# New discussion thread for Israel/Gaza/West Bank (Hijacks tolerated) **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** israel-hamas-war, hijacks-tolerated\ **Created:** [July 12, 2026, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615 "2026-07-12T00:17:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/315 "2026-09-01T13:01:25Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > This is absolutely a “both-sides thing”. It’s been that since before we were born, and it will almost certainly outlive us all. > > This is a conflict about religion, land, identity and generational grievances. If the shoe was on the other foot and Palestinians had the superior military and economic power in the region, things would not look very different. …this is an illegal occupation, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > For much of recorded history of this region. And the modern regional powers don’t seem very interested in resolving it. More often than not, they do what they can to make things worse. No. It’s an emergency. Palestinians in Gaza are living in the equivalent of a major disaster zone with no help coming. We need to provide the help. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > Without a doubt. But what would also help is _unconditional_ surrender by Hamas. Hamas has agreed to step down from power. They have already significantly progressed here and the next step is for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to take over but they can’t _because Israel won’t let them into Gaza_. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > Brought to you by the UN Department of Empty Threats. It’s the _contracting parties_ that are responsible for upholding the genocide convention and international law. That includes the United States of America. The United Kingdom. We all have the responsibility to prevent and punish the crime of genocide. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/316 "2026-09-01T13:12:04Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …this is an illegal occupation, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. It’s really not. > [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > We need to provide the help. Who are these “We”? > [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > Hamas has agreed to step down from power. Sweet summer child. > [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > We all have the responsibility There’s that “We” again. What are “We” doing to help, besides posting hyperbolicly on the internet? ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/317 "2026-09-01T13:15:38Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > If the shoe was on the other foot and Palestinians had the superior military and economic power in the region, things would not look very different. They would look entirely different because in 48, 67, 73, and every other opportunity if the Palestinian side was more militarily powerful then they would have _actually_ ethnically cleansed all of the Jews from their country, exactly like happened in every other Arab country in the Middle East and North Africa. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/318 "2026-09-01T13:21:26Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > It’s really not. …It’s an illegal occupation. > **[Report of the UN Secretary-General - Advisory opinion of the International...](https://www.un.org/unispal/document/report-of-the-secretary-general-icj-19dec24/)** > >   19 December 2024 To learn more about all ICJ cases related to the question of Palestine, click here to visit the dedicated webpage.   Seventy-ninth session Agenda item 34 The situation in the Middle East   Advisory opinion of the International... It’s ethnic cleansing in the West Bank. > **[Israel’s ethnic cleansing of West Bank Palestinian communities](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2026/06/israel-west-bank-ethnic-cleansing/)** > > An ethnic cleansing campaign targeting Palestinian Bedouin and herding communities in the West Bank is being carried out by Israel in a context of apartheid and unlawful occupation. It’s genocide. > **[Gaza genocide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaza_genocide)** > > The Gaza genocide is the ongoing, intentional, and systematic destruction of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip carried out by Israel during the Gaza war. It encompasses mass killings, the targeted killing of children (who account for 30% of those killed), deliberate starvation, infliction of serious bodily and mental harm, and prevention of births. Other acts include blockading, destroying civilian infrastructure, destroying healthcare facilities, killing healthcare workers As of July 2... [https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/israel-has-committed-genocide-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds](https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/israel-has-committed-genocide-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds) > **[Israel’s Crime of Extermination, Acts of Genocide in Gaza](https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/12/19/israels-crime-extermination-acts-genocide-gaza)** > > Israeli authorities have intentionally deprived Palestinian civilians in Gaza of adequate access to water since October 2023, most likely resulting in thousands of deaths and thus committing the crime against humanity of extermination and acts of... > **[Amnesty International concludes Israel is committing genocide against...](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/12/amnesty-international-concludes-israel-is-committing-genocide-against-palestinians-in-gaza/)** > > Amnesty International’s research has found sufficient basis to conclude that Israel has committed and is continuing to commit genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip. > **[Israel committing genocide in Gaza, world's leading experts say](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cde3eyzdr63o)** > > The world's leading association of genocide scholars cited several actions by Israel, including attacks on the healthcare sector and the killing of children. > **[Israel/OPT: Israeli organizations conclude Israel committing genocide