Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Conflict in the Middle East
Original poster

Gaza has gone dark ... and I am very afraid!

355 replies

HeidiInTheBigCity · 27/10/2023 19:14

Tonight, as Gaza has gone dark, tonight, as Gazan civilians have lost that lifeline that used to be "publishing their cries for help to the Internet, as they were literally dying", tonight, as even that option has ceased to exist!

I STAND WITH CIVILIANS!

Not with Hamas!
NOT with the ultra-far-right Israeli government - out for revenge!

Tonight, I STAND WITH CIVILIANS, as innocent men, women and children are dying, collectively punished, for the crime of having been born in the wrong place, at the wrong time!

Tonight, I STAND WITH CIVILIANS, as the families of Israeli hostages watch helplessly, as their missing loved ones are bombed into oblivion, and their own PM has not even bothered to meet with them! Because, once again, revenge has won! Violence has won! Barbarism has won! Death has won!

Tonight, I stand with my friend, a Palestinian-born [what he does for a living] currently getting drunk at a bar in [not where you'd expect] - because he cannot stand watching anymore! We cried together on the phone - it felt nice to know there was someone else out there - but it also felt supremely disempowered and helpless! Tonight, I stand with men, women, boys, girls ... just people, people who want to live!

Tonight, as I recall how utterly terrified I used to be when I, myself, became an accidental witness to the assault on [Palestinian city], some 20 years ago now! I also recall the good times: I recall standing on the rooftop of the [name] family's home, watching flares in the sky, deliberately pretending they were just very bright stars, kissing, and dancing with my fiancé. Snuggling up to him under the wide open sky, as we ignored the sound of shooting in the background, as we just wanted to ... live a little! ... under circumstances that didn't leave much room for living. For life! Knowing we would learn about names of people we knew and the fact that they had been killed while we had been trying to ... just live a little ... as the following day would break!

Tonight, I stand with civilians, realising that this particular, comparatively "fluffy" version of war - a version, make no mistake, that has left me deeply traumatised for life, bittersweet memories aside! - this is just NOT AN OPTION for Gazans tonight!

Tonight, I CRY FOR CIVILIANS! Especially, but not only, for civilians in Gaza!

We have GOT TO DO better!

Note: yes, I have censored a number of data points - because that is how afraid I am! I am not willing to potentially expose people I consider friends, family even, unnecessarily as I, frankly helplessly, post to the so-called Internet, pleading for their lives or, at the very least: sympathy!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
15
mollyfolk · 27/10/2023 21:42

It’s just awful. I just find the fact that it’s being clapped on by the UK government so disgusting as well. At least they had the decency to abstain. That’s why it’s so important to go out and March and show your support for a ceasefire. Absolutely heartbreaking and I’m disgusted by the EU too generally. I’m a citizen of both Ireland the UK so at least half of me is on the wrong side of history tonight,

helpddgrow · 27/10/2023 21:42

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons

Tabbygabby · 27/10/2023 21:40

illbeinthegarden · 27/10/2023 21:30

It's sickening that countries look away while 1000s die so they can keep countries onside etc etc... I don't have enough knowledge about the history of it and I don't want war in our streets but the world cannot and should not just be looking the other way surely...

Freedom comes at a cost to be honest, it shouldn't be surprising to anyone that countries make decisions often based on their own interests rather than for humanitarian reasons. It is indeed very complex and even countries in support of Isarael as it benefits them have started to be more outspoken about crossing the line (which they have of course sadly done). Of course it's devastating but there are lots of moving parts and whilst protecting innocent civilians from being effectively tortured by having basic essentials withdrawn and then being bombed should be the simplest thing in the world to support; sadly the effect of certain decisions have huge implications and its a horrible, tricky and devastating situation all round.

Reallifelurker · 27/10/2023 21:39

Agree abstaining is not the worst case scenario. At least the UK didn’t vote against the truce. That would be soul destroying. This I can live with.

thatone · 27/10/2023 21:37

It is horrifying but sadly not surprising. The world is quite capable of looking away when it suits them. May all those victims of the horror who do not survive this night and who never knew freedom rest in peace.

RedToothBrush · 27/10/2023 21:36

MrsTerryPratchett · 27/10/2023 21:21

To not piss off the Yanks.

Show quote history

Abstaining is a break from normal support too though. It's certainly NOT supporting Israel and the US which won't go unnoticed. It's not insignificant. It's definitely diplomatic speak going on with an abstention and not supporting Israel's position. DO NOT underestimate it's significance.

