Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is threatening Gaza/Hamas again. And it doesn't look good. When does it ever.
From the BBC:
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has vowed a "disproportionate" response to rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza.
On Saturday, a rocket fired from Gaza exploded near the Israeli city of Ashkelon, with no casualties reported, and at least two were fired in the days before.
"We will not agree to return to the old rules of the game and we will act according to new rules that will guarantee that we are not dragged into an incessant tit-for-tat war that will not allow normal life in the south of the country," Mr Olmert said.
Israelis go to the polls in nine days
"The situation... in recent days has increased in a manner that does not allow Israel not to retaliate in order to make sure that our position... is understood by those involved in the fire.
"The response will come at the time, the place and the manner that we choose."
His strong stance was echoed by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defence Minister Ehud Barak.
Well that didn't last long. So are we going to have to witness another "disproportionate response" to Hamas rockets all over again? I don't agree with Hamas shooting rockets. I do disagree with the slaughter & injuring of thousands of innocent civilians.
Showing posts with label Gaza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gaza. Show all posts
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Justify This!
So now the Israeli's have shelled UN Headquarters in Gaza. They are saying "It was a mistake". How so? Seeing as it was ground forces. Sounds like indiscriminate shelling to me.
From CBC News:
The developments in the 20-day-old military conflict came as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was in Israel trying to promote a ceasefire. Speaking in Jerusalem, the UN chief expressed "strong protest and outrage" over the attack and immediately demanded an investigation.
Ban said Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has told him it was a "grave mistake."
Ban also said the death toll in Gaza has reached an "unbearable" level.
As diplomatic efforts continued on Wednesday, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza said that the death toll in Gaza topped 1,000, and that civilians accounted for half the fatalities.
The Gaza casualty reports are nearly impossible for media organizations to confirm as Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering the coastal territory.
Thirteen Israelis, among them 10 soldiers, have been killed since the military campaign started on Dec. 27
And this: At least 15 rockets were fired by Gaza militants into southern Israel.
It appears no one was hurt by the rockets. But how can this be justified? Any of it. The death, injury & destruction is overwhelming & yet to comment on this war in a way that is not pro-Israel a person is suddenly pronounced to be anti-Semitic, pro-Hamas/terrorist. That is not the case at all. It's the ravaging of a people that is wrong. Anywhere. Anytime. Did you support the Iraq War? I did not. The deaths of the Iraqi people, the destruction of the country is overwhelmingly horrible. Afghanistan the same. So how is this any different?
If you are able to justify it please tell me.
Oh, & I no longer allow anonymous comments.
From CBC News:
The developments in the 20-day-old military conflict came as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was in Israel trying to promote a ceasefire. Speaking in Jerusalem, the UN chief expressed "strong protest and outrage" over the attack and immediately demanded an investigation.
Ban said Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has told him it was a "grave mistake."
Ban also said the death toll in Gaza has reached an "unbearable" level.
As diplomatic efforts continued on Wednesday, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza said that the death toll in Gaza topped 1,000, and that civilians accounted for half the fatalities.
The Gaza casualty reports are nearly impossible for media organizations to confirm as Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering the coastal territory.
Thirteen Israelis, among them 10 soldiers, have been killed since the military campaign started on Dec. 27
And this: At least 15 rockets were fired by Gaza militants into southern Israel.
It appears no one was hurt by the rockets. But how can this be justified? Any of it. The death, injury & destruction is overwhelming & yet to comment on this war in a way that is not pro-Israel a person is suddenly pronounced to be anti-Semitic, pro-Hamas/terrorist. That is not the case at all. It's the ravaging of a people that is wrong. Anywhere. Anytime. Did you support the Iraq War? I did not. The deaths of the Iraqi people, the destruction of the country is overwhelmingly horrible. Afghanistan the same. So how is this any different?
If you are able to justify it please tell me.
Oh, & I no longer allow anonymous comments.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
UPDATE...on Canadians in Gaza
In a previous post I talked about how "our" Conservative govt., led by Stephen Harper, was slow in moving on getting Canadians out of Gaza. Here is an article from TheStar with more information on that situation.
"Thirty-nine Canadians, still stranded in war-wracked Gaza yesterday, could have safely departed the territory last Friday – if only Canadian diplomats had known it."
"Had the Canadians shown up at the border on Friday, they likely would have been permitted to cross, said Maj. Peter Lerner, spokesperson for the Israeli agency that handle's this country's activities in the territory."
