Israel's compassion in Haiti can't hide our ugly face in Gaza

Many thanks for showing that there is a glimmer of morale and humanity within Israeli culture. Many years ago my opinion would have been quite different, but after years of studying your history and tracking current events, the veil hiding the ugliness beneath becomes transparent. I sincerely hope that Israelis and the world awaken to realize the heinous crimes their leaders are committing against a population of millions. Demand that Israel investigates the finding of the Goldstone report. Demand that Israel open Gaza to journalists. Demand that Israel stop barring humanitarian aid and foreign diplomats from visiting (as was done in recent weeks with Galloway and the Belgian development minister). If all is kosher... what are your leaders hiding?

Mr. Eldar mimics a Ynet piece by Sever Plocker,souring the humanitarian-based rescue effort because Gazans are still suffering. Any noble act by Israel as a government or Israelis as individuals must be tarnished as ignoring the Palestinians. Most of the rational people on this board have noted, Haiti's victims suffered from a horrible but naturally occuring disaster, not because they are in a state of perpetual war with a neighbor. They never fired rockets at Israel, never incited in their media to attack Israeli soldiers and civilians, never refused to recognize Israel. They are all deserving of help and rescue and rebuilding efforts. Gaza under Hamas does not recognize Israel, repeatedly calls for the dismantling of the Jewish state, teaches its children to hate all Jews and Israelis (except perhaps the anti-Zionist bootlickers) and somehow still expects this eternal foe to supply it with everything. Where are the 22 Arab states who could supply everything through Egypt?

I just wish that this type of reporting could be seen by the Jewish Community here in Montreal. Unfortunately, even the most enlightened close ranks here at the mere mention of any sympathy to Palestinians. This, in spite of the images of women, children and the elderly, blown apart in retribution for the rocket attacks. The justification is that it is the price the Palestinian people must pay for harboring terrorists. And so the hatred is spit from one side to the other. Excuse my naivety; but would a group of doctors who announced their intention to hold a clinic in a Gazan town, would it be allowed by Israeli authorities? Would their lives be at some risk, or great risk if they entered Gaza by themselves to carry out such a humanitarian gesture? If those people had schools, hospitals and jobs, they would be too busy, as we are, to think about building tinkertoy rockets.....

Grow up, Akiva. Are you so love-starved that you think defending the Palestinians is going to make them and the World like you? There are plenty of Oil-rich countries with the means to rebuild Gaza. If any of the Arab Muslims really cared about the well-being and development of the Palestinians, there would be proper medical facilities, schools, urban planning and proper sewage structures in place in Gaza. Also, every Palestinian who was born in a Arab-Muslim country would have been humanely absorbed into these host countries, rather than treated like refugees/2nd class citizens for the past 60 years. My point is that the Gazans' and their Arab-Muslim brethren have put their money where their mouths are: Weapons. Unlike the Gazans, the People of Haiti, Thailand and Kenya do not seem obsessed with the destruction of Israel or Jewish People. It's sad to see you, a seemingly articulate man show no signs of common sense.

Israel's aid role in the Haiti earthquake has been all over US mainstream media for days now, and Israelis should be incredibly proud of the work your skilled citizens are doing there. But your **lack of ability to solve the Palestinian issue,** regardless of the disputed issues of whether Israel should provide them aid, whether Palestinians are all "terrorists," etc., gives several bad impressions to the outside world. It makes the government seem incompetent, uncreative, and nearly third-world. It makes your people seem like either right-wing lunatics seeking to turn Israel into Poland circa 1700 or wimps who are afraid of them. And it makes your society look cruel and stupid, like you are trying to basically "smoke 'em out," when everyone knows that this approach has not and will never work. Right-wingers, fear not. You have paralyzed your country for the time being and nothing will likely change in your lifetime.

To all the Akiva Eldar haters out there, I think that his core message is that people are people and that suffering is suffering. He is simply noting that if we feel compassion towards those in Haiti who are suffering, and then act on compassion, it doesn't make any sense that we turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people in Gaza--especially, since we (The Israelis) have the power to instantly mitigate their suffering. What I'm saying is, a human is a human, not matter his or her ethnicity. Isn't this so blatantly obvious though? And yet, because we cast some humans as belonging to large forces of evil, we so easily turn a blind eye to their suffering. Even if some humans are committing evil deeds, does that mean that their suffering is not real and does not matter? It matters and that's all Akiva Eldar is saying. Open your heart a little and let yourself be touched by the pain.

Nowhere else in the world is a population of 1.5 million people being treated as inhumanly as the Gazan population. The international community is witnessing Israel commit the worst human rights violation in the world today. Israel claims it allows 80 trucks of aid daily to enter Gaza. The UN World Food Program claims a population of 1.5 million requires 400 trucks a day of just food to meet basic nutritional needs. More than 30% of Gazans are without clean water. More than 80% of the population depends on meager trickle of intl aid that Israel permits to enter Gaza. Medical supplies are almost non-existent: Nurses are forced to use plastic bottles to transfer blood to IV bags. Akiva wrote an accurate report of those Gaza facts. Not one person has accused him of lying. But you as a typical Jew, don't address the substance of the article. Jews never address the criticism of Israel. You attack the author. If you're an honest man, comment on what he says, not who or what he is.

The traitors disgust me much more than anything. When someone betrays his country, He has to assume the consequences.

Outstanding writing! Burke Thomas Graduate Student USA

Your believe that anyone who criticizes the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is a naive, misguided, Palestinian apologist. If that is the criterion, there are a lot more of them in the world than there are Jews. Israel has subjected the Palestinians to a 42 year harsh, humiliating illegal occupation. That occupation is in violation of UN resolutions 242, 452 and 465. Israel has expropriated Palestinian land, destroyed their homes, destroyed their crops and built settlements and roads to those settlements Palestinians can't use. The building of those settlements, and the annexation of Jerusalem, is in violation of articles 23, 49, 53, and 147 of the 4th Geneva Convention. Violations of these articles are war crimes. Israel has built a security wall on Palestinian land that the UN Int'l Court of Justice has declared illegal. The Israeli blockade of Gaza, collective punishment of a civilian population, is a violation of article 33 of the 4th Convention. Another war crime.

Thank you for a candid piece of journalism about the facts on the ground. We need more people like you to influence your government to lift the siege and oppression of the people in Gaza. thanks for your courage!

To Daniel (127) You have very wrong information. Look here, Youtube-CNN Confirms - Israel Broke Ceasefire First. Started to kill Hamas governmenet members.

Israel is the OCCUPYING POWER, and as such it has obligations under International Law towards all 1.5 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. It can not abrogate those responsibilities merely because Hamas shoots dinky little bottle rockets into the Negev desert. Hamas has, at most, 10,000 men under arms. What about the remaining 149,000 Gazans, Erica? Why does Israel have to impose a collective punishment on *them* because some dudes in black pygama's insist on shooting those fizzy whizbangs to annoy the likes of Bibi and Ehud?

If Gaza can't stand alone as its own country, then its government and citizens need to behave if they want access to what Israel has to offer. BEHAVE means not killing Israelis, not terrorizing them, not sending rockets in at them. And stop the silly talk about babies. During the Cast Lead operation, the PA eventually confirmed that only 2 babies (and 50 women) died during that period - and the PA's final death stats (less than half of their original "1500 innocents" claim) include natural deaths as well as those caught/thrown into crossfire.

