Locals weigh in on Israel-Hams Conflict

The fighting on the west bank may be happening half-a-world away from us, but that doesn’t mean people here in the Lowcountry aren’t speaking out about it.

So far about 400 were people killed in Gaza from Israeli air strikes.

Peace demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem Thursday to demand an end to the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Israel launched it’s attacks Saturday in response to rocket launches by Hamas militants.

One step into Paul Simmons design studio and you know what guides his life.

A follower of Islam for 13 years, his shop is filled with Islamic art and books about his faith.

I sat down with him to get his insight on the Israeli-Hamas conflict that started almost a week ago on the West Bank.

“There’s not justice in any life being taken. One group is stronger than the other. That group needs to hold more restraint. That’s my feeling,” he explained.

Simmons says Israel may have overreacted to rocket launches by Hamas into Israel and that the Israelis need to hold back it’s counter attacks that have killed more than 400 people in Gaza.

But this man has a different view.

“Bombing is not going to be enough,” counted Earl Cox, founder of the organization Israel Always—a group that educates people on the needs of the country.  He supports Israel’s right to defend itself.

“Let’s suppose Canada or Mexico started sending rockets over into California or Texas and they were doing that for almost eight years killing Americans. Do you think America would sit by and do nothing? We would answer those challenges.”

Cox is getting ready to return to Israel to pray for peace an effort he’s asked those around the world to join.

“Do you think peace is possible in that region?” I asked him and Simmons.

“I don’t have a crystal ball or a set of cards and if I gave you that answer I’d be the greatest prophet to ever walk this earth because for 2000 years there’s never been peace there,” answered Cox.

“Peace is always possible. Only God knows how, but as long as there’s life peace is possible,” added Simmons.

One thing both men agree on, the need for a higher power to stop the violence.

Palestinian medical sources said at least 400 people have been killed in Gaza since Saturday, and 2,000 wounded.

Israeli officials say four people, three of them civilians, have died from Palestinian rocket fire.  Another 56 have been wounded.