America’s Israel-adoring politicians have failed to stand up for justice in the Holy Land by supporting Israel’s lust for land, ethnic cleansing and oppression of the Palestinians. Since 1967, Israel has broken international law by occupying Palestine’s, Syria’s and Lebanon’s land, blatantly building settlements in the occupied territories.

Israel’s stealing from the Palestinians by mining the West Bank goes against international law. Israel also wants control of the gas fields off the coast of Gaza – worth $4 billion.

Israel wants to be recognized by the Palestinians yet refuses to recognize the Palestinians’ democratically elected government and right to self-govern. The citizens of Gaza voted for Hamas because the Palestinian Authority is corrupt. The Palestine Liberation Organization, known as the PLO, was founded in reaction to Israel exiling the Palestinians out of their homeland in 1948. Hamas is the Palestinian reaction to Israel’s land theft in 1967.

After the Holocaust, the United Nations’ mandate, which created the state of Israel, also gave Palestine statehood. Israel’s land theft and military aggression create resentment, terrorism and unrest in the region. Egypt’s dictator keeps the border crossings closed (fearing the spread of democracy), reducing Gaza to a concentration camp whose residents depend on foreign aid to survive.

Smuggling tunnels provide basic human needs, not just weapons.

A two-state solution would solve Palestinians’ economic and humanitarian problems and provide lasting security and peace for Israel.

Ending the international double standard would force Israel to abide by U.N. mandates and international law.

Deanne Danforth, Turner