On Gaza

I am deeply saddened by the recent events occurring in Gaza. The Israeli bombardment of Palestinians in Gaza has lead to the mass slaughter of hundreds of innocent Palestinian civilians, including children. Even now, these atrocities are escalating, as Israeli ground forces push into Gaza, creating a new dimension in this attack that has largely been air-based. 

Despite the extremity of the slaughter, the White House still blames Hamas for the excessive attacks, claiming they instigated the Israelis after their bombing of key Israeli blockades. However, these very blockades were keeping food and supplies from the starving population of Gaza. Over 425 Palestinians have been killed so far due to Israeli attacks, and over 2,200 wounded. 4 Israelis have been killed. Isn't this extreme disproportion astounding to anyone else? How can the western powers support Israel when the numbers clearly show the mass slaughter of Palestinians? 

Now, with Israeli ground forces entering Gaza, the violence will only escalate. Now that the cease-fire has ended, it is uncertain how long the violence will continue. How long will it take, how many lives will be lost, until Palestinian and Israeli leaders realize that this situation requires a political solution, and not a military one?