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Gibson Nyikadzino in KFAR AZA, Israel
The Israeli government is hosting a delegation of African journalists with the objective that they “see the other side” of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war following the October 7 attacks by Palestinian group, Hamas.
The journalists are from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
The attacks by Hamas, listed as a terrorist organisation by the USA, Britain and the European Union (UN) have so far claimed over 1300 lives and injured many, while over 120 have been kidnapped.
The Israeli government feels the world is condemning its reactions without understanding the mechanics of the October 7, incident.
Since the attacks by Hamas, according to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) spokesperson Major David Baruch, the objective of the Israeli offensive is to “dismantle Hamas and bring those in captivity home”.
Major Baruch yesterday told the visiting journalists that Israel’s response is not targeted against the Palestinians, but Hamas, blaming the group for using civilian infrastructure to launch attacks.
“The IDF objective is to totally dismantle the Hamas terrorist group and bring home those who were kidnapped. We are meticulous about it and it may take time because wars cannot be won and lost by flipping a coin. But let me be honest, our war is not against the people of Palestine,” said Major Baruch.
Over 20 000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israel’s response, with nearly two-thirds being women and children, triggering international sympathy towards Palestinians.
“Wars can be terrible creatures and we can only make them less ugly and less terrible. Gaza looks terrible, it is a warzone. Buildings can be replaced, but not human life,” added Major Baruch.
The IDF spokesperson said his country is not keen on escalating the conflict in the region, but “when pushed against the wall, we will fight.”
“We are not going to escalate this. We know Iran is backing the Hamas, it is backing the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups. We are not going to fight any wars on multiple fronts,” he said.
Online Reporter