Ceasefire Now, Kill More Later

AVAAZ is one of those organizations with a worthwhile mission but which effectively works in a counterproductive way.

According to its website,

Avaaz.org is a new global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want. “Avaaz” means “Voice” in many Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European languages.

Across the world, most people want stronger protections for the environment, greater respect for human rights, and concerted efforts to end poverty, corruption and war. Yet globalization faces a huge democratic deficit as international decisions are shaped by political elites and unaccountable corporations -- not the views and values of the world’s people.

AVAAZ has put together an appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Whereas a permanent ceasefire would be wonderful, there is no such creature when it comes to the Palestinian Arabs.

In practice, a ceasefire between Palestinian Arabs and Israel means Israel ceases defending itself while the Arabs not only keep firing but build up their forces to better murder more innocent Israelis in the future.

The following is the call put out by AVAAZ.

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Gaza Conflict - Ceasefire Now!

Israel and Gaza are on the brink of war. A ground assault has left many dead, and the rain of rockets only spreads. Israel is now considering a full-scale invasion of Gaza, which has never worked before. The only answer is a ceasefire deal, already suggested by Hamas and supported by 64% of Israelis and some senior cabinet ministers. With international help, this could make civilians on both sides safer.

[Temporarily, until Hamas is better prepared to murder more people. In the long run, it would just mean more murders.]

Peace itself is at stake in the coming days, as are thousands of lives. But both sides know they are in a battle for global legitimacy, and international opinion matters. We need to raise a massive worldwide outcry for a Gaza ceasefire now - sign the emergency petition below, we will deliver it to senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders and in a billboard campaign:

We call for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal to stop the bloodshed and agree to an immediate ceasefire, and for the international community to engage constructively and help broker a fair deal for the safety of civilians on both sides

[A fair deal requires two sides willing to reach and abide by an agreement.

Energy is better spent convincing the Palestinian Arabs to join the civilized world. Until they make that decision, efforts to broker meaningless agreements just put off that day and contribute to additional bloodshed and death.]