The Israel IDF rescue Team is on top of the World and unmatched by any other country. The writer was unable to see Israel IDF rescue Team is demonstrating Israel is a great member of the world and they do care about other people regardless of ethnicity. They have demonstrated the great side of humanity in many countries in Asia, Africa before their gallant efforts in Haiti over 10.000 KM away from their home. They are the most productive team among all that big military non-sense some countries had sent who are impeding the rescue effort by blocking medical equipment from accessing the victims. Israel is at war and they have to protect their people at all cost. The massive rocket attacks are very deadly to the people who live in Israel and are now today rescuing Haitian under those massive masonic building. We all should pray one day both Israelis and Palestinians can play and live next to each other without worry about a rocket would fall in a house full people or children.

Thank you Haaretz for printing this true article. You have world respect.

Israelis elected Ariel Sharon, a man that much of the world considered a war criminal. They also elected Yitzak Shamir, a man who was a wanted "terrorist". Israelis also continue to elect governments that violate international and humanitarian law on a daily basis, all the while colonizing Palestinian land. Therefore, according to your logic, wouldn't the world be justified in imposing "collective punishment" - which is explicitly forbidden by international law - on Israelis? According to your logic, wouldn't the world be justified in slowly starving Israeli children (or putting them on "a diet", in the words of Dov Weisglass on the Gaza siege)? Or, as I suspect, do you believe that Palestinians should be held to different standards than Israelis?

Akiva hits the nail on the head once again. No we are not impressed. When we saw the Israeli contingent on TV the other night our reaction was that this was another Netanyahu PR stunt. What hypocrisy. What about the kids maimed by cluster bombs in Lebanon and hit by wite phosphorus in Gaza? It won't work. Despite the Israeli and AIPAC backed letter writing and misinformation campaign we see in our local papers more Americans are on the Web reading Akiva Eldar and Muzzlewatch and finding out what's really going on.Ynet criticized this too. The jig is up.

Just as we have to live with the fact that we elected the right to run our country so Gaza has to live with Hamas, that is an unfortunate fact. This does not mean we cannot help people who suffered a terrible tradgety. Gaza does not starve, is a terrorist entity, smuggles arms directed at Israel and wants ato destroy us. All they have to do is throw Hamas out and join the rest of Palestine and start talks with us, and start living.

Haitians are not sworn enemies of the state of Israel. Haitians are not suicide bombers or terrorist. Yes, the situation in Gaza is unfortunate. Yes, perhaps Israel could do more for its innocent inhabitants but to compare the situation in Gaza, which has its own working government, to that of Haiti is insensitive and unfounded.

Why Haitia and not Gaza? Because the Haitians don't shoot at the Israelis!

Mr Eldar joins Gershon Baskin (Jerusalem Post Jan 18) in asking : why can't Israel mobilize its wonderful resources at home as well as abroad and decide to end its killing blockade of Gaza to bring the people there relief from the daily suffering orchestrated by official Israeli policy ? The world is crazy !

out of money he stole and then bragging about what a generous chappie he is.

The children of Gza thank and love you Mr. Eldar!!.

Thank you for considering the suffering of people in Gaza, which is largely ignored by the world. I hope Israel can stop violating human rights and international agreements.

WHO?

Israel indeed always readily helps anyone, but for some strange reason makes an exception for those who are trying to destroy it. Illogical, isn't it?

Listen to Labhras(Jew hater)calling people Arab hater.Listen to the bigot from Ireland that can never see anything good or right with Jews,and sees only good with Arabs and terrorist(no wonder with his back ground).Listen to his ugly language because he lack any brain and only hate is driven him.Listen to how he comfort other Jews haters.Maybe he has an excuse for it being a victim of his own church.Using words like he does justify the worst vocabulary when one talks about him. That is how mindless this apoligist for Arabs is.

You'r very polite,because you know as i do that ignorance is not the reason,it is something more sinister behind Miggy and company.

Soon Eldar will be telling us that Muslims are not responsiblem for most of the worlds terrorist acts. Hamas and Co. are a bunch of violent thugs who want to wipe out the Jewish State. They say this and I believe them. Eldar apparently does not.

"Peace will come when the Arabs will love thei children more than they hate us" "When peace comes we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the Arabs for killing our sons, but it will be harge for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons'

Where is the Muslim compassion?brotherhood? When Muslims died in Indonesia or any place else the billions of oil money was not spended.they always relay on help from the rest of the world, the world that is their enemy,the world they they try to bomb.The only help they gets from muslim counties(gulf states)is for bulding mosques in the christian world,but when they die in flood or starvation the Christians Jews and Hindus is the helping one.I guess that Muslim brotherhood only exist as terror movement.

Wow. Akiva Eldar is the impossible-to-please Jewish parent I never had.

Why did they have to kill all of them?

Labhras a conversation like that is difficult to hve with someoen who only look to blame israel, perhaps if you didn't display the logical reading of Mahmoud dahlan, "killing and maiming israels is equal to israels building a nursery for Israelis in disputed Palestinian land" (paraphrased) yes that twiste logic, person X builds a house on disputed land person P decides that he now has the right to kill person of same religion or nationality as person X even though they are just having a coffee ya labhras that makes great logical sense, are your beliefs the same if for example we used Ireland and flipped it on it's head? So that what is cathloic is Protestant and vice versa? If not then what is the difference? I know, do you?

Ugly face in Gaza with compassion in Haiti is still better than Hamas face in Gaza without compassion in Haiti,or any compassion at all.

Haiti doesn't have a charter commuting itself to israels destruction, Haiti has never attacked israel and hidden behind it's own civilians demanding the IDF take risk for gazans that Hamas, their government was unwilling to take. Eldar your article assumes that if I am good to group X imust be equally good to all other groups and just disregard the wars waged against israel

Miggy one rocket breaks a cease fire regardless of whether it causes damage or worse death, in august 2008 7 rockets were fired and I think 12 mortar shells, in September I think 3 and October 1 But what you forget is one rocket breaks the ceasefire thanks for your propaganda how about you proove what you are saying or disprove me and how about we make it interesting, you promise to not post propaganda, lies, half truths etc... until you can disprove what I say?

I remember the terorist bombing of a school bus in which dozens of children were blown and burned to death. TV did an interview with one of the grandmothers very shortly afterwards, with the smouldering wreckage and body parts still in the background. She cried so hard and said "Why did they have to kill all of them?" That's all I feel like saying now.

write for Haaretz instead of Eldar. "Abba, Israel is helping Haiti because Haiti doesn't want to destroy Israel and kill all its people, right?" From the mouths of babes, Eldar. Every "boi bey rav" can see what you can't - or just don't want to see.

Sorry, this isn't going to paper over the Goldstone Report or make it go away. David

Among the most arrogant aspects of "Palestinianism" asserted by the Palestininians and their naive,misguided suporters is the arrogant notion that somehow the "Palestinian cause" and their issues, but ONLY Palestinan issues are central to the entire world's peace and well being. So no matter what the other issue is nor how disporportionate the suffering related to the other issue, the Palestinians and their naive apologists feel that their issues but theirs' alone are more important and that somehow Palestinians are more "deserving" than others with greater entitlements.