against...](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/07/israel-opt-israeli-organizations-conclude-israel-committing-genocide-against-palestinians-in-gaza-in-another-milestone-for-accountability-efforts/)** > > Following the landmark publication of two reports by leading Israeli human rights organizations B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, which concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip,... [https://www.btselem.org/publications/202507\_our\_genocide](https://www.btselem.org/publications/202507_our_genocide) > **[South Africa's genocide case against Israel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa%27s_genocide_case_against_Israel)** > > The Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) is an ongoing case that was brought before the International Court of Justice on 29 December 2023 by South Africa regarding Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war, that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and mass killings. South Africa alleged that Israel had committed and was committing genocide in Gaza, contravening the Genocide Convention, inc... > [@QuickSilver](#): > > Who are these “We”? The nations that helped provide the funding and the weapons that were used in the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > Sweet summer child. They have. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > There’s that “We” again. > > What are “We” doing to help, besides posting hyperbolicly on the internet? As I already said to you, contracting parties to the Genocide Convention. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/319 "2026-09-01T13:28:51Z")
True. What I meant to say was that the Jewish population would be marginalized, and worse. Which is not an argument for might makes right. I think some in the IDF have committed war crimes. I think the Jewish settlers in the West Bank who attack Palestinians and commandeer their land deserve to be jailed, and good beating besides. I think key figures in the current Israeli government are criminals and ethno-fascists. Jail and beatings for them as well. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/320 "2026-09-01T13:32:50Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > As I already said to you, contracting parties to the Genocide Convention. 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/321 "2026-09-01T13:39:14Z")
…what does this even mean? The obligations of contracting parties to the genocide convention are clear. [https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-prevention-and-punishment-crime-genocide](https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-prevention-and-punishment-crime-genocide) > [@](#): > > **Entry into force: 12 January 1951, in accordance with article XIII** > > The Contracting Parties , > > Having considered the declaration made by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 96 (I) dated 11 December 1946 that genocide is a crime under international law, contrary to the spirit and aims of the United Nations and condemned by the civilized world, > … > > ### Article I > > The Contracting Parties confirm that genocide, whether committed in time of peace or in time of war, is a crime under international law which they undertake to prevent and to punish. > … > > ### Article IV > > Persons committing genocide or any of the other acts enumerated in article III shall be punished, whether they are constitutionally responsible rulers, public officials or private individuals. > … > > ### Article VIII > > Any Contracting Party may call upon the competent organs of the United Nations to take such action under the Charter of the United Nations as they consider appropriate for the prevention and suppression of acts of genocide or any of the other acts enumerated in article III. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/322 "2026-09-01T13:47:53Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …what does this even mean? No. What are YOU talking about? > [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > The obligations of contracting parties to the genocide convention are clear. So, you’re filling out forms? Good on ya. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/323 "2026-09-01T13:48:31Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > This is a conflict about religion, land, identity and generational grievances. If the shoe was on the other foot and Palestinians had the superior military and economic power in the region, things would not look very different. Whether accurate or not, none of this changes the fact that, at the moment, Israel is in control of the entire region (meaning Israel + Gaza + WB), and Israel is causing and allowing atrocities and violence and brutality and more, and there’s nothing individual Palestinians can do to change things. It’s all on Israel to stop the atrocities, violence, brutality, and other violations of rights, and right now they’re increasing and accelerating it. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/324 "2026-09-01T13:48:38Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > The obligations of contracting parties to the genocide convention are clear. I didn’t see any of them lining up to stop hamas’ attempted ethnic cleansing of Jews from Israel on Oct 7th (or any of the other times that Palestinians and their neighboring Arab allies tried to ethnically cleanse the Jews from Israel, like in 48 or 67 or 73…) so this sounds like magical rainbows and unicorns thinking to me. The war in Gaza will end when Hamas puts down their weapons, but I guess there’s not much incentive to do that when they get so much cover from people in the West who insist that they literally have zero agency. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/325 "2026-09-01T13:54:48Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > The war in Gaza will end when Hamas puts down their weapons, but I guess there’s not much incentive to do that when they get so much cover from people in the West who insist that they literally have zero agency. The Palestinian people and Hamas are two mostly separate groups. One’s an ethnic group of millions of men, women, and children, the vast majority of whom are entirely peaceful and just want to live their lives with safety and rights and a decent future. This is an excellent example of why and how atrocities seem so easy and acceptable to Israelis these days – a complete inability, unwillingness, or lack of interest in separating millions of civilians from the actions of a tiny minority. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/326 "2026-09-01T13:57:21Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Whether accurate or not, none of this changes the fact that, at the moment, Israel is in control of the entire region (meaning Israel + Gaza + WB), and Israel is causing and allowing atrocities and violence and brutality and more, and there’s nothing individual Palestinians can do to change things. It’s all on Israel to stop the atrocities, violence, brutality, and other violations of rights, and right now they’re increasing and accelerating it. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > Which is not an argument for might makes right. > > I think some in the IDF have committed war crimes. I think the Jewish settlers in the West Bank who attack Palestinians and commandeer their land deserve to be jailed, and good beating besides. I think key figures in the current Israeli government are criminals and ethno-fascists. Jail and beatings for them as well. Members of Hamas are Palestinians too. There are things _they_ can do. Like unconditionally surrender. Although, I can appreciate their reluctance. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/327 "2026-09-01T13:59:54Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > No. What are YOU talking about? > > Banquet\_Bear: …I’m talking about who is responsible for preventing and punishing the crime of genocide. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > So, you’re filling out forms? Good on ya. I’m talking about ending the funding of the genocide, I’m talking about stopping the flow of weapons for the genocide, I’m talking about punishing those responsible for the genocide, I’m talking about flooding Gaza with aid so the Palestininian people can recover. > [@Babale](#): > > I didn’t see any of them lining up to stop hamas’ attempted ethnic cleansing of Jews from Israel on Oct 7th (or any of the other times that Palestinians and their neighboring Arab allies tried to ethnically cleanse the Jews from Israel, like in 48 or 67 or 73…) so this sounds like magical rainbows and unicorns thinking to me. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Yahya SINWAR, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim AL-MASRI and Ismail HANIYEH. If Isreal wants to take a case to the International Court of Justice against Hamas for genocide, then that avenue is open to them. The world rallied around Isreal after October the 7th. And as I’ve said to you over and over again, what Hamas did that day were atrocities and war crimes and those responsible should be punished. > [@Babale](#): > > The war in Gaza will end when Hamas puts down their weapons, but I guess there’s not much incentive to do that when they get so much cover from people in the West who insist that they literally have zero agency. It isn’t a “war” anymore, and it hasn’t been for a very long time. There is a ceasefire in place, and its about time Israel started respecting it. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/328 "2026-09-01T14:00:23Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Members of Hamas are Palestinians too. Are you sure? Based on how people talk about them in this thread I was sure that they’re space alien. ---
**Author:** ![colinfred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colinfred/32/21338_2.png) [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/329 "2026-09-01T14:02:27Z")
Where is this “Isreal” place that Banquet Bear talks about constantly? ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/330 "2026-09-01T14:04:38Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > The Palestinian people and Hamas are two mostly separate groups. One’s an ethnic group of millions of men, women, and children, the vast majority of whom are entirely peaceful and just want to live their lives with safety and rights and a decent future. Truer words have never been spoken… about any given war ever. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/331 "2026-09-01T14:05:27Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Yahya SINWAR, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim AL-MASRI and Ismail HANIYEH. [![](https://i.imgflip.com/b04yvl.jpg) ](https://i.imgflip.com/b04yvl.jpg) Who cares? ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/332 "2026-09-01T14:16:24Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > Who cares? …I assumed you did, which was why you asked. The reason you didn’t see “any of them lining up to stop hamas’ attempted ethnic cleansing of Jews from Israel on Oct 7th” was because Israel is in control of its own borders and didn’t ask for any help BEFORE October 7th. AFTER October the 7th the world lined up to support Israel. That included the International Criminal Court that took appropriate action. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/333 "2026-09-01T14:18:04Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > I’m talking about ending the funding of the genocide, I’m talking about stopping the flow of weapons for the genocide, I’m talking about punishing those responsible for the genocide, I’m talking about flooding Gaza with aid so the Palestininian people can recover. Well, it sounds like you’ve got your hands full. I’ll leave you to it. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615/334 "2026-09-01T14:25:36Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …I assumed you did, which was why you asked. … … … I asked if anyone did anything to stop Hamas’ attempts at ethnically cleansing Jews from Israel, not whether anyone virtue signaled. > [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > That included the International Criminal Court that took appropriate action. No, _ **Israel** _ took the appropriate response - kinetically - while the UN and the ICC wagged their fingers, mostly at Israel. An ICC arrest warrant, especially for a terrorist who isn’t going to any non-terrorist-supporting country in the first place, is less than worthless. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-discussion-thread-for-israel-gaza-west-bank-hijacks-tolerated/1031615.md?page=17)