GAZA – AN INTRACTABLE PROBLEM?

 

GAZA – AN INTRACTABLE PROBLEM?

(With thanks to Jonathan Swift)

And lo it came to pass, in the year of our Lord 2023, that a great host rose up, crossed the border of Judea – sorry Israel – and slew many worshippers of music and other citizens of the land who had the temerity to be in their path.

When the news reached the King of Judea – sorry, the prime minister of Israel – Benny Notinmybackyau, he was sore troubled and called together all his worshippers, including those so crazy they should never be allowed anywhere near the throne – I mean the seat of power.

Benny, in his pompiest pomp, vowed to destroy these insurgents who were known as “Hamass-of-a-Mess” With great fanfare, he sent forth his loyal Defence Force, cunningly disguised as an Attack Force, into the land of Gaza to wreak vengeance on the insurgents.

He destroyed many homes and, in his turn, killed many innocents but could not, for all his might, defeat the notion that is “Hamass-of-a-Mess” The burden of leadership lay heavy on the sloping shoulders of Benny Notinmybackyau and knowing not what to do, plunged into a slough of despond that God had forsaken him.

Then, when all seemed lost, out of the West following a star backwards, came three wiseish men who counselled Benny Notinmybackyau of a gift of great power that would rid him of the menace that was “Hamass-of-a-Mess” once and for all.

“What gift” said Benny greedily

The three wiseish men replied.

“Why a foolproof (sic) gift”

“Well what is it” demanded Benny.

The three wiseish men looked toward one another, and following a nod of their wiseish heads, said in unison.

“Just as in past times, King Herod of Judea was threatened by the birth of Jesus Christ, so are you likewise threatened by the insurgents “Hamass-of-a-Mess”.

Your gift, therefore, is to follow the example of King Herod and kill all the children of Gaza, now and for all future generations. By so doing, Gaza and its people will cease to exist and you, O’Worthy One can take this cursed land into your realm in one fell swoop rather than bit by bit as you seem want to do in violation of international laws.

A smirk came over Benny’s face as he reflected on what he had been told, but then the three wiseish men turned to him and said.

“But beware, for you will become a pariah in the world”

“Tush” replied Benny.

But the three continued.

“There is, of course, a further gift should you wish to hear it.

To achieve a lasting peace for all peoples, you might negotiate a settlement based upon the needs and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. For surely, they simply wish to live their , lives in peace and security and can do so, if you were prepared to make some concessions so that justice is achieved for all”

Benny looked up and snarled,

“Sod that for a game of soldiers. Begone you aged do gooders, back to your land and keep your noses out of other people’s business”

The three wiseish men turned Westward and as they trudged slowly away, heard only the sound of bombs bombs and more bombs,

-And there was no peace in the land.