AboutPierre-Alexandre De Bavay M.A. Expertise I can answer any question that deals with geopolitics, political stability and the role of big powers in the Middle East. My strongest background deals with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but I have a good knowledge of the region going from the Caucasus to Egypt, the Arabic Peninsula and Central Asia. Even if your question does not directly deal with this, I will try to answer it anyway.
Experience I worked for the Center for American Studies in Brussels and for the European Institute for International Relations as political analyst.
Organizations CAS, EIIR
Education/Credentials BA Political Science
MA International Relations
MA American Studies
Question Former U.S. President Carter feels that Israel's refusal (despite being asked by him) to provide to Gazans more than 15% to 25% of what they need in terms of food, fuel, etc. is what led eventually to the extreme hostilities there. He bases these percentages on what was provided when Israel was in charge of Gaza. The only way now for Gazans to get what they need and ward off starvation is via their tunnels, which Israel destroys as conduits for weaponry. My question is: What is Israel's justification for denying these essentials to the Gazans even when there are no hostilities?
Answer Hi Richard,
Thank you for the question. Israel's strategy towards Gaza has not really been homogenous since Tsahal and colonies retreated from the Gaza strip in 2005/2006. Israel though that a peace process would have been easier to build after a retreat. The problem is that Gaza is geopolitically isolated even if bordering Egypt.
To answer your question directly, I would say that there is merely no justification. Israel is currently leading an offensive against Hamas and is willing to avoid any rearmament. The consequence is unfortunately obvious : by filtering aid from other foreign countries to Gazans, Israel also prevents the reconstruction of cities, hospitals and so on...As regards the tunnels, the situation is the same. Israel fears that Hamas would use them to obtain weapons. And that is indeed the case.
Therefore, the denial of these essentials as you say is the result of a strategy which aims at controlling what comes inside Gaza. To use a word that I dislike, this is a 'collateral damage'. But this does not mean it should be authorized. I think that what Jimmy Carter said is indeed correct : by treating Gazans in that way, Israel is merely launching an escalation that will prevent the peace process to expand for several years.
