washington-DC-based non-profit The Arms Control Association calculates that Israel possesses around 90 warheads.
If that it the case, Israel would be 8th in a list of nations possessing nuclear weapons, behind Russia, the US, China, France, the UK, Pakistan, and India. It would be ahead of North Korea, which is believed to have 30 such weapons.
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, told The Telegraph it was unclear whether Hamas “targeted that facility because they thought that it might involve nuclear armed Jericho missiles or not.”
He added: “But this is one of the inherent risks when a country that’s armed with nuclear weapons, is involved in a hot war”.
Mr Kimball said: “The same kind of risks exist at times in Pakistan, when you have terrorist networks operating. Pakistani military facilities have been subjected to attack in the past. So this is similar.”


Hans Kristensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists’ Nuclear Information Project, told The New York Times that there could be 25 to 50 nuclear-capable so-called “Jericho” missile launchers at the base, which was built in 1962. These missiles are equipped to carry nuclear warheads.

He said even if the fire had reached the missiles, their underground storage facilities were built to protect them.

Nevertheless, he added: “All sorts of things can go wrong.”

The IDF did not respond to inquiries.




https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-n...aeli-base-containing-nuclear-missiles-report/

time for israel to deploy these nuclear warheads on gaza then before it is wasted.

 

[Prismatic]

Most nuclear silos are built to withstand a nuclear attack so unlikely that rockets will do much damage. Especially when the warhead is probably TNT based and not plastic explosive.

 

[zheng]

Hamas rocket hit Israeli base containing nuclear missiles, says report​

Hamas fired a barrage of rockets into Israel on Oct 7

An Israeli military base where nuclear weapons are said to be stored, was struck by a missile fired by Hamas on Oct 7, according to a media report.

The report said while the nuclear-capable missiles themselves were not hit, the attack triggered a blaze close to storage facilities and other sensitive weaponry.

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has so far refused to comment on the claims, made in a report by The New York Times.

The report said the Hamas rocket hit inside the perimeter of the Sdot Micha base, which is located 25 miles northeast of Gaza and 15 miles west of Jerusalem. It struck at 10am and appeared to land in a small ravine. The explosion started a fire in the dry vegetation.

The assertion, based on photographic evidence, comes as the Israeli military continues its operations throughout Gaza, and with partners such as the US calling on Israel to minimise the number of civilian casualties.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said the death toll in the territory since Oct 7 has now surpassed 15,500.

If the report is confirmed it would only trigger more concern in Israel and the wider region.

Hamas’s Oct 7 assault on Israel, which killed at least 1,200 people and saw up to 250 taken hostage, began with the firing of thousands of rockets by Hamas into Israel from Gaza. The intention was to act as both a diversion and overwhelm Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system.

An Israeli tank fires on Hamas positions on Monday




The report said it was unclear whether the strike at the base was simply part of general barrage, or if Hamas knew it was striking a base with nuclear-capable missiles. Hamas has yet to comment on the report.
In what it has termed a tactic of intentional strategic ambiguity, Israel has never confirmed or denied reports of possessing a nuclear arsenal.
But reports say it may have developed its first weapon in the late 1960s, after the end of the 1967 Six-Day War.
The Washington-DC-based non-profit The Arms Control Association calculates that Israel possesses around 90 warheads.
If that it the case, Israel would be 8th in a list of nations possessing nuclear weapons, behind Russia, the US, China, France, the UK, Pakistan, and India. It would be ahead of North Korea, which is believed to have 30 such weapons.
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, told The Telegraph it was unclear whether Hamas “targeted that facility because they thought that it might involve nuclear armed Jericho missiles or not.”
He added: “But this is one of the inherent risks when a country that’s armed with nuclear weapons, is involved in a hot war”.
Mr Kimball said: “The same kind of risks exist at times in Pakistan, when you have terrorist networks operating. Pakistani military facilities have been subjected to attack in the past. So this is similar.”


Hans Kristensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists’ Nuclear Information Project, told The New York Times that there could be 25 to 50 nuclear-capable so-called “Jericho” missile launchers at the base, which was built in 1962. These missiles are equipped to carry nuclear warheads.

He said even if the fire had reached the missiles, their underground storage facilities were built to protect them.

Nevertheless, he added: “All sorts of things can go wrong.”

The IDF did not respond to inquiries.




https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-n...aeli-base-containing-nuclear-missiles-report/

haiz tot cease fire awhile liao now still pew pew pew missiles

 

[kaputzzz]

They think the nuclear weapon will be stored in open air for you to aim one is it? Their toothpick missle wont even touch the nuclear weapon even if it hit directly on the launchpad

 

[dambio]

haiz tot cease fire awhile liao now still pew pew pew missiles

Somebody wan to c d world burn!

Wonder who supply them tis