Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruction

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Israel complains to UN that recent rockets and mortars fired into Israel contain White Phosphorus:
Israel complains to UN over rocket fire - Israel News, Ynetnews

If I understand Israel's viewpoint, they can legally use WP against Palestinians, but its a crime when Palestinians use it against them.
Israel admits using white phosphorous in attacks on Gaza - Times Online

IMO, using WP to scorch human bodies and melt flesh to the bone is a war crime regardless of who is on the giving or receiving end. But if Israel truly believes WP is a legitimate weapon, then why are they complaining when its used against them?

Hypocrisy: the state of pretending to have beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities, or standards that one does not actually have. Hypocrisy involves the deception of others...

 

[Goober]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Israel complains to UN that recent rockets and mortars fired into Israel contain White Phosphorus:
Israel complains to UN over rocket fire - Israel News, Ynetnews

If I understand Israel's viewpoint, they can legally use WP against Palestinians, but its a crime when Palestinians use it against them.
Israel admits using white phosphorous in attacks on Gaza - Times Online

IMO, using WP to scorch human bodies and melt flesh to the bone is a war crime regardless of who is on the giving or receiving end. But if Israel truly believes WP is a legitimate weapon, then why are they complaining when its used against them?

Hypocrisy: the state of pretending to have beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities, or standards that one does not actually have. Hypocrisy involves the deception of others...

Isreal is also atttacked by Suicide Bombers - Don't see any Isreali's doing that now do ya.

The last portion of your post regarding Hypocrisy - Is that a biography of your posts?

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

I agree with this report
[/quote]

March 25, 2009
...Israel's repeated firing of white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas of Gaza during its recent military campaign was indiscriminate and is evidence of war crimes, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

The 71-page report, "Rain of Fire: Israel's Unlawful Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza," provides witness accounts of the devastating effects that white phosphorus munitions had on civilians and civilian property in Gaza...

Israel: White Phosphorus Use Evidence of War Crimes | Human Rights Watch

 

[Goober]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

I agree with this report

Israel: White Phosphorus Use Evidence of War Crimes | Human Rights Watch[/QUOTE]

Yes we know that -
Did you go and slaver to one of Galloways speeches?
Do you agree with the reported 7 documented sucess of the Wall dramatically lowering Suicde Attacks?

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Isreal is also atttacked by Suicide Bombers - Don't see any Isreali's doing that now do ya.

The last portion of your post regarding Hypocrisy - Is that a biography of your posts?

While suicide attacks against civilian targets is a war crime. It is a legitimate tactic against military objectives.

Where its gets gray is when the target is a civilian/military such as a night club full of off duty Israeli soldiers. IMO, the likelihood of disproportionate collateral damage would be unacceptably high and therefore a war crime.I see it as the moral equivalent of this Israeli activity:

(January 16, 2009) - Israel's use of heavy artillery in residential areas of Gaza City violates the prohibition under the laws of war against indiscriminate attacks and should be stopped immediately, Human Rights Watch said today. A Human Rights Watch researcher on the Israel-Gaza border on January 15, 2009, observed Israel's repeated use in the center of Gaza City of 155mm artillery shells, which inflict blast and fragmentation damage up to 300 meters away.

"Firing 155mm shells into the center of Gaza City, whatever the target, will likely cause horrific civilian casualties," said Marc Garlasco, senior military analyst at Human Rights Watch. "By using this weapon in such circumstances, Israel is committing indiscriminate attacks in violation of the laws of war."...

Israel: Stop Shelling Crowded Gaza City | Human Rights Watch



I disagree with PM Harper:
The Canadian Jewish News - Harper expresses ‘unshakable support’ for Israel


and I disagree with Ignatieff
The Canadian Jewish News - Ignatieff clarifies Liberal stand on Israel


I support holding all war criminals accountable for their actions. IMO, Canada should isolate itself from countries which practice war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

[Goober]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

While suicide attacks against civilian targets is a war crime. It is a legitimate tactic against military objectives.

