Gaza, The Ben Gurion Canal, and Ethnic Cleansing: Connecting Genocidal Dots?

Firstly, I want to thank my extraordinary patrons for holding this newsletter down! Your support is crucial, and it's paving the way for me to be able to write and organize full-time. If you want to elevate this work, please become a Patron. Even small contributions make a huge impact. www.patreon.com/khafrejay

Now, let's get into it...

Here's the tea! I find it crucial to address recent information I've been looking into surrounding the genocide in Gaza and how it may connect to the controversial Ben Gurion Canal project because we must inform our conviction for truth and justice. Speculations have swirled regarding Israel's motives behind Israel's relentlessly unequal response wrought on one of the most densely populated places that 2 million people call home. All under the guise of trying to kill a few thousand "terrorists." We cannot ignore the pain, suffering, and death experienced by innocent Palestinians during these attacks, and we cannot reduce human life to mere numbers. However, you must know that at this point, Israel has slaughtered almost 4,000 children. It is a testament to the systemic injustices that white supremacy and colonialism have inflicted upon marginalized communities worldwide.

The assertion that Israel's heightened attacks on Gaza cloak deeper, strategic intentions isn't merely speculative—it's a narrative rooted in historic machinations. As we dissect the intricacies of the global geopolitical theatre, it becomes clear that nations often play intricate games in their pursuit of dominance, with the marginalized bearing the brunt. Such machinations are not just about land or pride—it's a more extensive play where nations exploit geopolitical tensions to amass wealth and consolidate political might. This age-old strategy, steeped in exploitation, continues to shape our world.

Redefining Maritime Dominance: The Rise of the Ben Gurion Canal

The Ben Gurion Canal represents more than just an infrastructural marvel; it symbolizes a tectonic shift in global trade dynamics. Significantly broader than its counterpart, the Suez Canal, its design intends to usher in a new age of maritime efficiency. Beyond accommodating an increased volume of ships because it would be built on hardier terrain than the sand in the Suez, the canal can be crafted to permit simultaneous two-way traffic, allowing vessels to transit in both directions concurrently. This project isn't just a logistical enhancement; it's a profound assertion of Israel's intention to become the fulcrum of global maritime commerce.

In peeling back the layers, a deeper narrative unveils its potential. By directly contesting the Suez Canal's longstanding dominance, the stage is set for Western powers to wrestle financial and geopolitical control from Egypt. This nation has been the sentinel of this pivotal passageway for generations. This shift isn't merely about diversifying revenue streams; it's an overt strategy to re-orient the balance of power. In the shadows of this "progress," the insidious legacy of white supremacy and colonization seeks yet another resurgence.

The Potential Connection

With its strategically invaluable location, Gaza potentially sits at the epicenter of the Ben Gurion Canal's monumental aspirations. Its pacification, strategically, is critical for the canal to attain its groundbreaking potential. There's a more profound economic and strategic calculus at play, one that the global community must awaken to. Most conceptualized canal designs favor a pronounced detour to the north to bypass Gaza. However, imagine the staggering implications if Israel gained control over Gaza's northern region, let alone ethnically cleansing the whole place. Clearing Palestinians would allow for a more direct route without the winding detours, drastically reducing the transit duration and potentially leading to substantial financial savings of billions.

Moreover, a canal closer to or tracing the Egyptian border would offer unparalleled military advantages, fortifying Israel's defenses and providing a buffer against potential threats from the south. Such a strategic edge in a volatile region could reshape the balance of power.

Amid geopolitical and economic maneuverings, the marginalized, as history has shown time and again, risk being engulfed by the tidal waves of grand designs. I shouldn't have to pull your leg for you to consider the horrifying prospect that the ongoing turmoil and suspected ethnic cleansing in Gaza might be a deliberate ploy to clear the path for this mega-infrastructure project. Dr. Sami al-Aryan, an esteemed Palestinian political pundit, echoed these pressing concerns: "The Ben Gurion route, by curtailing the transit through Africa by three crucial weeks, is poised to redefine global trade dynamics. But beyond commerce, its placement is set to heighten regional tensions, sowing the seeds for potential military confrontations in an already embattled region." The stakes are not just high; they are astronomical. The world must not only watch but act. The price of inaction? The destiny of an entire people.

Global Titans: How Gaza's Struggles Reshape China and Russia's Middle Eastern Chessboard

The region's geopolitical balance isn't just a local concern. Still, it casts ripples that affect global superpowers, with China and Russia at the forefront. China's meteoric rise as an economic juggernaut has led it to foster deep trade ties with the Middle East. The region offers China a vast reservoir of energy resources. It presents a critical juncture in its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, a sprawling network of trade routes meant to amplify China's global influence. Any regional disruption like that, potentially stemming from the Gaza situation, risks jeopardizing China's energy security and strategic investments.

Russia, on the other hand, isn't a mere observer in the region. Its military interventions in places like Syria have underscored its intent to assert its presence in the Mediterranean. The Gaza situation isn't isolated from Russia's broader strategy. A stable Gaza could offer Russia leverage over Mediterranean trade routes. This chokepoint has historically been a theatre of power plays among nations. Conversely, an unstable Gaza could be a pretext for Russia to expand its military footprint to secure its interests.

