Morch

Gazan are no strangers to destruction, displacement and hardships. I think people tend to think about the situation relative to their own situation, not what people down there are familiar with or the standards which they can and will adapt to. Applying your reasoning, the whole problem of Palestinian 'refugees' should have been a non-issue by now. As for 'rendered uninhabitable', that's just one of the catchy labels. Like the rest of the tropes people use when dealing with the Gaza Strip and the situation in general. All the more so when it comes to Aid or UN agencies, vested interests and all that. There's an Arab concept, nowadays sort of appropriated by Palestinians, called Tzumud (may appear in other forms). It pertains to the connection between people and the land. As in bearing a whole lot of hardship, but not clearing off etc. Now, a lot of the application is political and over-rated, but there is something to it - even if sometimes for more prosaic reasons (such as not actually being offered something better). Be that as it may, it's a bit of a thing. So going to Africa....no, I don't think it will be a popular option. As for the opposition, there's little to be gained sticking in longer than necessary. Getting embroiled in this kind of nonsense, or playing stooges for Netanyahu's campaign shenanigans? I think that the two main options for exit points are either operations volume going down (presuming the hostage situation remains unresolved), or after a major hostage deal, if such materializes. Do note that no elements of this 'policy' were put to the vote or (apparently) even discussed much on government level. I'm not opposed to an actual re-settlement offer for those interested in such, and if conditions are legit - so long as it's not coerced, forced or obviously bogus (such as the current one). But expecting the bulk of Gaza's population to emigrate? That's nonsense. Not gonna happen. There's another, about as daft, 'policy' touted, seeking to dodge the PA's involvement (while keeping Hamas out of it, as well). In this fantasy, control over aid, rehabilitation and so on would be handed to heads of local clans, each administrating things on it's own small turf. Other than this being a nightmare to operate and sustain, it also ignores the fact that Israel tried it in the past (1970's, the West Bank) with little success. It's not so much a 'policy' as unwilling to face reality.

There's one person, one vote. Then there's gerrymandering.

Henry Kissinger once said that Israel has no foreign policy, only domestic policy. The current situation and the reports linked are another example of such. Politically, Netanyahu cannot accept the obvious solution, which would be the PA stepping in and taking charge. This would not only be an embodiment of the failure of all his efforts to foster Hamas as counterweight and foe to the PA, but would raise the obvious public question of why this wasn't the path taken to begin with. So Netanyahu does was he usually does, play for time (discussions on 'the day after' delayed for weeks now), and hope some diversion, 'magic solution' or a politically 'marketable' option would come up. When the time is up, he often chooses what's in front of him, driven by panic and pressure from extreme right-wing elements (including family). The religious right wing elements in the coalition see this whole thing as an opportunity to further their policies and ideology. On top of that, the two parties involved often try to outdo each other with extreme comments, playing out their own internal struggles. These dynamics lead to such nonsense 'ideas', which cannot even be called policy, given how little thought goes into them. The minute this seems to get minimal traction with Netanyahu, all of the usual sycophants jump in and the circus is on. By then the 'thing' (whatever it is) gets it's own 'life' and momentum, which either end up with some daft move that goes nowhere (or causes damage), or there's some clumsy about face managed. So no, not so much a policy as nonsense, and given that this is War Cabinet level stuff, the opposition members will have a veto right, or can opt to leave the government (as they said they would once the main fighting is over). This might be what Netanyahu is after, though - painting potential rivals as 'pro Gaza' or something, or spinning it as their fault when the whole thing crushes down. Given the reports this seems to be a very far fetched notion - negotiations about maybe tens of thousands to be accepted? How does that change the situation? Saudi Arabia absorbing Palestinians? Palestinians who were indoctrinated by Hamas who's a designated terrorist organization down there? Doesn't sound like an option, never mind SA unlikely to paint itself as 'betraying' the Palestinians this way. And Africa? Seriously? Palestinians are many things - racially open minded is not one of them. There are numerous slur terms like the N-word, there's a general bias against darker people (including Palestinians and Arabs). Plus, it doesn't take much to guess that moving to a third world country where they won't be necessarily welcome, will mean no real aid or attention in a relatively short span. For those following American politics - think Trump with ideological/religious undercurrents, that kind of 'policy'.

Self pats on the back are always nice when there's no real answer to comment.

No, that would be you spewing cliches. Tell me which countries see Hamas (or specifically, al Arouri) as 'freedom fighters', and then have a look at the list of countries designating both as terrorist. What does that tell you? There is no deliberate attempt by Israel to kill civilians. If there was one casualty lists would be way higher. Think about it this was - Hamas managed to kill over 1000 Israelis in a single day, Israel's 'horrible' response is at about 200 or so casualties per day. Considering Israel's means, it would not have an issue overtaking Hamas's 'score'. What does that tell you? As for 'overwhelming majority' nonsense claims - there are well over a billion Muslims around, so by your logic.....