Where its gets gray is when the target is a civilian/military such as a night club full of off duty Israeli soldiers. IMO, the likelihood of disproportionate collateral damage would be unacceptably high and therefore a war crime.I see it as the moral equivalent of this Israeli activity:

Israel: Stop Shelling Crowded Gaza City | Human Rights Watch



I disagree with PM Harper:
The Canadian Jewish News - Harper expresses ‘unshakable support’ for Israel


and I disagree with Ignatieff
The Canadian Jewish News - Ignatieff clarifies Liberal stand on Israel


I support holding all war criminals accountable for their actions. IMO, Canada should isolate itself from countries which practice war crimes and crimes against humanity.

As you have the refs close at hand, how many were on buses, market squares, clubs as you as say -

How many soldiers died and how many civilians. look it up - Then come back with the numbers.

A military base is a target - I agree - these were not the targets chosen though were they?

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Regarding Israel's walls, they don't seem very effective against rockets and mortars. They seem to be only effective at blocking humanitarian aid.

Gaza tunnel smugglers trade in new cars
BBC News - Gaza tunnel smugglers trade in new cars

I expect that as Israel's adversaries become better armed and trained, the walls Israel uses to imprison millions of innocent civilians will make less and less difference.
Shaped charge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

As you have the refs close at hand, how many were on buses, market squares, clubs as you as say -

How many soldiers died and how many civilians. look it up - Then come back with the numbers.

A military base is a target - I agree - these were not the targets chosen though were they?

Is an apartment complex a military target?

I can reference dozens of examples where the IDF flattened entire neighborhoods, to assassinate a single person of interest:

'We're air force pilots, not mafia.

...Israel's F-16 and Black Hawk refuseniks say why they could not obey illegal orders and kill innocent Palestinians
The line was crossed for most of the pilots with the dropping of the one-tonne bomb last year on the home of a Hamas military leader, Salah Shehade, killing him and 14 of his family, mostly children.

One captain described the bombing as deliberate killing, murder even. Another called it state terrorism, though some colleagues swiftly stomped on that interpretation. But they all agreed that the attack sowed the doubts that resulted a year later in the letter that sent shockwaves through the Israeli military.

"The Shehade incident was a red light for us, a final warning," said Capt Alon R. "With Shehade I began to re-evaluate my beliefs. We killed 14 innocent people, nine of them children. After my commander gave an interview in which he said he sleeps well at night and his men can do the same. Well, I can't..."

'We're air force pilots, not mafia. We don't take revenge' | World news | The Guardian
[/quote]

You want numbers?

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s major sources of instability. Americans are directly connected to this conflict, and increasingly imperiled by its devastation.
It is the goal of If Americans Knew to provide full and accurate information on this critical issue, and on our power – and duty – to bring a resolution.
Please click on any statistic for the source and more information.
Statistics Last Updated: November 16, 2010


Israeli and Palestinian Children Killed
September 29, 2000 - Present
124 Israeli children have been killed by Palestinians and 1,452 Palestinian children have been killed by Israelis since September 29, 2000. (View Sources & More Information)
Israelis and Palestinians Killed
September 29, 2000 - Present
1,084 Israelis and at least 6,430 Palestinians have been killed since September 29, 2000. (View Sources & More Information)
Israelis and Palestinians Injured
September 29, 2000 - Present
8,864 Israelis and 39,019 Palestinians have been injured since September 29, 2000. (View Sources & More Information.) Unfortunately, our sources have not updated these statistics in quite some time. We are working to find more up-to-date sources.
Daily U.S. Military Aid to Israel and the Palestinians
Fiscal Year 2009
During Fiscal Year 2009, the U.S. is providing Israel with at least $7.0 million per day in military aid and $0 in military aid to the Palestinians. (View Sources & More Information)
UN Resolutions Targeting Israel and the Palestinians
1955 - 1992
Israel has been targeted by at least 65 UN resolutions and the Palestinians have been targeted by none. (View Sources & More Information)
Current Number of Political Prisoners and Detainees
1 Israeli is being held prisoner by Palestinians, while 7,383 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel. (View Sources & More Information)
Demolitions of Israeli and Palestinian Homes
1967 - Present
0 Israeli homes have been demolished by Palestinians and 24,145 Palestinian homes have been demolished by Israel since 1967. (View Sources & More Information)
Current Israeli and Palestinian Unemployment Rates
The Israeli unemployment rate is 6.1%, while the Palestinian unemployment in the West Bank is 16.3% and 41.3% in Gaza. (View Sources & More Information)
Current Illegal Settlements on the Other’s Land
Israel currently has 223 Jewish-only settlements and ‘outposts’ built on confiscated Palestinian land. Palestinians do not have any settlements on Israeli land. (View Sources & More Information)

 

[Colpy]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Hamas has admitted that, despite their attempts to hide behind civilians, the majority of Palestinian dead in Operation Cast Lead were from their military wing.

