The policy of destroying the houses of “terrorists” has been implemented by Israel unsuccessfully for decades. Far from deterring attacks it makes the survivor angrier and more desperate for revenge.
So far, around 560 throughout Gaza have been intentionally destroyed by the IDF, targeted for having some association with Hamas leaders who are known to be in hiding elsewhere.
But, according to preliminary data gathered by the Gazan health and housing ministries, 2,330 buildings have been totally destroyed in Gaza so far. Another 2,080 have been partially destroyed to such a degree that it’s doubtful they can be repaired. Of 23,000 other buildings damaged, there were 65 mosques, 20 schools, two churches and a Christian cemetery.
“My oldest son, aged 4, asked me, ‘When are we going home?’” Raid Issa said. “I took him to the ruined house. He asked me, ‘Daddy, who broke the house?’ I told him the planes of the Israelis. He asked me why, and I told him they ‘broke’ ours like they broke others.
“And then he said: ‘I’ll break the Israelis’ house like they broke my house.’”
I don’t think telling him about the owl will help break this horror cycle of hate and death.