This is what akiva does best. He takes a tragic situation, as we have seen in haiti, and tries to manipulatively use it to score points against his own people...the truth is, his article have no solid basis for any comparison. It is a very sick old man's pathetic use of the media to try to equate the unequatable. It's as if he is saying that israel is only in haiti as a PR stunt...and THAT inference just shows you how pathetic and terribly ugly eldar is. I saw him on charlie rose some time ago..telling half truths, lies, exagerrations, obfuscations etc..this man is an old sad passed by journalist whose peace platform was dashed on the rocks like the poor babies head whom samir kuntar smashed on a rock.... eldar is not pro peace, he is pro terrorist. Is this responsible journalism? I think HE is the ugly face we should be talking of, not Israel's fantastic efforts to help innocent haitians. Haaretz has much to answer for printing this drivel.

Maybe you should wake up to the fact that Egypt is the paid stooge of the US and Israel. They are the bought and paid for "friend" for Israel. What a sad day for Israel when big brother, the USA has to buy her friends !!

I will answer your last question first:"Whose fault is it that there has not been a Palestinian state for 60 years.?" Ali:Israel ofcourse,Israel displaced millions upon its creation and when the refugees return then the Palestinians can recognise Israel (partial answer) As My parents are christian I suppose that makes me one too (I am a pandiest) Israel considers its self part of the west ?True' some arab countries are not pleasant to christians but, not a patch on how bad Israel treats Palestinans .I know I would be made welcome in Palestine as are some select Israeli Jews.

put a spanner in their works---just when they thought this farcial attempt to show Israel in a humanitarian light was working.. You will never ever look like a humanitarian state until you civilise yourselves. You are what you are---a bunch of thieving oppressors led by war criminals who are finding it harder by the day to get outside their beloved Rogue State. Goldstone is just around the corner---better save that field hospital for those suffereing from shock when the hague is finished with them. then you will be back in the limelight----appropiately negative.

What you on about. Don't like the obvious pointed out to you? The fact is Israel recieves far more aid fro the United states than Haiti. And Haiti is the poorest country in the Northern Hemisphere. Which kind of suggests that the economic miracle that Israel professes to be is not a miracle at all. You instigated the prosecution of Swedish companies who enabled Hitler to Keep Auschwitz open for another three years by selling him Iron ore yet? Surprised Haaretz published your response they are the rantings of a madman.

He posts his Nom De plume in caps to try to capture attention. His posts are one long finger pointing exercise. He is an Arab Hater and a bigot who actually had the affrontery to tell another poster who is pro peace to leave her home in Australia because she was sitting on stolen land.Check his address??. That is how mindless this apologist for israel is. Sit back and watch his MO. He will never answer a direct question such as what do the Palestinians have to do to satisfy him. The answer is they should all leave and go away or better still ---die. As I said this bigot who calls you ignorant is a vile nasty arab hating scourge to any hope of peace.

He posts his Nom De plume in caps to try to capture attention. His posts are one long finger pointing exercise. He is an Arab Hater and a bigot who actually had the affrontery to tell another poster who is pro peace to leave her home in Australia because she was sitting on stolen land.Check his address??. That is how mindless this apologist for israel is. Sit back and watch his MO. He will never answer a direct question such as what do the Palestinians have to do to satisfy him. The answer is they should all leave and go away or better still ---die. As I said this bigot who calls you ignorant is a vile nasty arab hating scourge to any hope of peace.

It is time that Israel sends a field hospital to Gaza, after lifting the blockade. Is the Haiti operation no more than a PR exercise?

Haiti's militias are not firing rockets at Israel.

You are totally misinformed and most definately ignorant of the situation in Gaza and Palestine in general. Your ignorance shows quite well. An old Arab proverb: Silence is the fruit discipline. You lack discipline & knowledge.

,incomparably greater than the aid to Israel infuriating you so much , you'd be speaking Russian today. But then ,you'd love it ,wouldn't you ? Just like your Communist Dad were you expecting the Workers Armies of Syria and Egypt to "liberate Palestine" in 1967. Having to swallow the bitter pill of defeat of the "Revolutionary Arab Masses" you emigrated to GB ,closer to your beloved Sovjet Union ,in order to await the "liberation" over there. After Sovjet Union's fall only hatred to Israel remains ,no "liberation"..Quelle domage...

Haiti has never attaked Israel, Gaza does it almost daily. Haitians do not proclaim as their goal destruction of the State of Israel and killing of all of its Jews, Hamas does. Haitians welcomed Israeli military personell on their territory, Gazans would not. Furthermore Haiti is hit by natural disaster which requires immidiate help, while Gaza is suffering from their own desire to kill Jews and Jewish refusal to be killed. Placing these 2 very different situations on the same page is dishonest.

omania. He left you his tradition of submission and loopsized comparisons. Had it been up to him ,the late Prof.Kimmerling , Germany wouldn't be bombed at all ,because of the German children. Almighty would have liberated Romania and Europe ,without bombing ,huh ?

I find that your heart is in the right place, but your head is not. I think most of us can feel sorry for the people of Gaza, but to expect Israel or anyone else for that matter to send in supplies to a Hamas run state, which continues to fire rockets at Israel and vow for its destruction is foolish. They will abscond with the aid just as Palestinians have done in the past. The barrier to peace and prosperity are the Islamic fanatics in Gaza. Don't blame Israel and don't make them seem like the tyrants.

they are still pulling bodies from the rubble... it matters not whether you feel one way or the other about the Gaza situation, now is not the time to change the subject

My, how impressive of Mr. Eldar that he deigned to make note of that teeny-weeny distinction. (At the tail end of his article.)

I don't recall any Haitians bombing Sderot. Anmd generally speaqking, no matter what Israelis will do, there will always be somebody who wants to make "news" out of it. How low can people get???

... not to remark on the admirable alacrity with which we Israelis hark to an overseas human tragedy... yet we remain almost indifferent to evolving tragedy so much nearer home, just over the border...

Thanks for asking. I suggest ceasing rocket and mortar fire and other violence, rewriting charter to eliminate the hostile language, releasing Shalit, recognizing formally the Jewish State of Israel, reconciling with Fatah, negotiating with Israel for boundaries of state within about 90% of WB, giving up demands for RoR and J'lem capital. All those are political. I would also introduce the concept of birth control in Gaza, whose population right now far exceeds the ability of the aquifer to support, yet the birth rate is the highest in the world. With all these in place, fixing the sewage problem would be easy. The entire world would help.

will get the same treatment as the hamas/fatah crazies. your moral equivalence arguments fail every time... israel has withdrawn from gaza or did you not notice. egypt conquered gaza in 1948 and they too have walked away. i wonder why? oh do tell us akiva!!

If the State of Israel spent less time thinking of how they're going to grab more palestinian land, expand their settlements, build walls and prisons in order to keep as many arabs as possible out, there would have been peace a long time ago. Don't blame Hamas and the palestinians. Blame Israel and the expansion policy. You'll get a much more objective vision of this conflict.

What a brilliant article. Mr. Eldar has certainly spoken from his heart. I have enjoyed reading Haaretz for many years. Keep up the good works

Western world? You want to see bad treatement? Look up how badly Christians are treated in the Moslem world. Whose fault is it that there has not been a Palestinian state for 60 years.?