Find me another conflict in the last 100 years, fought in a crowded area, where the majority of dead were combatants.

Good Luck.

The Israelis behaved more than responsibly.......

 

[Just the Facts]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

If I understand Israel's viewpoint, they can legally use WP against Palestinians, but its a crime when Palestinians use it against them.
Israel admits using white phosphorous in attacks on Gaza - Times Online

lol it's time to update your copy and paste database!

I agree with this report

Israel: White Phosphorus Use Evidence of War Crimes | Human Rights Watch[/QUOTE]

"To explain the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza" lol The number of civilian deaths were historically low, virtually record-breakingly low. No bias here, move along.

 

[ironsides]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

lol it's time to update your copy and paste database!

Israel: White Phosphorus Use Evidence of War Crimes | Human Rights Watch

"To explain the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza" lol The number of civilian deaths were historically low, virtually record-breakingly low. No bias here, move along.[/QUOTE]
One time around that so called school. Where is condemnation against Hamas for using it now against civilians, since they rarely take on the Israeli military unless forced to???

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

I already did. Please read my post at the top of the page:

...IMO, using WP to scorch human bodies and melt flesh to the bone is a war crime regardless of who is on the giving or receiving end...

Confirmed figures reveal the true extent of the destruction inflicted upon the Gaza Strip; Israel’s offensive resulted in 1,417 dead, including 926 civilians, 255 police officers, and 236 fighters.

PCHR investigations confirm that, in total, 926 civilians lost their lives, including 313 children and 116 women. 255 police officers were also killed; the majority (240) in air strikes carried out on the first day of the attacks. The Ministry of Health have also confirmed that a total of 5,303 Palestinians were injured in the assault, including 1,606 children and 828 women.

http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2008/36-2009.html

Regarding who is and isn't a militant, I'm going to side with Amnesty International, rather than Hamas or the IDF
UN Security Council must not fail civilians caught in Gaza conflict | Amnesty International

Palestinian police are civilians just like fireman, ambulance drivers and paramedics. They remain civilians until they take part in the fighting. The Gaza police academy graduates killed by the IDF during the first strike of Cast Lead were just as much civilians as the school children killed at the same time as they queued up for class across the street.

 

[Goober]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

I already did. Please read my post at the top of the page:


Confirmed figures reveal the true extent of the destruction inflicted upon the Gaza Strip; Israel’s offensive resulted in 1,417 dead, including 926 civilians, 255 police officers, and 236 fighters.

PCHR investigations confirm that, in total, 926 civilians lost their lives, including 313 children and 116 women. 255 police officers were also killed; the majority (240) in air strikes carried out on the first day of the attacks. The Ministry of Health have also confirmed that a total of 5,303 Palestinians were injured in the assault, including 1,606 children and 828 women.

http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2008/36-2009.html

Best get a better source - 1 is Isreali - God Forbid that eh - Lists those that died and shows which ones were Hamas etc - And the Police in Gaza are Hamas - Any Christians or members of Fatah in the Org. i doubt it.

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Best get a better source - 1 is Isreali - God Forbid that eh - Lists those that died and shows which ones were Hamas etc - And the Police in Gaza are Hamas - Any Christians or members of Fatah in the Org. i doubt it.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Gaza City. The Centre is a non-profit company, dedicated to protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law and upholding democratic principles in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). It holds Special Consultative Status with theEconomic and Social Council(ECOSOC) of the United Nations. It is an affiliate of theInternational Commission of Jurists-Geneva, theInternational Federation for Human Rights(FIDH) – Paris, theEuro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network- Copenhagen, theInternational Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) – Stockholm, the World Coalition against the Death Penalty, and theArab Organization for Human Rights– Cairo. PCHR is a recipient of the 1996 French Republic Award on Human Rights, the 2002 Bruno Kreisky Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Area of Human Rights, the 2003 International Services Human Rights Award (UNAIS) and the 2009 Human Rights Prize of Andalucia. The Centre was established in 1995 by a group of Palestinian lawyers and human rights activists in order to:

