A town called Sederot
Monday, June 25th, 2007
How we got to this position is beside the point, and how we resolve the terrible situation in Gaza is a matter for debate. What we have is a simple reality – a town of 20,000 (previously 24,000) Israelis very close to Gaza lives in fear.
Last week I saw it for myself. Khassam rockets have been landing on the town effectively ever since the Israelis withdrew from Gaza. Since Hamas very recently took control there, the rocket firing into Sederot itself has stopped, at least at the time of writing. It was very moving to visit a primary school whose outer walls had only been partially reinforced. Teachers were dealing with the situation with extraordinary humour, forethought and professional dedication. The level of protection was clearly inadequate. It is difficult to understand whether this is because of bureaucracy or cost. Talking to Israeli MPs did not provide clear answers. In Gaza itself I read that many young children are traumatised.
These very young, very innocent fellow human beings are paying a price for something well beyond their comprehension. It is a tragic by-product of the violence which is besetting the region. I am glad I saw something of this for myself.