"But it was only on Friday that Canadian diplomats first provided the Israelis with a list of names of Canadians who wanted to leave the territory, and no attempt was made to contact them that day, to tell them to get to the border right away, because it was open."
Again, as I said, what is wrong with "our" govt.?
"Thirty-nine Canadians, still stranded in war-wracked Gaza yesterday, could have safely departed the territory last Friday – if only Canadian diplomats had known it."
"Had the Canadians shown up at the border on Friday, they likely would have been permitted to cross, said Maj. Peter Lerner, spokesperson for the Israeli agency that handle's this country's activities in the territory."
"But it was only on Friday that Canadian diplomats first provided the Israelis with a list of names of Canadians who wanted to leave the territory, and no attempt was made to contact them that day, to tell them to get to the border right away, because it was open."
Again, as I said, what is wrong with "our" govt.?
What the...?
"Hamas terrorists ultimately control the fate of several dozen Canadians and other civilians trapped in Gaza, the Harper government made clear yesterday as the civilian death toll rose."
"[Peter] Kent said the Canadians in Gaza would only be moved to safety if the rocket attacks "stop permanently." Asked whether that could trap them for days or months, Kent replied: "It is a war."
The above statements made by Tory MP Peter Kent in this article from the Montreal Gazette.
Huh? It's the Israeli's who aren't allowing people to flee the horrors going on in Gaza. They have closed all corriders for a long, long time now & have only just now agreed to a 3 hr. ceasefire, daily & starting today, to allow aid into Gaza. Read here at CBC. And this is the official position of Harper's govt.? That it's ALL the fault of Hamas? Yes, as I've stated before, this whole mess is two-sided & that Hamas has it's large share of the blame, but to blame them for not allowing people out of Gaza Canadian or otherwise, including the Palestinian residents is ridiculous.
"[Peter] Kent said the Canadians in Gaza would only be moved to safety if the rocket attacks "stop permanently." Asked whether that could trap them for days or months, Kent replied: "It is a war."
The above statements made by Tory MP Peter Kent in this article from the Montreal Gazette.
Huh? It's the Israeli's who aren't allowing people to flee the horrors going on in Gaza. They have closed all corriders for a long, long time now & have only just now agreed to a 3 hr. ceasefire, daily & starting today, to allow aid into Gaza. Read here at CBC. And this is the official position of Harper's govt.? That it's ALL the fault of Hamas? Yes, as I've stated before, this whole mess is two-sided & that Hamas has it's large share of the blame, but to blame them for not allowing people out of Gaza Canadian or otherwise, including the Palestinian residents is ridiculous.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
What's Wrong With "Our" Govt.?
Here's the headline in the G&M:
Canada lagged in getting citizens out of Gaza.
"Canada only asked Israel for help in getting its stranded citizens out of Gaza after hundreds of other foreign nationals were able to depart, and as a ground assault was preparing to roll in."
And:
“Canadian diplomats approached us on the third 3rd of January,” he said. “On Saturday, they said 36 people. Later, they raised it to 39.”
And this:
"During the 2006 Lebanon war, Canadian officials were criticized for the slow pace of their efforts to evacuate about 13,000 citizens from Beirut, as they struggled to arrange safe passage for ships for days after the United States and several European countries began ferrying out their nationals."
So, I ask, what is wrong with this Conservative govt.? Did they not learn from the Lebanon war that speed is necessary? They are too busy trying to save their butts with the upcoming budget & most likely trying to figure out ways in which to demolish the Liberals out of existence rather than take care of Canadian citizens in a war zone. A pox on their Party!
Canada lagged in getting citizens out of Gaza.
"Canada only asked Israel for help in getting its stranded citizens out of Gaza after hundreds of other foreign nationals were able to depart, and as a ground assault was preparing to roll in."
And:
“Canadian diplomats approached us on the third 3rd of January,” he said. “On Saturday, they said 36 people. Later, they raised it to 39.”
And this:
"During the 2006 Lebanon war, Canadian officials were criticized for the slow pace of their efforts to evacuate about 13,000 citizens from Beirut, as they struggled to arrange safe passage for ships for days after the United States and several European countries began ferrying out their nationals."