... on his own initiative, even according to a source that can hardly be considered pro-Israel. "Hamas declares end to Israel truce. Palestinian group Hamas has declared that the six-month ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza Strip is over. The ceasefire officially ended at daybreak in Gaza on Friday and came after armed Palestinian groups admitted that they had been using the truce to train and better arm themselves." (http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/12/200812192436422934.html) And Israel warned Hamas very clearly before reacting militarily saying that Gaza would face the consequences of the continued rocket fire. No excuses. And sorry Miggy: regrettably the Palestinians are those who don't want to negotiate up till now, not Israel. Hamas should make some goodwill gesture if it wants an agreement and free movement: release Shalit, recognize Israel right to exist, stop the terror attacks and the propaganda. Don't you agree?

terrorism What the Arabs have been doing to Jews in Palestine for centuries.

bring this nonsense somewhere else... only arrogant basterds use a tragedy such as this to further their own views...

Hamas missiles never ceased completely and they started digging tunnels to the Israeli border A UN border patrol between Arabs & Israel has been repeatedly shown to be useless from the time Nasser kicked them out so he could mass his troops on the Israeli border.The UN have watched cross border kidnapping of Israeli troops by Hezballah and lied about it and now they stood back while Hezballah rearmed. The UN are human shields for the Arabs especially when the Arabs set up a fire base from right next to a UN outpost. There was never a trade off for cessation of Qassams for total free movement into Gaza.

...assessment of the world health organization. according to this report gazans live in a relative good situation (compared to haitians even before the earthquake happened). concerning children in gaza age 6 to 16 the prevelance of underweight is only 1.4% while the prevelance of overweight in children age 10 to 16 is much higher, namely 15.9%. so, this doesnt sound as if palestinians are suffering this much. guess, israelis know this and therefore care more for haiti since help for haiti is much more necessary than for gaza. the mentioned report can be read here: http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/5E423F675C1CA8A28525761C00651777

no racist lies that incite hatred murder and permanent hostility. Nor do they have a charter for obliteration of Israel and killing all Jews that would make Hitler proud. That Mr Eldar is the ugly face that you refuse to acknowledge.

. There is an obligation on hamas and the arabs to also work for the benefit of their people

you should look in the mirror once in awhile, for an unmatched specimen. How many Israelis know about gaza? All of them, with a daily reminder..... for 62 years. It was like that under the British, the Egyptians, Fatah, now hamas. Their chosen life, leaders, future. They have become beggars 'par excellence' and acquired unrivaled expertise. Recognise Israel? allah, muhammad, and all their other gods forbid. They rather die (so they are told); or rather send their children fully strapped, it's cheaper (that is why they make so many of them -expandable). Please do not mention all these organisations wounding up in the back pages, the toilet would be more appropriate. I do agree with Jason # 16. If the billions they have received were spent on sanitation, there would be no raw sewage in the streets. Do they like the smell of it? Haniyeh probably does, and was elected.!

The most realistic analogue of Gaza to Israel is that of Biharis to post-1971 Bangladesh. Egypt (which lost Gaza strip, over which it imposed misrule) in 1967 doesn't want it back--and Pakistan (which Biharis claimed as citizenship-country) stopped accepting Biharis after Mujib was bumped-off, leaving a million stranded in the midst of a very angry Bengali-majority populace. The fact that it was Hamas who brought the condition of Gaza (while its supremo hides in Damascus) is entirely missed by Avital (just as she never noticed that Arafat's pillaging of foreign aid left PA in shambolic state).

Verry well explained and written. You aren't saints. But neither the Palestinians are, nobody is. They don't want you - Maxine - dead. They want the ones dead who decide and act in order to kill their familiy members and friends and who keep them in misery and humiliation. There is a reason for the terror of some of your ennemies, they aren't bad by definition. The situation since decades made them bad or simply resistants you and me would act the same. The master who can really change the situation is Israel as a Nation, but it can't have it for free. The first thing would be to talk openly to your ennemies (and that means mainly Hamas) and to finish with this neverending occupation.

It looks like together with the ashamed one you really do not have shame in adopting crude demonization practices by writing: ?But the settler kids are allowed Pasta because and only because they are Jewish." (CL, 18.01.2010) Well, few days ago the BBC reported that in the last year 200 people were killed in Gaza as a result of road accidents, mostly when riding motorcycles. Although the poor and besieged people of Gaza do not have pasta to fill their empty bellies, it appears that they have enough resources to otherwise buy, fuel and ride such a number of motorcycles that drew the attention of the honest, caring and objective BBC.

and do not listen to those who do not like it

saves at this moment lives. this is the most important thing.there wher every moment is precious. if you want, in a few weeks when all the efforts to save people in haïti will stop, we will discuss about your "moral" problem, Mister Eldar.

Ashamed, when 99% of the so called innocents elect the 1% of the so called terrorists collective guilt will happen every time. When the 99% get rid of the 1%, peace will come about, and no collective guilt. This is called democracy!

So many times I read that Israel is no longer occupying Gaza. Why then.... 1. Is Israel able to control every single item going in and out of Gaza, including food and medication, childrens' books and educational materials etc etc. 2. Does Israel have total control of every border, air and sea space. 3. Does Israel have total control of the passage of all people in and out of Gaza - including the crossing with Egypt, which we all know is also controlled by Israel. 4. Does Israel even control the passage of patients in and out for medical treatment which is not available in Gaza. 5. Does Israel refuse to allow medical personell to leave Gaza for vital training to deal with the ghastly injuries inflicted on the civilian population by the IDF. I don't quite know what other definition of occupation there might be!

How sick must one be to misuse this horible tragedie what happens now to the Haitian, for the promotion of one's own political views. If already mis using, Akiva Eldar should write a book and sell it in europe, they like that stuff over there (for centuries)

Hundreds of families still living in tents one year on. Why? Israel will not allow building materials into Gaza. I hope those working in the Field Hospital remember the tents in Gaza.

First of all in Haiti 200000 people died and 1000000 were injured and I don?t remember that the Haiti people lunched any rockets toward Israel so how in the hell you can compare it to the situation in Gaza strip? Israel is passing food electricity water medicines and so on to Gaza strip each and every day. The blockade over Gaza started only after Hamas took over Gaza strip and violate all the international agreements regarding the border passages between Israel Egypt and the Gaza strip that?s is the reason why Egypt closed the border with Gaza strip too. Israel is not occupying Gaza strip there is no stalemates there and no Israeli soldiers all of them left at the summer of 2005. Hamas is using cement iron and other products to manufacture more rockets that can be used against Israel. You can criticize Israel when she is doing something wrong but this all article is an outrage.

I'm comparing Gazans to Haitians. The Haitians are innocent victims of an act of nature, although the size of their tradegy has been greatly increased by failure to build appropriate infrastructure. The election of Hamas came about because of many political acts of choice by the majortiy of Gazans, the result of which was that Hamas acted on its mandate and its charter by attacking Israel, kidnapping Shalit and firing thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians. And the consequence of THAT was the closure of the Israel-Gazan border and operation Cast Lead. By the same token, the ability to improve their situation is also in the hands of the Gazans, i.e they can pressure their leadership to return Gilad and stop attacking Israel, which would result in prevention of further attacks and the opening of the Israeli-Gaza border.

