Israel once again confuses attack with defence
The Israeli government today attempted to justify the killing of at least nine activists on a ship in international waters. The activists say they were trying to ferry aid supplies to Gaza, by-passing Israel’s blockade.
On the Israeli Diplomatic Website, troops are said to have ‘landed’ on the largest flotilla ship – the Mavi Marmara – only to be ’set upon’ with clubs and knives. The site also maintains that the commandos were primarily armed with paint-ball guns.
On the Today programme on Radio 4 this morning, the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Ron Prosor, used similar language, describing how the Israeli forces were ‘attacked’ by protestors wielding iron bars.
Two points scream into mind here.
First, Israel landing a string of special-forces commandos onto a ship seems to me to be the attack. If the activists responded by lashing out with whatever came to hand, that is normally called defence.
Second, if the Israelis were armed largely with paint-ball guns, how come nine protesters are dead?
Prime Minister David Cameron’s response was also a disgrace. If ‘urging Israel to avoid a repeat’ is the best he can do, he is not fit to hold office.
Dave I agree with you 100% it’s a disgrace, but on BBC this morning, one of the activists said they were a) deliberately trying to break the (unjust) blockade with contraband items (like cement) and b) they were going to risk lives and do it again.
It’s a horrific incident, but it does seem that the activists provoked with the initial actions
Followed by a gross over-reaction. I still can’t help but think all this could have been avoided if the activists hadn’t decided to thumb their nose and disrespect the delicate situation.
David – I thought better of you.
it seems israel twists anything to suit itself, and the UN stands by and does nothing but ‘investigate’
.. nothing new there . . if anything good can come out of this tragic loss of lives, maybe it is that the cause of the injustice done to Gaza may futher come to light.
You may know the old saying: “The best defense is a good offense.” Words they live by in Israel, apparently. Chalk it up as another in the list of outrages from which no real negative consequences will ensue.
Dave I agree with you 100% it’s a disgrace, but on BBC this morning, one of the activists said they were a) deliberately trying to break the (unjust) blockade with contraband items (like cement) and b) they were going to risk lives and do it again.
It’s a horrific incident, but it does seem that the activists provoked with the initial actions
Followed by a gross over-reaction. I still can’t help but think all this could have been avoided if the activists hadn’t decided to thumb their nose and disrespect the delicate situation.
DAVE ROWNTREE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!