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A passionate and earnest plea

Ex-president Jimmy Carter has for years canvassed peace in the Middle East. Since the Gaza War last December-January, he has taken up the cause of the Gazans - many living in dire circumstances. The world hasn't wanted to know.... which will, one day, come back to bite those who have averted their gaze and been so one-eyed in supporting Israel's quite unconscionable and inhumane actions.

In his latest piece "Gaza must be rebuilt now" - this time on Comment is Free in The Guardian - he writes:

"In summary: UN resolutions, Geneva conventions, previous agreements between Israelis and Palestinians, the Arab peace initiative, and official policies of the US and other nations are all being ignored. In the meantime, the demolition of Arab houses, expansion of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and Palestinian recalcitrance threaten any real prospect for peace.

Of more immediate concern, those under siege in Gaza face another winter of intense personal suffering. I visited Gaza after the devastating January war and observed homeless people huddling in makeshift tents, under plastic sheets, or in caves dug into the debris of their former homes. Despite offers by Palestinian leaders and international agencies to guarantee no use of imported materials for even defensive military purposes, cement, lumber, and panes of glass are not being permitted to pass entry points into Gaza. The US and other nations have accepted this abhorrent situation without forceful corrective action."

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