{"blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In the midst of the ongoing conflict, where the skies above Gaza and Tel Aviv have been filled with the ominous noise of warfare, a remarkable story of international collaboration and success has been overshadowed."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In mid-April, Israel faced a barrage of 330 unguided missiles and explosive-laden drones launched from Iran. Remarkably, an ad hoc coalition led by the United States intercepted 99 percent of these threats."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This extraordinary feat, achieved by military assets from the US, Israel, Jordan, Britain, France, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait, highlights the power of cooperative defense in saving lives."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This coalition’s efforts ensured that thousands of children in Israel were spared the horrors of war, showcasing that military resources can indeed be used for the protection of society rather than its destruction. However, while this success is celebrated, the plight of children in Gaza remains dire."}},{"type":"header","data":{"text":"Children in Gaza","level":2}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Since October 7, Israel has responded to the attack by Hamas with relentless force. Their military has dropped at least 75,000 tons of explosives on the Gaza Strip and turned the infrastructure to rubble."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"It has left entire neighborhoods in ruins, with more than 35,000 people killed, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The claim of precision in these attacks often falls short of reality, as the destruction is widespread and indiscriminate."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Drawing from my experience as an infantryman in the conflict in Southeast Asia decades ago, I can attest to the indiscriminate nature of such bombardments. One 500-pound bomb can create massive craters and devastation, leaving no room for the illusion of precision."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The children of Gaza live under this constant threat, with their lives and futures hanging in the balance."}},{"type":"image","data":{"file":{"url":"https://www.thedefensepost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/62D8A3F1-FFF2-4959-913E-B6C1527257D3.jpg"},"caption":"Displaced people in a UN shelter in Gaza. Photo: AFP"}},{"type":"header","data":{"text":"Defense Coalition","level":2}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Amid this chaos, a solution is evident but being overlooked: deploying the same successful defense coalition (minus Israel) to protect the children of Gaza."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This isn’t a mere fantasy; it’s a method with a proven track record. With nations like France, the UK, and regional powers involved, we possess the capability to create a defensive shield that could save countless innocent lives in Gaza."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Condemnations and protests from afar are insufficient. It is imperative for President Joe Biden to spearhead a coalition that takes tangible action."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Establishing a defensive shield over Gaza, particularly in areas like Rafah, could be a lifesaving measure for many children. This initiative is not just a moral duty but a practical step toward safeguarding the future of these children."}},{"type":"header","data":{"text":"Act Now","level":2}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“Peace through strength” can transcend being a military slogan; it can be a genuine effort to protect the vulnerable. The children in Gaza and Tel Aviv alike deserve safety and a chance to dream of a peaceful future. It’s time for the international community to act with the same resolve and unity that protected Israel’s children."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Even the threat of the US leading this action would be enough to topple Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ruling coalition and bring this war to an end."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"We must not wait for more destruction and more lost lives. Let us act now, leveraging the successful model of defense coalition to build a shield over Gaza. Together, we can create a safer world for all children caught in the crossfire of conflict."}},{"type":"delimiter","data":{}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" $\"Headshot$ Richard Fitzpatrick has had a diverse and successful career as a high-tech entrepreneur, four-term Michigan State Representative, CEO of a publicly traded corporation, highly decorated combat veteran serving in Vietnam and Cambodia, accredited angel investor, and national leader in palliative care, digital health, and natural medicines."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"He has now retired to a home overlooking the Muskegon River in Northern Michigan."}},{"type":"delimiter","data":{}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Defense Post."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Defense Post aims to publish a wide range of high-quality opinion and analysis from a diverse array of people – do you want to send us yours? Click here to submit an op-ed."}}]}

Richard Fitzpatrick

A Bold Defense Strategy That Could End the Gaza Conflict Overnight