COMMENT | Violence begets violence?

COMMENT | It was widely reported that Israeli soccer fans had been attacked in Amsterdam. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli football fans have clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters before and after a European League football match between their team Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam.

Al Jazeera also reported that the clashes were the result of a build-up in tensions over a few days.

This unfortunate incident merely reaffirms our belief that any irresponsible action by Israel and its close allies would naturally solicit reactions; worse, irrational and disproportionate reactions.

Yes, one may possibly argue that despite the violence and brutality perpetrated by the Israeli regime against Palestinians, that in itself may not give anyone let alone the Muslims the licence to attack Jews elsewhere and anywhere, as far as Islam is concerned. I tend to believe that should be the case.

Despite the international legal order's apparent imperfections and flaws, resorting to self-help in resolving any conflict would only cause more harm.

No doubt people, especially Muslims, have every right to condemn and severely criticise Israel’s mind-boggling actions and conduct.

Anyway, the Israeli regime may not realise that their alleged genocidal conduct has endangered the lives of innocent Jewish people everywhere.

Netanyahu should never expect people around the globe would behave rationally when they witness what his government has been doing in Gaza. After all, irrational elements may find it difficult to restrain any temptation to resort to vengeful acts against Jewish people, especially Israeli citizens, when they see innocent women and children. Even babies have been routinely and mercilessly murdered by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza.

Anyway, “violence begets violence” is absolutely alien to Islamic and prophetic teaching. As rightly pointed out by Martin Luther King Jr: “Violence merely increases hate!”

MOHAMED HANIPA MAIDIN is a former deputy law minister.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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