Dear editor,
Jakob Whiten criticises me for raising the issue of Gaza in the General Election.
Letters: Green Party candidate is wrong to use Gaza as a political football
In this country, foreign policy is determined by the Government, which is in turn selected by General Elections. It is entirely proper, therefore, for General Election candidates to raise important issues of foreign policy in the campaign, such as how this country should relate to Israel and Palestine.
It is clear that Jakob lives in a very different world from so many constituents in Bedford. Many whom I have spoken to are deeply concerned about the plight of the people of Gaza.
Read: New Elm tree for Bedford Embankment to mark town’s friendship with Palestinian village
Jakob says he has lived in Israel and has many friends in the Israeli army. It appears that his experience is vastly different from that of the Palestinians I have spoken to and listened to carefully here in Bedford.
He claims “There is no apartheid”, yet those very different views of what is happening give a clear indication of a divide at least as deep as there was in apartheid-era South Africa (and since I have no recollection of any nine-metre high walls separating villagers from their land in South Africa, I wonder whether the word ‘apartheid’ actually downplays the depth of the divide in Israel/Palestine).
I agree that many Israelis want peace, but it is also clear that some in positions of power in the current Israeli government have decided that the elimination of the Palestinian presence in Gaza is a higher priority for them.
Thus, I cannot, at present, agree with Jakob’s claim that Israel wants peace (so long as it is controlled by its current government and military infrastructure).
The use of leaflet drops by the Israeli military is one of very few fig leaves of upholding the right of life of civilians, but telling people “we’re going to bomb you, get out while you can” is always going to be traumatic, and telling people to go to places that do not have adequate facilities to give them shelter, food and water is an act bereft of compassion.
I agree that Hamas have halted democracy and fostered a culture of hate, but that is no excuse for killing of more than 30,000 people, mainly women and children. It is no excuse for denying them food, water and fuel.
This death and suffering is why I say “the reaction by the Israeli army is … vastly, disproportionate” to the despicable acts of Hamas.
The death of more than 30,000 people is clear evidence that Jakob’s claim that “Israel … will do whatever it can to preserve life” just cannot be true when applied to the current Israeli regime and the Israeli army in its current operation.
During this General Election, and afterwards, so long as it is relevant, I will continue to proudly call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire and release of hostages, for the immediate recognition of Palestine, for an immediate end to the sales of British-made arms that are being used in the commission of what looks far too much like war crimes, and broader sanctions against Israel, to get a little closer to the comprehensive sanctions already imposed against Hamas.
The attitude of candidates and their parties to British support for a regime that has killed tens of thousands in nine months is an important election issue.
I know many in Bedford will agree with me, and as a consequence will be voting Green.
Ben Foley
Green Party Candidate for Bedford and Kempston
Councillor for Greyfriars Ward & convenor of the Green group
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