· Protect human rights and promote the rule of law in accordance with international standards.
· Create and develop democratic institutions and an active civil society, while promoting democratic culture within the Palestinian society.
· Support all the efforts aimed at enabling the Palestinian people to exercise its inalienable rights in regard to self-determination and independence in accordance with international Law and UN resolutions.

The work of the Centre is conducted through documentation and investigation of human rights violations, provision of legal aid and counseling for both individuals and groups, and preparation of research articles relevant to such issues as the human rights situation and the rule of law. The Centre also provides comments on Palestinian Draft Laws and urges the adoption of legislation that incorporates international human rights standards and basic democratic principles. To achieve its goals, the Centre has recruited a committed staff of well-known human rights lawyers and activists.

What is your source?

 

[Goober]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Gaza City. The Centre is a non-profit company, dedicated to protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law and upholding democratic principles in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). It holds Special Consultative Status with theEconomic and Social Council(ECOSOC) of the United Nations. It is an affiliate of theInternational Commission of Jurists-Geneva, theInternational Federation for Human Rights(FIDH) – Paris, theEuro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network- Copenhagen, theInternational Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) – Stockholm, the World Coalition against the Death Penalty, and theArab Organization for Human Rights– Cairo. PCHR is a recipient of the 1996 French Republic Award on Human Rights, the 2002 Bruno Kreisky Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Area of Human Rights, the 2003 International Services Human Rights Award (UNAIS) and the 2009 Human Rights Prize of Andalucia. The Centre was established in 1995 by a group of Palestinian lawyers and human rights activists in order to:

· Protect human rights and promote the rule of law in accordance with international standards.
· Create and develop democratic institutions and an active civil society, while promoting democratic culture within the Palestinian society.
· Support all the efforts aimed at enabling the Palestinian people to exercise its inalienable rights in regard to self-determination and independence in accordance with international Law and UN resolutions.

The work of the Centre is conducted through documentation and investigation of human rights violations, provision of legal aid and counseling for both individuals and groups, and preparation of research articles relevant to such issues as the human rights situation and the rule of law. The Centre also provides comments on Palestinian Draft Laws and urges the adoption of legislation that incorporates international human rights standards and basic democratic principles. To achieve its goals, the Centre has recruited a committed staff of well-known human rights lawyers and activists.

What is your source?

Hunt down your own sources - Now a source from Gaza under the thumb of Gaza - a literal religious dictatorship is in my opinion beyond farcical. It is beyond any credibility. Now think on this one - The Arab Center for Human Rights.

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Hamas has admitted that, despite their attempts to hide behind civilians, the majority of Palestinian dead in Operation Cast Lead were from their military wing.

Find me another conflict in the last 100 years, fought in a crowded area, where the majority of dead were combatants.

Good Luck.

The Israelis behaved more than responsibly.......

The IDF used civilians including children as human shields to search for mines, IEDs and booby traps. The IDF used human shields to protect command posts and sniper positions. The IDF abducted civilians and used them to shield advancing columns of soldiers from enemy fire. The IDF deliberately shot unarmed civilians. In one case they rounded up about 100 civilians (mostly women, elderly and children), forced them into a building at gun point and then shelled the building with artillery.

The Goldstone Report found no evidence of Hamas militants hiding behind civilians as claimed by the Israeli government and their apologists. Gaza is one of the world's most densely populated areas. Israel and Egypt responsible for all civilian deaths which would have been avoided if they allowed Gaza civilians to flee the fighting. Instead Israel and Egypt locked down Gaza trapping civilians behind its walls, while the IDF indiscriminately bombed Gaza with heavy artillery and white phosphorus. Hamas is no more responsible for those deaths than Winston Churchill is responsible for civilian deaths during the battle of Britain and the Blitz.

