Talks not Tanks

Listening to a BBC report it seems that not all Jews agree with the Israeli government's policy. The Israeli government is at the moment concerned by the abduction of one Corporal. He is being held by a Palestinian group who are demanding the freeing of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for his freedom. Israel has responded by sending tanks and other ordnance into the Gaza Strip in areas where they think he may be held. They have taken out a power station and other strategic points like bridges so that "it will restrict the Palestinians' ability to move the hostage around".
An influential group of British Jews has condemned this action. They say it is illegal and immoral to inflict such damage as it affects non-combatant civilians, not necessarily the hostage takers. They also infer that the damage to the civilian infrastructure is part of the Israeli government's strategy - which would be against all the rules of the Geneva Conventions.
I am still to be convinced that a country that gained its territory by terrorism has any right to claim to be legitimate. Many Israeli "statesmen" were bombers and insurgents during the 1940s. To the Jews they were freedom fighters. To the rest of the world they were terrorists.
Hamas, the legitimate democratic government of the Palestinian people, has denied any involvement in the present hostage situation. But doubtless they hope that the hostage takers will gain some advantage.
Now, if even Jews are stating that force is not the way to solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem, surely the need for negotiation and agreement is the only way for all to live.
Bugger principles. Sod the religious bigotry of both sides. Just bloody-well talk and learn to live with one another. Be an example to other areas where similar feuds are taking place.
Killing, maiming and incarcerating people is not the way to peace. Only talk and understanding and compromise will bring a peaceful co-existence.
And co-existence is the only sensible solution.
Nuff said ...