The Humanist Association of Hong Kong, along with the committee of the Humanist International (International Federation of Humanist Parties), is asking the Israeli government to cease its violent reprisals for the attacks on its citizens by the extreme military wing of Hamas.
It is in a position to do this given that the firepower of its military is vastly superior to that of the Palestinians.
How much longer must ordinary people in Israel and Palestine put up with living in fear and insecurity? Do those wielding power today not see that a peaceful and mutually beneficial arrangement must be put in place immediately?
If the ideal of a single state seems impossible because of the lack of trust on both sides, then the second-best option should be agreed upon as soon as possible.
Suspicion surrounds the United States’ massive financial support of Israel, which encourages Tel Aviv to act like a dog in the manger in the Middle East. Its actions undermine hopes of a political solution.
Surely this state of affairs exists because of oil reserves. With an unstable Middle East, Western nations can continue to get cheap energy resources. As a result, people in the region have to suffer.
As humanists who see humans as being central to all national and international affairs, we deplore the stand of the developed nations.
Both sides in this conflict must look in depth at what is happening.
Upon reflection, they will surely come to appreciate the great possibilities for Palestine, Israel and the Middle East in general if peace is allowed to prevail and citizens can get on with their daily lives and flourish.
Tony Henderson, chairman, Humanist Association of Hong Kong
