Were the events today just another classic/heavyhanded Israeli response?

The simple point is that Hamas was created as the result of Israeli persecution against Arab Muslims. If Israel hadn't been so brutal in their oppression against the native Palestinians, there wouldn't have been any outrage that would create an organizations such as Hamas. The same applies to any other Islamic group that targets Israel, as well as governments that feel Israel is a threat to peace and stability in the region, such as Iran.

But the terrible thing is that no matter what Israel does, they still get support from the US as well as US tax dollars. The US is the only ally that Israel has.

And then people wonder why the terrorists from 9/11 did what they did...

No, it was within Israel's right to retaliate for launching of rockets by Hamas. How would you minimize collateral damage when Hamas' security forces are strategically positioned within dense population?

"you look at only one side of the story.... i saw two israeli soldiers holding a mans arms out... another went and grabbed a stone... and smashed the mans arms... justify that..."

Israel wouldn't even have attacked if Hamas didn't break the cease-fire, so there is my justification. Also, If I was in the shoes of the soldiers, I probably would have done the same thing. It's kill or be killed. Your choice.

To be honest, as an outsider, I see no purpose in Hamas firing rockets into Israel. They know that their rockets will not do as much damage as Israeli strikes can.

But if I were to think why Hamas would strive to provoke the Israel, one would wonder if they purposely do this because they know Israel's response will be disproportional and it will garner international condemnation. A lot of countries already condemn Israel on their policy of open assassination.

This is a conflict that will never end. Too much blood has been shed on both sides. For Jews, they've always been treated as 2nd class citizens of the world. But in turn, they did the same thing to Palestinians. The Jews came in and relocated Palestinians and possibly massacred whole villages while they established their state. Now Jews in Israel are outnumbered by Arabs and the Arabs are treated as 2nd class citizens.

If you want to blame anyone, blame the British...they screwed everything up with all their former colonies. You can usually trace most disasters and oppression in the world back to Caucasians...

What occupation ?

Istael withdrew from Gaza over 4 years ago.

No settlers, no israeli soldiers.

Whats heavy handed about responding to daily attacks ?

Where were you when Hamas was firing rockets into israel everyday ?

Firing rockets is an act of war,

Under International law, Israel has the right to demolish Gaza.

Yes, you are 100% correct as always. Israel is foolish for striking back. They should wave a white flag and surrender to the Palestinians and give most of Israel to the Palestinians. Then there will be world peace. As everyone knows, the Arabs are a peace-loving, gentle people who are highly civilized. Do not believe the Zionist propagandists that tell you that the Palestinians are evil, bloodthirsty killers. Only a very small percentage of the Palestinian population are evil, bloodthirsty killers. The rest of the people are warm and lovely. In fact, when the entire world surrenders to Islam, there will be peace and freedom, just like in Iran and Syria. So I agree with you. The Infidels have it coming to them. If a member of Islam causes bloodshed, it is the will of Allah. If anyone tries to strike back against the bloodshed of Allah, they are agents of the Devil. So saith the almighty Islamic Prophet, Mohammed bin Afishtar.

I guess the Iranian supported Hamas approach of firing rockets just to stir the shi+ has its cost.

It's called the NATURAL CONSEQUENCES of their actions.

You forget the Israelis' past and ignore the fact that they are surrounded by those who have vowed to wipe them out.

The Palestinians will never know peace.

No the reaction was appropriate to the missiles aimed at the Israel SCHOOLS......funny how you defend the Muslim Terrorists attacking schools and condemn the retaliation aimed at the "brave" hamas leaders HIDING behind WOMEN...That was the same man throwing stones at the Soldiers...but you seem to conveniently leave that out.....eye for an eye....

The Hamas started it! Why do ppl feel sorry for them. Israel has been more than patient. And they were not bombing citizens homes they were targeting official building. Police stations, Post offices....You would think the citizen would know, by now, when the Hamas start bombing Israel it is time to go stay with grama in the country.

I haven't even watched the news today. Hearing too much horrible news and seeing bloody bodies all over the streets is not good for you. This means more unnecessary trouble that American will be getting into I guess. *Sigh*.

i saw a documentary on the occupation of Palestine and it is sad having soldiers on your streets pissing in your apartments hallways, harassing the youths it wiil never end until we say it is ok.

people do not understand Palestine depends on israel for jobs and a life, with so much control i feel it keeps them in the dump and retaliation does happen but the counter attack is often more severe and at times heartless.

i think republicans would be sore if under obama peace happens but under bush it could never happen and under clinton was unlikely, clinton was the closest thing to a republican u could find.