BTW, I can cite many other examples of the IDF committing war crimes against Palestinian civilians. I don't condone war crimes regardless of who commits them.

 

[Goober]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

The IDF used civilians including children as human shields to search for mines, IEDs and booby traps. The IDF used human shields to protect command posts and sniper positions. The IDF abducted civilians and used them to shield advancing columns of soldiers from enemy fire. The IDF deliberately shot unarmed civilians. In one case they rounded up about 100 civilians (mostly women, elderly and children), forced them into a building at gun point and then shelled the building with artillery.

The Goldstone Report found no evidence of Hamas militants hiding behind civilians as claimed by the Israeli government and their apologists. Gaza is one of the world's most densely populated areas. Israel and Egypt responsible for all civilian deaths which would have been avoided if they allowed Gaza civilians to flee the fighting. Instead Israel and Egypt locked down Gaza trapping civilians behind its walls, while the IDF indiscriminately bombed Gaza with heavy artillery and white phosphorus. Hamas is no more responsible for those deaths than Winston Churchill is responsible for civilian deaths during the battle of Britain and the Blitz.

BTW, I can cite many other examples of the IDF committing war crimes against Palestinian civilians. I don't condone war crimes regardless of who commits them.

Well all your links and posts are against Israel - So please take that impartial crap away as you have no credibility. Oh yes, And hamas was strewing rose petals througout gaza when not firing rockets at Isreal. Really.

 

[ironsides]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

The IDF used civilians including children as human shields to search for mines, IEDs and booby traps. The IDF used human shields to protect command posts and sniper positions. The IDF abducted civilians and used them to shield advancing columns of soldiers from enemy fire. The IDF deliberately shot unarmed civilians. In one case they rounded up about 100 civilians (mostly women, elderly and children), forced them into a building at gun point and then shelled the building with artillery.

The Goldstone Report found no evidence of Hamas militants hiding behind civilians as claimed by the Israeli government and their apologists. Gaza is one of the world's most densely populated areas. Israel and Egypt responsible for all civilian deaths which would have been avoided if they allowed Gaza civilians to flee the fighting. Instead Israel and Egypt locked down Gaza trapping civilians behind its walls, while the IDF indiscriminately bombed Gaza with heavy artillery and white phosphorus. Hamas is no more responsible for those deaths than Winston Churchill is responsible for civilian deaths during the battle of Britain and the Blitz.

BTW, I can cite many other examples of the IDF committing war crimes against Palestinian civilians. I don't condone war crimes regardless of who commits them.

What is wrong with having those responsible for planting the mines to locate and remove them. Rhetorical question. From your statement: "I don't condone war crimes regardless of who commits them." Since Hamas last used, just WP the other day, where is your criticism of them? You are far to critical of Israelis existence to be subjective on the subject.

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

From your statement: "I don't condone war crimes regardless of who commits them." Since Hamas last used, just WP the other day, where is your criticism of them?...

For the third time:

...IMO, using WP to scorch human bodies and melt flesh to the bone is a war crime regardless of who is on the giving or receiving end....

I already did. Please read my post at the top of the page:

I have no problems condemning using WP against people regardless of who does it. If anyone involved in using WP against people enters Canada (Palestinian, Israeli, American, Martian... whatever) I support arresting these people and charging them with war crimes.

What is wrong with having those responsible for planting the mines to locate and remove them. Rhetorical question.

I am not aware of any evidence which supports your belief that the IDF finds the same people who plant explosives to search for explosives. Please provide a link which supports your statement.

The evidence supports allegations that IDF abducts whoever is convenient or nearby regardless age or sex to cowardly use as human shields or carry out dangerous missions. Sometimes its young men, but often the IDF abducts children and the elderly. Even the Israeli supreme court agrees that IDF use of civilians as human shields is illegal:

6 October 2005
Israel's supreme court has banned the use of Palestinian human shields in arrest raids, saying the practice violates international law

The practice of using human shields is against international law

Here are some examples of the brave IDF hiding behind civilians including children:

Israeli soldiers use a Palestinian man as a human shield during a military operation in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, 3 November 2006.ei: Palestinian man used as human shield during Israeli siege of Bethlehem

23 March 2009
Palestinian brothers: Israel used us as human shields in Gaza war

...three Gazan brothers who described how they were taken from their home at gunpoint, made to kneel in front of tanks to deter Hamas fighters from firing and sent by Israeli soldiers into Palestinian houses to clear them.