... on his own initiative, even according to a source that can hardly be considered pro-Israel. "Hamas declares end to Israel truce. Palestinian group Hamas has declared that the six-month ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza Strip is over. The ceasefire officially ended at daybreak in Gaza on Friday and came after armed Palestinian groups admitted that they had been using the truce to train and better arm themselves." (http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/12/200812192436422934.html) And Israel warned Hamas very clearly before reacting militarily saying that Gaza would face the consequences of the continued rocket fire. No excuses. And sorry, Miggy: regrettably the Palestinians are those who don't want to negotiate up till now, not Israel. Hamas should make some goodwill gesture if it wants an agreement and free movement: release Shalit, recognize Israel's right to exist, stop the terror attacks and the propaganda. Don't you agree?

from June 2008 until Israel broke it the night Barak Obama was elected. Israle did not open the crossings so never kept it's side of the bargain. Israel cannot chose the government for the Palestinian people. You have to negociate with the elected government (Hamas) whether you like them or not provided they get elected in free and fair elections at regular intervals. The UN could help out with policing the border once you come to an agreement with Hamas.

.... lift the partial blockade (help convoys go through despite the latter). What do the critics of Israel think will happen? Remember July 2005. Israel withdrew completely from the Gaza strip, and what happened? Hamas cried victory and continued without break to shoot rockets and mortars at Israel (a total of 417), with increasing numbers in the following years. In 2007 it eliminated through a coup d'etat the Fatah opponents, while extending its terror infrastructures and activities within the entire strip. What would happen today? Simple: the same. Hamas & Co. would cry victory again (they cry victory even when defeated), continue to blackmail Israel through kindnapped soldiers, to dig tunnels and to stockpile their new Iranian weapons and rockets and soon start again with their launch, until Israel will close again the strip, react militarily and eventually enter. Are these the prospects which Eldar and the critics of Israel have in mind for Gaza and the Palestinians? Wonderful.

thanks for going to Haiti. Every good deed should be appreciated

...who suffered and are suffering to see all the disctruction and the misery in Gaza, too and would like to help. Still, there are too many of them, who would like to prevent any kind of "helping hand" for those innocent civilians who have lost their children or other and familymembers and are sufferinng all kind of injuries for the rest of their lives. Those who would like to help -Red Cross, Humanitarian organisations, volunteers -they are labeled to be antisemitists, friends of terrorists or supporting terrorism by giving them money ( when all the collected money has been given in materials for the basic needs). Believe - there are people who want to help victims anywhere when it is needed - not only the "selected ones" which makes it look only as a PR gesture.

... right wing Israel has practised a policy, overtly and covertly, which hinders the normal advancement of the Pals, irrespective of whether they were Hamas or Fatah... not much analysis needed for that associative comment...

Gilat Shalit - an unfortunate young man - and sure, a victim,too. But comparing him to Haiti and victims there, it is totally differnet thing...Do not make Israeli people look more selfish and one-eyed than they already are in the eyes of so, so many.

That argument goes both ways. Israelis have plenty of reason to hate Gazans. First of all, they elected a government pledged to the destruction of Israel, ALL of it. Second of all, a government in their name shot rockets at southern Israeli towns for eight years. Maybe you think that is insignificant, but try living under the constant threat of rocket bombardment for eight years. I know that during the Gulf War I was a basket case after two weeks of Scuds falling near my house. This conflict has TWO SIDES and there is SUFFERING on BOTH SIDES. I feel for the innocent children of Gaza but if Hamas really cared, they would, for starters, release Gilad Shalit and the blockade might just be lifted. But they don't care. And do you know why they don't? Because Gilad Shalit is the insurance of Hamas leaders that they themselves won't be harmed.

Pasta in the bellies of children is an existential threat to Israel. 50% of Gazans are under the age of 16 they have as much to do with terrorism as settler kids in the Yeshivas on the West Bank. But the settler kids are allowed Pasta because and only because they are Jewish.

???. "We all want peace, but I do not put all the blame on Israel, as you do."FOX May I suggest you begin with changing the Likud Charter. Here is a brief part of it. "The 'Peace & Security' chapter of the 1999 Likud Party platform ?flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river.? The chapter continued: ?The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework of self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state.?[8]" When is Israel going to stop stealing land that is not theirs. When is Israel going to end it,s interference in Palestinian affairs. When is Israel going to allow the Gazans to have material to rebuild their homes so "THEIR CHILDREN" can have shelter. What blame do you place on Israel---please enlighten us????.

You really don't get it like so many others. Only a tiny percentage of Gazans are so called "terrorists" so why inflict collective punishment on the other say, 99% it's not only illegal in the eyes of the reast of the World, it's sick & immoral Duh!

If you are genuine in your crusade to stop a Cast Lead II taking place, then I feel that your protestations are misplaced. First, we do not occupy Gaza anymore, though you may believe otherwise. Two, the seige is not there for the fun of it, it is one of the many attempts to force the hand of Hamas. At this time, Hamas holds Gilad Shalit. I hope you agree with that. They do not allow the Red Cross in to see him, and their negotiations are heavy handed. Hamas also is behind the rocketing of Israeli communities in the south. I suggest that if you are truly sincere then you would protest the rockets and the "War Crime" of holding an Israeli soldier. If this means nothing to you, then so be it, but Cast Lead I only came after eight years and eight thousand rockets, most of them after we had pulled out of the strip. Protest Now! Rather than sobbing at the coming of a new war. We all want peace, but I do not put all the blame on Israel, as you do.

enjoy it guys---Goldstone is lurking in the background---coming to your town soon. Wallow in the self ingratiating belief that you are leaders in the field of international humanitarian aid.The Florence Nightingales of Modern times. You cannot burnish your faded image---if and unless you end the occupation and become a peaceful member of the international community of civilised nations.

Remakable, how SO many of the fiercest supporters of the occupation appear to live in the US, UK, many places actually, but not (apart from some "settlers") not so much in Israel.

I am ashamed too. You are right. This must be stopped, but how? Hatred is blind too, especially when people are brainwashed. I am trying to influence public opinion against Cast Lead II for the sake of the children. COuld you help in the US?

...How would Israel feel if other nations were forbidding Israel to rescue Haiti ? Of course, each nation should first take care of the people they have harmed and make sure the reconciliation is effective. Will we lastly chose fair justice and truth instead of make believe before this world collapses. P.S. : Maybe we also have a responsability in "natural" desasters. Maybe if we were able to moderate ourselves, the world wouldn't be in such a stay ?...

I bet that many Israelis wait for the Palestinians saying "Not in my name" when Palestinian terrorists attack Israel. However, there is no such outcry on the Palestinian side, on the contrary, crucial terror attacks on Israeli civilians are even supported and candies are given to the people on the street when an attack on Israel is "succesful". Such I ask you: Why don't you demand from Palestinians saying "Not in my name"?

My first inclination was to agree with Akiva Eldar that we, Israelis, are hypocrites. We are proud of our humanitarian efforts in Turkey, Armenia, and now Haiti. But what about the suffering of children in our own backyard? But on second thought, I think he is being unfair . I don't believe Israelis are callous by nature and under normal circumstances many Israelis would go out of their way to help the children of Gaza, and many do, such as Doctors Without Borders. But, I'm sorry, it is asking too much of us to be compassionate towards people who want us dead. I know we are talking about children - and children are innocent creatures - but we're only human, and years and years of suicide bombings, Kassams and Hamas declarations have made us callous towards the suffering of the other side, those we regard as our enemies. You'd have to be a saint to feel otherwise, and we are not saints. I wish it weren't like that but I think Akiva Eldar is overly judgmental of us.

tragedy---but Israel had already beat me to the punch. The image of an IDF personnel helping in the birth of Haitian babies being used as propaganda to blot out the image of dead Palestinian babies slumped in their mother,s or Father,s arms just about turned my stomach. Netanyahu,s self serving holier than thou proclamations had the same effect. Many countries gave as much as they could , but did it quietly and without self congratulatory fanfare. Ugh ---disgusting. Defeats the efforts of those Israelis who are genuine heroes and caring humans. Ugh ----pathetic----but understandable.