Yeah, them things Trump 'got done' - that would be stuff you imagine. There wasn't anything much 'done' at the border. There was no 'global peace' (appeasement, yes), and the economy was an inheritance from the previous administration. Trump is a time machine if you seek darker days in human history, other that not so much. Demented, corruption and the rest of the nonsense - these are labels which would suit Trump just as well, and even more so. Trump putting in an 18+ hour work day is another fantasy, never mind 'practitioner' (practitioner of what?!). You recall leaves a lot to be desired. Try this nonsense on people with defective memories, or those already subscribing to your MAGA cult.

@thaibeachlovers But there's a lot to say they won't happily team with China.

As I recall, Trump's schedule, working hours and work habits were a matter of discussion back when. What I don't recall is Trump fans not making light of it.

A good result. And I don't think the other Hamas chiefs really mourn much, he wasn't well-liked, and even a threat as some of them go. Here's another review of the man and the assassination: Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri killed in alleged Israeli strike in Beirut https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-deputy-leader-saleh-al-arouri-killed-in-alleged-israeli-strike-in-beirut-suburb/ Remains to be seen if (and how) Hezbollah will retaliate (as per past promises to do so if such actions are taken).

@thaibeachlovers Here's something for you (and others) to mull, while waffling about 'economy', 'money', 'quality of life' and 'fund the war effort': Children of senior Hamas officials live the good life far from Gaza https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/s19yh3cwa

@thaibeachlovers It's wonderful news for Israel, less so for you. Because, you see, having a strong supreme court is one of Israel's main defenses against international legal action. So long as relevant international bodies can chart a legal way for citizens, or any people under de-facto rule to appeal government decisions, and so long as the SC is, indeed, 'supreme' - then most legal action is deemed irrelevant. Even if there is an investigation, the chances of it coming to actual legal action is much less likely with a strong supreme court and legal system in place. In this regard, the SC decision is a mixed bag for Netanyahu - not that great on his domestic front political survival plays, but possible a chestnuts out of the fire case with regard to international legal action in connection with the Palestinians.

@thaibeachlovers War Costs Money, Poster Discovers.

@thaibeachlovers How do you mean 'will they turn up'? Why wouldn't they? Again, you seem to comment while not grasping basic facts - presence in the proceedings is voluntary. There is no 'make them' element at play. And this is the ICJ - not the ICC, and no liability of arrest, as you fantasize.

@thaibeachlovers There you go again with your attempts to minimize Hamas's threat, the Hamas 7/10 attack and so on. Unless you missed it - over a 1000 dead Israelis in a single day, a whole lot of hostages taken. Do you think all of them dead Gazans were civilians? Do you think all of them dead/taken Israelis were military?

Nah, more like you exhibit some strange obsession with badmouthing, certain orifices and their product. Also, reading comprehension issues, maybe after effect of a lively new years' eve.

You seem like a nice guy.

Eloquent.

I know. There were opinions here that it might be added as some extra requirement when renewing/extending visas. Apparently, I'm not the only one who asked them.

Earlier today had a talk with my banker (well, she handled our family accounts for decades, nowadays head of a major branch) - she vaguely knew about it, added a higher up in the bank HQ to the conversation as a favor. Turns out the guy's daughter is married to a Thai, lives here for 10 years or so - he was aware of the situation, had no real advice but wait and see, don't get excited. Says his counterparts in Bangkok Bank and SCB say it will either be a mess and then fixed, or it will not effect little fish. Their combined wisdom was that unless it's a serious chunk of money, might not be worth the effort to dodge it. Bottom line, wait to June and see. If it's real bad, at worst you pay one year, then see what set up fits. Later today at immigration, just started to ask about this there was a general derisive moaning from the desks - no idea, no one told us anything, don't worry, you're the Nth one to ask today....

Not really. Musk needed an 'I'm-not-an-antisemite' moment, Netanyahu needed an 'only-I-can-set-Musk-straight' moment. A meeting of interests. Two PR opportunities.

Mossad is pretty much the least involved Israeli intelligence agency, as far as the fiasco goes. As for the current reports - not quite the same as the failed intelligence assessments prior to 7/10. The issue was, apparently, not lack of information, but intelligence services and head of state being 'locked' on a a wrong interpretation of it. Most of what's shown on the clips released is factual, you can disregard the spokesman's commentary, though - if you feel it's not necessary/biased/whatever. I do get your point about waiting a bit until things are verified etc., nothing wrong with that. That was the issue with the hospital 'bombing' which turned out to be a failed rocket launch. Initial reports were in hurry to get the headline, and regurgitated Hamas propaganda. A day later, things turned out to be quite different.

Just read the topics then.

It is your opinion, as in you cannot back it up with anything.

@thaibeachlovers You've made a silly argument. It was countered. You cannot address it. So you're back to deflections. Same old.

@thaibeachlovers Yes, there are many precedents to this, learn your history. And, of course, they were not a 'country' at the time.