But yes, not pissing off the yanks will be part of it.

Apparently 50% of Israelis think that there should be a pause for humanitarian aid too. Which given the massacre isnt insignificant. There is HUGE pressure from this within Israel.

EasternStandard · 27/10/2023 21:36

Inastatus · 27/10/2023 21:33

UK abstained WTF !!!

There’s quite a few in that camp that would be similar to us. Germany, Aus, Canada and so on

In the list

Inastatus · 27/10/2023 21:35

I’m ashamed to be British right now 😢

Original poster
HeidiInTheBigCity · 27/10/2023 21:34

Parkingt111 · 27/10/2023 21:29

Can see on here how everyone voted

https://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre/status/1717992371906839005?t=6IbZcXMeea63fWRP8Fm1fw&s=19

Edited

Management summary:

  • Everything that was clear from the get-go, for anyone who follows the UN (because: geopolitics, again, this is meant to be a space for shared mourning and humanity, so I shan't go into a lengthy essay thereupon)
  • WTAF Austria???!!!
OP posts:
Inastatus · 27/10/2023 21:33

UK abstained WTF !!!

Igotjelly · 27/10/2023 21:33

Abstention by the UK might feel wrong but it’s a pretty strong message. A few days ago I honestly think they would have voted against. Same with other Israeli allies.

EasternStandard · 27/10/2023 21:31

Parkingt111 · 27/10/2023 21:29

Can see on here how everyone voted

https://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre/status/1717992371906839005?t=6IbZcXMeea63fWRP8Fm1fw&s=19

Edited

Interesting to see who abstained etc

illbeinthegarden · 27/10/2023 21:30

It's sickening that countries look away while 1000s die so they can keep countries onside etc etc... I don't have enough knowledge about the history of it and I don't want war in our streets but the world cannot and should not just be looking the other way surely...

WobbliHead3000 · 27/10/2023 21:30

My heart bleeds for all the innocent civilians who will die tonight through no fault of their own. Innocent men, women and children; innocent aid workers; innocent reporters and so many more.

My heart also goes out to those who were kidnapped on Oct 7th who will never return home because common sense has not prevailed…. Only stupid, ignorant thoughts of revenge.

I feel so sick when I think that we have stood back and freely allowed this to happen. So disappointed.

Parkingt111 · 27/10/2023 21:29

Can see on here how everyone voted

https://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre/status/1717992371906839005?t=6IbZcXMeea63fWRP8Fm1fw&s=19

Tabbygabby · 27/10/2023 21:28

Abstaining is in itself quite a strong message considering to be honest.

Parkingt111 · 27/10/2023 21:27

I don't know if you can zoom in on this pic but it shows how all the different members voted

Gaza has gone dark ... and I am very afraid!
Puzzledandpissedoff · 27/10/2023 21:25

Jeremy Corbyn: "Please, we need a ceasefire, now"

What he means is that he'd prefer Israel to cease to exist - because that's what a ceasefire could easily mean

But then, with his known views and chosen associates, that's what I'd expect him to want

FrippEnos · 27/10/2023 21:25

illbeinthegarden · 27/10/2023 21:19

Why would UK abstain??

Probably to keep Israel on side and prevent riots on the streets of England.

FOJN · 27/10/2023 21:24

illbeinthegarden · 27/10/2023 21:19

Why would UK abstain??

For all of the reasons previously listed and because our esteemed leaders are amoral.

helpddgrow · 27/10/2023 21:24

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons

bellac11 · 27/10/2023 21:24

This reply has been deleted

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons

Its a strong message to both sides

LolaSmiles · 27/10/2023 21:23

Why would UK abstain??
Probably due to a mixture of being spineless and wanting to keep a useful friend in the region on side.

Parkingt111 · 27/10/2023 21:23

This reply has been deleted

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons

Good question. I'm not actually sure as its not legally binding but says it holds moral weight. Israel also voted against so not sure what will happen

TakeMe2Insanity · 27/10/2023 21:22

feellikeanalien · 27/10/2023 21:17

Good that they've voted for a cease fire. Shame they rejected the Canadian amendment. This is only going to increase the hostility of the Israeli government towards the UN.

https://apnews.com/article/un-resolution-vote-israel-hamas-gaza-truce-7eec00b0e28ef2036636b166b48ca030

Thank God. But can they put the genie back in the bottle? The images are terrifying and I dread to think what if anything or anyone will be found when light returns.