Lots of BS here. Not important for Israelis to know Gazans are terrorists. They already know. More important for Gazans to know they are terrorists, and why they are treated the way they are! When terrorism stops, unconditionally, there will be an unconditional cessation of the way they are treated. Duh!

Haiti just recently started climbing out from under years of Hamas, Syria, Iran type oppressive govenment. Many Hatians have migrated to US, have become educated, many hard working, and in all types of professions, some of whom will return to Haiti to help build Haiti as an economic entity. In spite of the years of "Papa Doc" type oppression, no martyrs, no rockets, no militancy, no threats, no proxies for militant govenments. no islamist type ideolgic agenda. Just interest in economic security of its people. Haiti well on their way to economic growth when tragedy occurred, and deserve any and all the help they can possibly get.

people like you have a supremacist, colonial mentality. palestinians are not children, and israeli's are not parents. palestinians and israel are engaged in a territorial conflict. furthermore, there is no proof whatever that hamas is willing to recognise israel or to accept previous signed agreements. quite to the contrary, all pronouncements by hamas prove otherwise.

Yasser Arafat accepted 22% of Palestine, a very generous offer considering they used to have 100%. The problem is Israel wants it all so they decided to overturn the Oslo accords by provoking a confrontation, branding Arafat a terrorist and destroying the Palestinian Authority parliament (paid for by European taxpayers), institutions and police force. They have since built more settlements, taken more land and blockaded Gaza so the plan is working.

This is repeated time & time again. Israel IS the occupying power in Gaza. It controls the airspace, borders, coastline, food, water, fuel & power supplies. There is no need for soldiers to be on its soil for it to be occupied. As an occupying power, it has an obligation to the enclave to ensure that sufficient supplies are admitted, but they fall short of that which is required.

Which is precislely why the phrase 'Charity begins at home' is gaining traction. As is the opposition to Israel recieving billions per year in aid, substantially more than Haiti. Which even before this earthquake was the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.

Mr. Eldar, just because of people like you, we can not hate the Jews, however, the Palestinians need to have more freedom of humanitarian aid. As you know, not live by bread alone Rights

Sir, you really don't understand. Palestinians are in no way endeavoring to "destroy Israel", and even Hamas has become willing to accept a just settlement. Palestinians' pathetic attempts to cause pain to their oppressors is like a child sticking out its tongue at a cruel parent only to be slapped yet again.

If the problem isn't arrested soon, it will be too late for Israel. The decline in morality & compassion appears terminal & I'm sure few take any pleasure from that. Too many citizens are turning a blind eye to the injusticies which are taking place in their name. Does the average Israeli really really believe ALL Gazans are terrorists, it can't be so, surely?

Israel has disengaged from Gaza a few years ago. There are no Israeli soldiers or settlers in Gaza. What occupation are you talking about? Bear in mind that Israel is in a state of war with Hamas and nevertheless Israel has been supplying Gaza with humanitarian supply, electricity and water. If this is not enough, Gaza has a crossing with Egypt. However, the Egyptians do not want to have anything with the terrorist entity and choose to have the crossing almost completely shut.

Haiti has been violently anti semitic and still, Israel sends Dr's and help to both. Saudi Arabia hasn't given a cent to the Haitians. Israel should ignore those who demand her demise and keep doing what she does best. Defend herself, aid others in need.

There is a little difference. The people in Haiti don't want to kill us all and will never try to do it. The situation in Gaa is because of the palestinian terrorism.

Why should we? Nothing more is left to destroy. Only children with what remains of their families. The children are more than half of the population, so that, in the end, they are the real target...and those that will survive will be tomorrow fighters...A never ending cycle of crimes and hatred...Where, in the way, have we lost our compassion and wisdom?

If 1% of Gazans are "terrorists" why is collective punishment being brought to bear on the remaining 99% I'm afraid in the eyes of the World, your Haitian fig leaf is rather too small and you're being "exposed" for the crimes committed elsewhere.

His name is Gilad Shalit. And if they want to stay out of jail all they have to do is stop their criminal (even according to Goldstone) attacks on Israel.

QUOTE "The monster is Hamas. Pretty simple, no rockets=no Cast Lead." UNQUOTE No occupation = no rockets. Simple.

To Mark of Chicago, if you are so ashamed of being a jew, go and join your pals in Gaza, we will see how they treat you. Believe me we will not miss you.

Perhaps they have no reason to. The Gazan's on the other hand...

Akiva, do the Palestinians bear *any* responsibility? The people of S'derot are *not* outside your bubble. (?)

Israel has never given the people of Gaza amuthing. It sometimes allows materials given to the Palestinians by other countries to enter Gaza, but mostly it confiscates (i.i. steals) them.

for Gazans half a way around the globe ,while in New York there are people sleeping on the streets ,deprived of any medical care and with considerable lower standard of living than Gazans..

So you think the Haitian people appreciate Israel's help? No doubt they appreciate the fact that (so far at least) Israel hasn't confiscated any of Haiti's land or property so it can build illegal colonies flying the Israeli flag.

how would you suggest the people in Gaza rebuild and repair their schools, hospitals, mosques, factories, homes and sewage system? Israel refuses to allow any building, plumbing or electrical supplies, parts or tools to enter Gaza.

Unfortunately Israel is set upon an orgy of violence against the Palestinian people for the crime of existing, of not going away, of refusing to disappear into the night. What a small group os Israelis are doing in Haiti is heartwarming and sincere. What the people of Israel is allowing to happen in Gaza is Israel's true face, one of hatred the kind we saw when Israeli Jews took their picnic and their chairs and on the hilltops overlooking Gaza xheered when there was an explosion. Akiva a good article but I fear many Israelis will just turn the page. There is an acceptance in Israel that killing, starving and raping Palestinians is acceptable.

All the innocents suffering in Gaza and the West Bank that you cry about are the direct result of their leaders taking advantage of their citizens by attacking Israel on a hourly basis. If their citizens "suffer" they should rid themselves of Hamas to alleviate this suffering. How about the Israeli suffering ?? Hardly anybody in Israel hasn't been directly affected by the terror and murder attacks from Gaza by Hamas. Their cruel manipulation of their people is what you should really condemn, if you really cared about the suffering. The truth is that Israel has treated Gaza pretty well for the damage they created to Israel. Israel should turn off the spigot and let them get water from Iran or elsewhere. Israel wouldn't do that, since they are a compassionate people, contrary to the BS you've been fed. All Gaza has to do is stop the attacks, something they aren't capable of. Hence, they must suffer. Sorry, blame Hamas.

sorry to say, but it's because you lack the ability to analyse. furthermore, the attempt to politicise the aid israel has provided to haiti is cynical and totally counterproductive. lastly, haiti is not an enemy. gaza had been declared a hostile entity by the olmert government. gaza's problems, as many posters have pointed out, are largely self-made. they have not suffered a huge natural disaster. they have been waging terror attacks against israel. they could have a much better life were it not for their terrorism. however, even under present conditions, their situation is vastly superior to that of haiti even pre-disaster.

What a wonderful courageous and just analysis. Thank you Haaretz and than you Mr. Eldar.