"They would make us go first, so if any fighters shot at them the bullets would hit us, not them," said 14-year-old Al'a al-Attar.

His brothers, Ali, 15, and Nafiz, 16, described how when the three of them were being led through built-up areas in their home town of *Attartra, the soldiers would order them to suddenly stop ‑ then fire their rifles over the brothers' shoulders and between their legs....

Palestinian brothers: Israel used us as human shields in Gaza war | World news | guardian.co.uk

November 22, 2010
Suspended term for Israeli soldiers who used child as shield

TWO ISRAELI soldiers have each received a three-month suspended sentence for forcing a nine-year- old Palestinian boy to open bags during the Gaza war in January 2009...The soldiers, together with relatives and supporters, celebrated after the sentence was passed down...The soldiers (forced) the boy...to open a number of bags they thought might contain explosives..... It was revealed that it was common practice for troops to force Palestinians (use civilians as human shields) to open, or clear away, suspicious objects....

Suspended term for Israeli soldiers who used child as shield - The Irish Times - Mon, Nov 22, 2010

Here's another perspective of the same incident:

Majed was among dozens of men, women and children who were sheltering in a basement when the soldiers forced him to open a bag at gunpoint, according to the boy's affidavit, given to Defence for Children International (DCI), which filed a complaint against the Israeli army.

"I thought they would kill me," Majed said. "I became very scared and wet my pants. I could not shout or say anything because I was too afraid ... I opened the bag as he pointed his weapon directly at me. I emptied the bag on the floor. It contained money and papers. I looked at him and he was laughing."

The boy said he was grabbed by the hair and slapped across the face by a soldier when he could not open a second bag. "He then shot at the bag ... I thought he shot at me, so I shouted and put my hands on my head ... Another soldier said: 'Go to your mother.' I ran to my mother and hid in her arms. 'I wet my pants,' I said to her. 'It's fine,' she said."

Israeli soldiers who used Palestinian boy, 9, as a human shield avoid jail | World news | The Guardian

I would describe the above as cowardly and illegal. Care to defend this incident Ironsides?


The above incident was detailed in the Goldstone Report and is the only reason why the soldiers were ever charged. The Goldstone Report details dozens of similar incidents, few of which have resulted in any charges including this chilling account of the IDF use of human shields:

...an estimated 40 Israeli soldiers broke into several homes...65 persons, several of whom were holding white flags, were made to assemble in the street...line up against a wall and strip to their underwear...they were taken into a house...used by the Israeli armed forces as a military base and sniper position.... (Later) The men, 11 women and at least seven children below the age of 14 were taken on foot to al-Kaklouk...everyone was asked to clamber down into trenches... a pit surrounded by a wall of sand...(and) barbed wire... held in these pits, in the open air and exposed to cold temperatures for three days...They were forced to sit in stress positions, on their knees and leaning forward keeping their heads down....They had no access to food or water...limited access to toilet facilities... (mostly they pissed and crapped themselves for three days)...some tanks were inside the pit with at least one tank positioned at the eastern end. While the people were held there, the tank facing inland each day sporadically fired on the houses along the road opposite the site....They continued to be exposed to the cold temperature, rain and the constant sound of tank movement overhead...creating feelings of futility, isolation, helplessness and abject terror...

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/12session/A-HRC-12-48.pdf
page 234 re: Al-Atatra sandpits

Any attempt by Israel's adversaries to fire back at the tanks and artillery stationed around these pits would have likely injured and killed the hungry and cold men, women and children pissing and crapping themselves in the pit. Care to defend this activity Ironsides?

Unlike Canada's PM Harper who unshakably supports everything Israel does, I denounce the IDF's routine use of civilians including children as human shields as illegal cowardly acts. PM Harper has never denounced any Israeli war crimes or crimes against humanity including their well documented use of civilians as human shields.

 

[earth_as_one]

Re: Amnesty International Report "Operation Cast Lead" - 22 days of death and destruc

Neither has Ignatieff.