Wednesday 24 July 2002

Gaza Mourns Bombing Victims; Israel Hastens to Explain. "Revenge, revenge!" cried tens of thousands of mourners streaming through Gaza City's for the funeral of the Hamas military chieftain. By John Kifner. [New York Times: International] More condemnation of Israel has just been reported on a news bulletin here, including what sounds like an unprecedented statement by the President of Israel, critical of the attack. However, the abiding memory of this event will probably be the gloating triumphalism of Ariel Sharon, who, according to this report, 'in a formal written statement issued by his office early in the day, described the airstrike as "one of our major successes".' 12:10:15 PM  Your view

A Hamas Chieftain Dies When Israelis Attack His Home. An Israeli strike today killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 140, drawing criticism around the world. By James Bennet. [New York Times: NYT HomePage] White House Rebukes Israel for Attack, Calls It 'Heavy-Handed'. President Bush issued one of his sharpest rebukes against Israel today, denouncing the attack that killed a Hamas leader. By David Stout. [New York Times: NYT HomePage] How amazing! The US administration actually critcising Israel! While this attack is obviously horrendous and verging on a war crime (where is the new International Court when it's needed?), why does it merit a 'rebuke' when so many of Israel's other antics go unchecked? What about all the other assassinations, the still-untold story of Jenin, the construction of the miles of security fence, the threat to forcibly 're-locate' the relatives of suspected terrorists? Israel's sorry catalogue of heavy-handed retribution should long ago have led to its diplomatic isolation and branding as an international perahia. 2:39:42 AM  Your view

		© Copyright 2002 Jim MacCormaic . Last update: 29/09/2002; 06:04:27 am .