First of all, to the critics of this article: how can you people vindicate the barbarism unleash upon Gaza? How can anyone not be bothered by those dead bodies of innocent children? How can we be Jewish- the people who've suffered so much-and still turn our heads away and vindicate such aggressive force used against Gaza? Was it really right to use such aggression against innocent civilians because of Hamas? Was it right to punish every child, woman, man of Gaza because of Hamas? No, it was not right. Instead, the attacks on Gaza have strengthened the Hamas. People who've never had anything with the terrorist organization, now support Hamas. The children of Gaza will now grow up with such strong hate toward Israel, I would not be surprised if they join Hamas. And yet, my fellow Israelis cannot see this. However, I believe it's not because they cannot see it, it's because they refuse to see it. To those who still vindicate Gaza, open your eyes and face the reality.

Doron Katz, is that all Israelis are responsible for war crimes and should suffer the consequences?

Many of Israels supporters here are claiming, that Gaza and Haiti can't be compared to each other, since the people from Haiti wouldn't shoot rockets against Israelis. That is certainly correct. However, unlike the Palestinians, the people from Haiti aren't being oppressed and humiliated by Israel, so they have no reason to shoot with rockets. Once the occupation of Gaza AND the West Bank has come to an end, and the rockets continue to fall on Israel, the Israel supporters will be proven right. But until that has happened, the buck will continue to be passed on Israel, and all the good work Israel may be doing in other parts of this world, will totally be overshadowed by the "Palestinian sin".

Au contrere curtain hidden friend. Know Haiti, Hatians well. If Gazans, Gaza, Hamas had even a fraction of the diginity of Haiti, and its inhabitants, PR, militancy, and sheer stupidity they so heavily rely upon for their "perceived" support would barely be seen in a rear view mirror.

a very astute and responsible student; just as he is a journalist, today. i agree. he IS very astute and responsible.

Haitian people do not hate Jews.

Akiva has hit the nail on the head. All this hype about Israel's compassion and aid in Haiti means nothing when you reflect on the treatment of the people who are in their backyard. How can anyone call Israel a compassionate nation, when Israel has caused the millions in Gaza to have the same type of situation in Haiti? Nothing Israel does abroad will mean anything until it shows the same compassion, justice, and concern for those innocents suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.

... why does that remind one of some local situations...?

Haiti shot kassans in Israel ???? Haiti whant destroy Israel ????? Haiti hold Shallit????? Iran and Syria are Haiti friends ?????

Are you not familiar with the situation here? Haven't you heard about the Hamas? Just to fill you in, the rulers in Gaza are the Hamas and their ultimate aim is to destroy Israel.

This is the questions that many are asking now. The difference seems to be on who created the catastrophe. Unfortunately, for politician in Israel may be a PR opportunity; however, I am also sure that those on the ground excel in their job without any political agenda.

" Even the images of our excellent doctors in Haiti cannot blur our ugly face in the Strip." Well-said. Gaza was/is a man-made (also a woman-made given Livni's role in besieging and attacking Gaza) Israeli disaster. Charity should begin at home and in the neighborhood.

Haitian do not want to wipe us out of the map. The same doctor in Gaza would be killed on the spot...

Following is a link to an article about Wafa al-Biss: http://www.beyondimages.info/b146.html She was the Gazan who after being treated at Soroka hospital in Israel for serious burns sustained domestically, tried to return there with 10 kg of explosives. Fortunately, she was apprehended when trying to cross into Israel. She was one of the women Hamas was trying to get released as a good will gesture for information about Gilad Schalit.

the problem with gaza is the aid they receive from the un and other sources.if this was cut off, they would have to stand on their own two feet,giving them no time for war.it is simple a promblem of to much time doeing nothing and blaming everyone for their problems.

Hamas must save Gaza and accept Israel as a peaceful neighbor.

Israel shows it's two faces to the world when it bends over backwards to provide the basic necessities to Haitians, but doesn't afford the same luxury to Gazans. Seems like it's a little bit too late for Israelis to try to convince the world that they are humanitarians rather than butchers.

Spot on, Mr. Eldar. Unfortunately, as usual, the rabid apologists for criminal Israeli behavior, will attack the messenger for bringing the message.

the fact that so many people died following the earthquake of haiti is caused by the fact that the government of haiti didn't care for appropriate buildings and a proper agenda in case of an earthquake. just look at japan. after the big earhtquake of 1923 which demanded about 140000 deaths there were built earthquake-resisting houses. one result of this politics was that the big earthquake of 1995 demanded "only" about 6500 deaths although the earthquake was stronger than the one of 1923 and although the japanese population has increased a lot since 1923. haiti could have done similar things for its population. however, it didn't. and such the big catastrophe of haiti is mainly the handiwork of man - just as the desaster of gaza created by the hamas government and other terrorist gangs. israel helps in both cases: in haiti but also in gaza. a shame that you mention only those people who were not allowed to leave gaza but not those many gazans who are treated daily by israeli doctors.

your article made me believe that still good people around such as yourself, thanks for pointing that out, it is hypocracy that we treat those who are thousands miles away while we cause others to suffer, have mercy on those suffering with no water, electricity and medical supplies.

we arent indifferent, just too much danger to send humanitarian workers among people whose thanks might be murder.

The author conveniently forgets to mention the Palestinian responsibility for their own plight. Throwing Rockets at civilians is cause for war....and there is no question of Israel withstanding years of abuse before it reacted... Now as for the brilliant anD courageous men and women helping victims of a Natural disaster in Haiti...All of human race thanks you. You make the mankind better for showing a helping hand to your fellow Human beings in need. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I don't have the slightest doubt that as a child Akiva Eldar was the one who would raise his hand in class and proudly exclaim: "Teacher, you forgot to give us homework!".

'Haitians, wonderful, dignified, hard working people simply wanting economic security for their country, families and themselves.' what fairy tale have you been reading, in response to the rest of your message, Haiti, unlike Gaza isn't under siege.

"PLease explain to me why Israel has to import medicine and food into Gaza. Did those living in GAZA build tunnels. Forgive me for being so stupid its only for weapons" because Israel is the occupying force, the have a legal responsibility, one they have been trying for years to palm off onto surrounding non Israeli nations.

....They are not occupied by tyrants either.

How many babies, children under 14 and women in Gaza are trying to destroy Israel McQueen? What percentage of the population is? Yea, Gaza is being punished for how they voted in 2006. Should Israel get it for how it voted in 2009? That would be fair wouldn't it? How many of the children born since 2006 do you hold responsible? Some or all?

because to follow it through from the palestinian persepective, then hamas attacks on israeli civilians isn't terrorism, is it?

To my knowledge, Haiti is not lobbing missiles into Israel. Perhaps the cessation of that particular ongoing act of violence against Israeli citizens would help "save" Gaza. It certainly makes it easier to perform acts of mercy when the people you would rescue are not actively trying to kill your family.

Is very simple. when Hamas stops atacking Israel with missiles or any other weapons and when they stop in their quest to destroy israel and when they will let the people in Gaza to live in peace and not to prmote the destruction of Israel with yhe cartoons and other ways, then, Israel should help the people, not the polititians who hace created such a misery there.How about Iran instead of sending rifles, bombs and other weapons to send food,an many other things who by the way are being smugled thru hundreds of tunnels. People all over the world should demand such action and in turnj Israel should help the people

Unfortunately arab terrorists are shielded and hidden amongst the Gaza population. Israel has NO CHOICE it must defend its citizens against the terrorist threats and rocket attacks originating from Gaza. When the citizens of Gaza boot out the terrorists Israel can relax security restrictions.

