M. Tovey, that "vacuum" would be self-inflicted

Submitted by jennifer solis (United States), Feb 9, 2008 at 00:46

If Israel were to withdraw all aid to Gaza, any "vacuum" that would exist would be entirely the fault of Gazans, who have refused to let go of horrific hatred towards Israel. Gazans elected leadership that promises annihlation of Israel. Israel owes them nothing. Is it realy in Israel's interest to continue providing care to a people who wish Israel destroyed?

I must comment that 99% of reader's comments that dissagree with Dr. Pipes on this issue are already answered by Dr. Pipes, all it requires is careful reading of his two articles, on this subject.

A couple of quotes from Dr. Pipes' articles -

"Controlling Islamist violence out of Gaza will become an Egyptian priority - but Mubarak has coped with Islamists throughout his 27-year presidency and he can deal with this new challenge in ways that Israel cannot."

"Gazans speak a colloquial Arabic identical to the Egyptians of Sinai, have more family ties to Egypt than to the West Bank, and are economically more tied to Egypt. Furthur, Hamas derives from an Egyptian organization, the Muslim Brethren." Not to mention, not a single Gazan has ever stated ambition to wipe Egypt from the map.

You comment, M. Tovey, that "Palestinians" have no historical national heritage to draw upon. History argues that. The word "Palestine" comes from "Philistine", as you know. "Philistine", however, comes from the word "Peleshet", which was the name given to a group of Greeks that fled during the Dorian invasion. They were named "Peleshet", or "sea peoples", by Egyptians (c. 1185 B.C.). The "Peleshet" had sought to make their home in Egypt, but they were defeated; they migrated northeast, eventually settling in the southwestern region of the land God deeded to the Jews. That conquered territory came to be known as Philistia - the land of the Philistines - and later as Palestine.

The Philistines worshiped the fish-god Dagon, the fertility goddess Ashtaroth, and Baal-zebub, cheif god of Ekron. Like other Greeks, they occaisionally offered human sacrifices, were degenerate, and frequently were "demon possessed". They lived in opposition to Yahweh, the God of Israel. Originally the governmental power of Philistia was vested in the lords of the Pentapolis (five city-states): Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. The Philistines contended for the very land God promised to Israel (Joshua 13:1-2). The Old Testament is replete with instances of Philistine antagonism towards the Jews. The Bible records the eventual destruction of this civilization. In foretelling the fall of Tyre, Zechariah made reference to the subsequent judgement of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod. Gath was not included for judgement having long since been captured by Hazael, king of Syria (2 Kings 12:17). The prophecy reads:

Ashkelon will see it [the fall of Tyre] and be afraid [they surrendered].

Gaza too will writhe in great pain [Gaza resisted and was besieged by Alexander for five months];

Also Ekron, for her expectation has been confounded [expected to be delivered but went into slavery instead].

Moreover, the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited [by the Philistines].

And a mongrel race [foreign people] will dwell in Ashdod,

And I [God] will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

And I will remove their blood [human sacrifices] from their mouth,

And detestable things from their teeth.

Then also there will be a remnant for our God [ evangelism after disaster wins converts among the survivors],

And be a clan in Judah, And Ekron like a Jebusite [the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, then called Jebus].

- Zechariah 9:5-7

The Philistines as a race were cut off. The only ones to outlive the destruction of their cities were those who believed in the promised Messiah and appreciated the Jews as the chosen nation from which the Messiah would come. Of course, this occured over three thousand years ago; who knows if original Palestinian blood still exists. The animosity towards Israel obviously does.

With regards to land promised to Abraham by God, that covenant will not be fulfilled, according to scripture, until AFTER Christ returns. Since A.D. 70, when the legions of Titus destroyed Jerusalem, the Jews have been scattered all over the earth and will continue to be dispersed until after the Second Advent when Jesus Christ Himself regathers them nationally as believers in the Land. Although the Jewish people throughout the world are conscious of the national home, they are entering the Land as unbelievers and, according to Old and New Testaments, therefore, MODERN Israel does not constitute the prophesied nation under God. Christ Himself will be the One who delivers Israel; it is THE HEIGHT OF ARROGANCE to assume that unless Israel is "maintained" by humans, Christ won't be able to fulfill His Word.

"And I [God] will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse." [Gen. 12:3] The "Palastinian cause" is proof of this. Hitler is proof of this. Tzarist Russia is proof of this. Gaza is proof of this. This is applicable during all time periods. It applies NOT toward Israel per se, but towards all of the Jewish race. But Israel, AS A SOVERIEGN STATE, has the right to defend herself. She has the right to refuse aid to Gaza, who are a people who despise her, who seek her destruction.

Israel also has the right, indeed the obligation, to not just defend herself militarily, but to use offensive military measure; it is what wins wars. That's what is missing; that's what has brought her periods of peace before. Giving over Gaza might just lead to that. If it does, so be it.

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