israel

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon demanded that Hamas stop stealing international aid to the people in Gaza.  There is speculation that some of the stolen aid was supposed to go to Fatah-supported groups; recently (Fatah) Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad proposed a new, more efficient way to provide aid to the Palestinian people by directing it through Fatah or private banks.  The aid is particularly important right now, following the recent war with Israel, especially since the Israeli military and navy have restricted aid that can pass through with the goal of blocking arms smuggling.  And the news comes as two Gaza rockets hit Israel two days before Israeli elections expected to instate a more defense-oriented government.

As the American House of Representatives passes a bill recognizing Israel's right to defend itself, Israel warns that the war could escalate, despite calls for a truce from the United Nations Security Council and Egypt.  Both Israel and Hamas have rejected proposed truces; Hamas refuses to stop shooting rockets at Israel, and Israel will not halt its offensive until it is sure that the rocket attacks will not continue.

Some say Israel's actions in Gaza are criminal.  Others say legitimate and necessary.  What do you think?