Both these giants, China with its economic prowess and Russia with its strategic military might, are thus profoundly enmeshed in the evolving tapestry of Middle Eastern politics. The situation in Gaza, and by extension, the Ben Gurion Canal project, could determine the nature of their engagement in the region for decades to come. The world needs to be vigilant, understanding that the pieces moving on this geopolitical chessboard aren't just about regional dynamics but echo the aspirations of global powerhouses.

The distressing message from Egyptian MP Mostafa Bakry, who pointed to Israel's desire to empty Gaza for the canal project, underscores the gravity of the situation. Such actions — if correct — further cement the narrative that oppressed communities often bear the brunt of geopolitical games.

Echoes of Complacency: The U.N.'s Tenuous Stance on Gaza's Looming Genocide

The distressing realities unraveling during the recent Security Council meeting echo a disheartening testament to international complacency. Historically revered as a bastion of justice and humanitarian intervention, the United Nations has been conspicuously passive, even as a group of independent experts sound the alarm. According to these experts, Palestinians in Gaza face a "grave risk of genocide" amidst the escalating conflict.

The harrowing numbers emerging from the Gaza Strip, as reported by health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave, reveal the devastating toll of the Israeli bombardment: over 9,000 lives lost, with the majority being women and children. Israel, however, maintains its focus on targeting Hamas, accusing the militant group of using civilians as shields. But the U.N. experts' unambiguous proclamation—that what's transpiring amounts to a genocide—demands international attention. The term "genocide" isn't used lightly; it is defined by the International Criminal Court as an intent to destroy, in whole or part, a particular group through acts like killing or imposing birth-preventive measures.

Yet, even with the blaring alarms, the lament of senior U.N. human rights official Craig Mokhiber resonates hauntingly: "We are seeing a genocide unfolding before our eyes, and the Organization that we serve appears powerless to stop it." The scarcity of essentials like water, medicine, and fuel, compounded by aid organizations' challenges, underscores the situation's urgency. And while U.N. experts have called for an immediate ceasefire, the clock, as they ominously point out, is ticking perilously fast. The international community, especially the U.S., must recognize its role in these unfolding tragedies and intervene before it's too late.

The Unfolding Tragedy: Jabalya Strikes and the Question of War Crimes

The Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza has become the epicenter of fresh tragedy following a direct Israeli airstrikes on refugees who huddled in an area that was supposed to be sage. The densly populated area experienced the wrath of military might when it was bombed in the name of killing one. The initial strike caused extensive damage and dozens of casualties, with local medical facilities struggling to cope with the influx of the wounded.

The international community reacted with alarm and condemnation. The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concern that the attack, given their high civilian toll and extensive destruction, could potentially constitute war crimes. The law of armed conflict mandates a clear distinction between combatants and civilians, with the latter afforded protection against direct attacks.

Then The Second Bomb

Before the dust had even settled, in comes a second air strike on the refugee camp compounding the devastation, prompting horror from the international community. Eyewitness accounts from the scene depicted an environment of chaos and destruction. The scale of the destruction was immense, with buildings reduced to rubble and survivors frantically searching for loved ones. The aftermath of the first attack was still unfolding when the second strike targeted the same area, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation and raising outrage over the repeated targeting of civilian areas.

As the reality of the situation continues to unfold, with harrowing stories and distressing visuals emerging, there is an increasing demand for a comprehensive and independent investigation. The repeated bombings have not only caused immediate loss and suffering but also set a concerning precedent for the conduct of hostilities in densely populated areas. The international legal framework, designed to protect the most vulnerable in times of conflict, faces a critical test as it confronts the events in Jabalya and the broader implications for global conflict norms.

Interconnected Struggles: From Hunters Point to Gaza, Injustice Knows No Borders

The vast tapestry of global struggles for justice, whether it's the raw streets of Hunters Point, San Francisco, or the war-torn alleys of Gaza, share a haunting commonality: the weight of systemic injustice that favors the powerful, perpetuating the cycle of oppression against the vulnerable. In a world increasingly interconnected, it's undeniable that an injustice committed against one, especially in a globally intertwined economy, festers and spreads, affecting all but disproportionately targeting those with brown and black skin.

The shadow of white supremacy and colonialism, rather than receding, seems to stretch further, its insidious influence continually menacing marginalized communities. It's high time we, the aware, raise our collective voice, ensuring that the stories of the oppressed aren't reduced to mere footnotes in the annals of history. Our battle for justice, truth, and a brighter future persists. And let it be known, Black folks stand resilient, even when confronting anti-blackness from all directions, be it in Israel or Palestine.

Lastly, If you want to elevate this work, please become a Patron. Your support is crucial, and it's paving the way for me to be able to write and organize full-time. If you want to elevate this work, please become a Patron. Even small contributions make a huge impact. www.patreon.com/khafrejay