It’s an urban myth that Gaza is the most
densely populated country. In fact there are almost 40 other countries ahead of
it on that score!
The myth elaborates further. Gaza City is
one of “the most densely populated cities in the world”.
Cities are by their nature densely
populated. No one is denying that. For heavens sake! Both Gaza City and Tel Aviv have hundreds of thousands of people in a
concentrated area!
If we play the numbers game then Gaza
City beats Tel Aviv. 515,000 to 414,000.
But should we factor in that Tel Aviv has 8000 rooms which
can contain up to a million tourists? Even if there were a pitiful 2%
occupancy, Tel Aviv would still “win” hands down!
The situation is dire. But sound-bites and
emotive language only ignite passions and skew the facts.
Israel
sends leaflets to the citizens of Gaza to get out of harm's way. The problem is this “densely
populated” slogan fosters the idea that there is no place for the Palestinian
women and children to run, no place to hide. So the world sees a cynical ploy
on the part of Israel, instead of the true humanitarian gesture that it is.
Worse.
When Israeli troops goes in on the ground, thus putting their lives at greater risk
in order to avoid harming civilians, this incredibly courageous and honourable
act is denigrated.
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