For the amount of physical and medical help extended to Gazans in need over the years, many of those families should have wanted to choose Hebrew names for their children instead of the common Mohammed, etc. Certainly not Abu Meshaal or Abu Hanieh or Abu Arafat as these losers only extended the crap end of the stick to their constituents while enjoying the good life of corruption and cowardice.

... just look how the Pals are disenfranchized and robbbed of their patrimony every day at the all too numerous settler-Pal interfaces... ... how far-gone must Israel be before it comes to its senses...?

haiti's terrible situation pre-dates the present human catastrophe. the fact that there are no airports or roads to deliver and distribute aid is the fault and lack of conscience of the un, the us and france, the former colonial power. haiti has never had a chance to grow and develop.

Withdrawel to secure borders. And the world wants a passage across Israel to make Gaza and WB viable. The world can't do that. International law has no authority to take lands from a state. If the Pals want a right of way across Israel, they will have to pay for it with land. And if they persists in trying to kill Israelies, attempt to terminate Israel, they will pay for it with their blood. Doesn't matter what the world wants John. When a people genuinely believe others want to kill them, they fight back. After 2000 years, Jews have finally learned that lesson. Surprisingly, they are pretty good at it.

I say confirms because the tip of the story is in Israel itself. It is a society that embrace people without regard to superficial difference, skin colour even religion. What it doesn't embrace, what this article fails to confront, are those who seek to kill Israelies, liquidate Israel and thereby endanger Jews throughout the world. Good on Israel for its good deed in Haiti. Its comforting to get more evidence thaqt the apartheid lie is simply a lie. The really apartheid societies are the Arab socieites, pure and simple.

There is one huge difference between these two events. Haiti suffered a natural disaster, it was not the result of their political situation. The government in Hamas can solve its problem very quickly, if they truly wanted to do so. Recognize Israel, condemn terrorism, and work diplomatically towards peace.

Haitians, wonderful, dignified, hard working people simply wanting economic security for their country, families and themselves. This is why the outpouring of help worldwide, including from Israel. Not PR as your article insinuates. Very different from Gaza. No martyrs, no militants, no threats, no proxies for outside militant governments. Haiti has been dealt a very serious blow, and desirves all the help and support they can get. Politics as per your article, something they certainly don't need.

PLease explain to me why Israel has to import medicine and food into Gaza. Did those living in GAZA build tunnels. Forgive me for being so stupid its only for weapons

No one can make Israel agree to implement what has been agreed by the whole world withdrawal to 67 lines contiguous state within with East Jerusalem (already Arab) as it's capital.

At least the people of Haiti and other countries accept Israel and are grateful for their help. I dont see any of them calling for the destruction of Israel. When both sides in Gaza have mutual respect for each other then the break throughs can come.

I do admire the author and solute AKiva Elder, not every day someone see write and tell horrific truth about the crime and collective punishment of IDF and Israeli regime, I am ashamed of being a Jew and see this prolong siege on poor Gazan, Free Gaza before Haiti

People prefer to forget, right eldar?

it's not just israel blockading gaza anymore.. egypt is building iron walls to stop the tunnels to gaza too.. there has to be a reason?? maybe the world will wake up and realize israel is not at fault here.

... and other weapons, and spent it on public works, there would be no raw sewage in the streets. But why even worry about Gazans? They seem to be perfectly happy with life in their coastal village, since they turn out regularly to sing praises to their leaders. I have never heard a word of dissent, Akiva. They like to shoot rockets at Sderot, hoping to hit a kindergarten. That seems crazy to me. But maybe they like the smell of raw sewage. Is that crazier? Tell me. One final thought: If I couldn't see the good in what my country was doing in Haiti, and could only use it as a springboard for a negative article, I would think it time to leave my country and find a better one.

The writer forgot to mention the babies and women the Palestinian terrorist blew up on Buses, Restaurants etc... Israel and the palestinians are at war. Israel does allow trucks to go into Gaza. How many countries would do such a thing. Palestinians introduced skyjackings while their friend BinLAden perfected it. Stop the terrorism and perhaps peace will follow. Meanwhile, unfortunately, both sides will suffer. Do not compare the victim Haiti to the author of their suffering, the Palestinians.

This would be the outcome. Indeed the Israeli people on the ground in Haiti are doing a fine job. On the other hand down the road from Tel Aviv their political masters are keeping countless thousands in abject misery. The comparison despite all the spin could not be more evident and ridiculous

based on Doron katz comment sujesting to panish the Gazans because they ellected a "terrosist Government " on the same basis the Israelies should be panished for Ellecting Sharon...who was found indirectly responsible for commiting war crimes in Labanon in 1892 by an High israeli court. Your logic doesnt hold water

Where is the Arab aid ?? Instead of praise, you villify Israel. If one life was saved, that's spectacular. Me thinks you have bought into the Hamas BS. FYI, land was not expropriated in Gaza, it was returned in 2005. Please know facts before you give us your skewed views. Israel deserves a heckuva lot more praise than ANY Arab country, sitting on their rears without lifting a finger. C'mon !!

Hamas is at war with Israel. Haita is not. Enough said.

IF the Palestinians would give up that goal too then things would be different.

Mr. Eldar knows in detail the number of Gazans who are homeless, hungry or in need of urgent corneal transplant surgery. But he does not know how many missiles they shoot at Israel, how many suicide killers,gunmans, bus drivers or Wafas al-Bis they sent to Israel in order to kill as many Jews as possible. The number of Israeli who are victims of this irracional people is a insignificant detail in mr.Eldar cruzade. Anything goes... I might be wrong but i think that the southern border of Gaza is with Egypt...

In relation to the 8000 rockets launched from Gaza, I think that Gazans are treated pretty well. As usual, Eldar is wrong. You are wrong, too, Alistair. The monster is Hamas. Pretty simple, no rockets=no Cast Lead. That's a fact.

Are you people all stupid or what? Israel has no occupation of Gaza. It controls access to defend itself. If you left wing psychos had your way, the gates to Gaza would be flung wide open and you could all sing peace songs with Hamas while you find you and your families in serious danger.

same group would've made it to help the civilians in Gaza.

HAARETZ "Shin Bet: 2009 was first year in decade without suicide attacks" .. I guess Israel's policy if a total failure Akiva.No more Suicide bombers to hurt your fellow bleeding hearts on sheinkin. BTW, maybe a few words on Egypt's blockade of Gaza would make the article a bit more balanced..After all, they do share a border with gaza ...

Israel sends it's forces half way around the world to save people in Haiti while limiting the amount of food and medicine it allows into Gaza. One cannot praise Israel for saving lives 7,000 miles away while expropriating land and denying food and medicine to millions of people under a malignant occupation.

Haiti is not under sanctions by Israel, Gaza is. Im sorry, there are no parallels to be drawn. The whole point of sanctions is to punish collectively (even though it doesnt sound nice and fair) the collective who collectively voted a terrorist group. By being charitable to the people, the government does not suffer because it's people are having their needs met. You cannot vote for a government yet not suffer the consequences when things go south, that's democracy, the will of the majority to choose as well as to suffer.

Akiva Eldar, you are representing the best of Israel

It is an embarrassment to Israel that the people of Gaza are probably the worst treated people in the western world and its all down to Israel not Hamas for the problems. Israel is a monster!