How many dead Palestinians are enough?
30,000? 50,000? 100,000? These numbers are hardly theoretical. The current deaths include the already-counted dead, the as-yet unexcavated dead, and the deaths caused by lack of water, food, and medication. The future deaths include the killings caused by Israel’s conquest of the whole of Gaza and the future deaths caused by lack of water, food, and medication. The number of dead Palestinians will surpass 30,000. Perhaps a 50,000 total with 80% or more civilians, i.e., 40,000 civilians.
Is that acceptable? Is it justifiable when we know that Israel cannot eliminate Hamas? Hamas will continue to exist in foreign-based leadership, in Hamas survivors, in recruits eager to avenge their family members killed, and in the West Bank, where many Palestinians now ardently support Hamas. Even if it is a new Hamas-style organization under a different name will that make any difference?
There have been some voices stating how many Palestinians are enough. An Israeli minister suggested using an atomic bomb on Gaza. In the Florida legislature, a legislator asked a Jewish member of the Florida legislature how many Palestinians should die. She responded, “All of them”.
I do support the Israeli invasion to try to eliminate Hamas. I do not support the blockade of food, water, and medical supplies. Nor do I support bombing areas where the Israeli army has instructed people to flee.
I ask how many dead Palestinians are enough since I do have a number. What is yours?