So, I ask, what is wrong with this Conservative govt.? Did they not learn from the Lebanon war that speed is necessary? They are too busy trying to save their butts with the upcoming budget & most likely trying to figure out ways in which to demolish the Liberals out of existence rather than take care of Canadian citizens in a war zone. A pox on their Party!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
"Israeli troops clash with Hamas"
"The UN secretary general has called for an immediate halt to operations.
But an emergency Security Council meeting failed to agree a united approach to the Gaza conflict.
Diplomatic sources said it was the United States that blocked an agreement. US Ambassador Alejandro Wolff suggested that an official statement that criticised both Israel and Hamas would not have been helpful."
Go here to read more & watch video from BBC News.
Of course, as usual, it's Hamas who is mentioned but it is the people of Gaza who are being killed & injured.
But an emergency Security Council meeting failed to agree a united approach to the Gaza conflict.
Diplomatic sources said it was the United States that blocked an agreement. US Ambassador Alejandro Wolff suggested that an official statement that criticised both Israel and Hamas would not have been helpful."
Go here to read more & watch video from BBC News.
Of course, as usual, it's Hamas who is mentioned but it is the people of Gaza who are being killed & injured.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Statistics: Gaza/Israel
What is being done in Gaza by the Israelis is an abomination. Some would call it genocide. Both sides are wrong but the decimation of a people is beyond the pale. Heart & gut-wrenching.
Below are some statistics to look at & here is the site you can go to for charts & to read more.
Israeli and Palestinian Children Killed
September 29, 2000 - Present
123 Israeli children have been killed by Palestinians and 1,050 Palestinian children have been killed by Israelis since September 29, 2000. (View Source)
Israelis and Palestinians Killed
September 29, 2000 - Present
1,062 Israelis and at least 4,876 Palestinians have been killed since September 29, 2000. (View Source)
Israelis and Palestinians Injured
September 29, 2000 - Present
8,341 Israelis and 33,034 Palestinians have been injured since September 29, 2000. (View Source)
Daily U.S. Taxes to Israel and the Palestinians
Fiscal Year 2007
During Fiscal Year 2007, the U.S. gave more than $6.8 million per day to Israel and $0.3 million per day to the Palestinians. (View Source)
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 Source)
Current Number of Political Prisoners and Detainees
1 Israeli is being held prisoner by Palestinians, while 10,756 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel. (View Source)
Demolitions of Israeli and Palestinian Homes
1967 - Present
0 Israeli homes have been demolished by Palestinians and 18,147 Palestinian homes have been demolished by Israel since 1967. (View Source)
Current Israeli and Palestinian Unemployment Rates
The Israeli unemployment rate is 7.3%, while the Palestinian unemployment is estimated at 23%. (View Source)
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 Source)
h/t to *mattes* at Marisacat's
UPDATE: From BBC World News: Gaza facing 'critical emergency'
"The UN has warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing a serious health and food crisis, as Israeli air strikes continued for a seventh day."
Below are some statistics to look at & here is the site you can go to for charts & to read more.
Israeli and Palestinian Children Killed
September 29, 2000 - Present
123 Israeli children have been killed by Palestinians and 1,050 Palestinian children have been killed by Israelis since September 29, 2000. (View Source)
Israelis and Palestinians Killed
September 29, 2000 - Present
1,062 Israelis and at least 4,876 Palestinians have been killed since September 29, 2000. (View Source)
Israelis and Palestinians Injured
September 29, 2000 - Present
8,341 Israelis and 33,034 Palestinians have been injured since September 29, 2000. (View Source)
Daily U.S. Taxes to Israel and the Palestinians
Fiscal Year 2007
During Fiscal Year 2007, the U.S. gave more than $6.8 million per day to Israel and $0.3 million per day to the Palestinians. (View Source)
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 Source)
Current Number of Political Prisoners and Detainees
1 Israeli is being held prisoner by Palestinians, while 10,756 Palestinians are currently imprisoned by Israel. (View Source)
Demolitions of Israeli and Palestinian Homes
1967 - Present
0 Israeli homes have been demolished by Palestinians and 18,147 Palestinian homes have been demolished by Israel since 1967. (View Source)
Current Israeli and Palestinian Unemployment Rates
The Israeli unemployment rate is 7.3%, while the Palestinian unemployment is estimated at 23%. (View Source)
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 Source)
h/t to *mattes* at Marisacat's
UPDATE: From BBC World News: Gaza facing 'critical emergency'
"The UN has warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing a serious health and food crisis, as Israeli air strikes continued for a seventh day."
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