Israel vs. Palestine: Tensions remain high in Middle East

Last week, the United Kingdom broke out in anti-Israel demonstrations fomented by the large number of recent Middle Eastern immigrants now residing (some illegally) in that country. I had the unique opportunity to spend three hours in the midst of those semi-riots via video as I followed a U.K. reporter in his quest to interview some of the protesters.

The demonstrations had begun at Trefalgar Square, but they soon evolved into chant-filled attempts to confront Number 10 Downing Street as well as the gaggle of government buildings between there and the Square. Fortunately, there is a substantial iron picket gate separating #10 from the street, so they couldn’t gain entrance. A large number of police also formed a line across the street itself (at both the Prime Minister’s end and the Trefalgar end). Thus, the large group was pretty well contained.

They were shouting “Death to Israel” as well as decrying the death of Palestinian children, which they blamed on Israel (even though Hamas uses them as shields).

The reporter confronted members of the group and informed them that a cease fire had just been called in Gaza. Given that, he asked them why they were demonstrating. They never answered his question, but continued their chanting while holding up signs (some of them professionally printed).

There were skirmishes along the police line. All told, some 200 protesters were arrested. These people basically celebrated the recent attack by a Muslim on a U.K. synagogue during its services. Even while they demonstrated, however, one Jewish young lady who had infiltrated the group held up an Israeli national flag in counter protest. The police were totally silent and refused to engage in conversation. They simply held the line.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has achieved something remarkable (no matter the ultimate outcome of his efforts). He has succeeded in bringing together a broad range of Middle Eastern countries in support of Israel. As a result, Hamas stands nearly alone with only Iran’s support.

Hamas, indeed, seems to be accepting most of Trump’s terms. It is assumed, however, that the Hamas leadership will probably use delaying tactics when it comes to such matters as turning over their arms and pledging to refrain from future violence.

They have agreed to free all the hostages when Israel leaves the area. Trump, of course, is demanding that he be put in charge of Gaza and any newly formed Palestinian government in the interim. He is also putting a specific time limit on how quickly the hostages must be freed. He will not accept delays. Such delays (if they happen) will result in Israel continuing the war and utterly wiping out Hamas.

Meanwhile, Muslims (along with a few non-Muslims) continue their demonstrations in both England and the United States. Many of those demonstrating in the U.K. are wearing head coverings and masks so that they can’t be recognized. Such wearing of masks during demonstrations is illegal in the U.K., but these people still refuse to take them off. (They point out their extreme fear of Covid.)

These semi-riots, when carried out by people in England or the United States as students or tourists, should (if they result in arrests) trigger deportations. It is not the purpose of Western governments to allow people into the country whose purpose is to change the country. The assumption is that individuals who immigrate to the United States or to England will ultimately be changed by the country they enter. It is also against the law for foreign students or foreign tourists to work. There is considerable evidence that the bulk of current agitators and demonstrators are paid for their work.