Amnesty International details Syrian abuses in a town bordering Lebanon

"The brutal methods used in a devastating Syrian security operation in the western town of Tell Kalakh may constitute crimes against humanity, Amnesty International said today in a new report.
"Crackdown in Syria: Terror in Tell Kalakh documents deaths in custody, torture and arbitrary detention that took place in May when Syrian army and security forces mounted a broad security sweep, lasting less than a week, against residents of the town near the Lebanese border."

PDF download of full report.

More poppycock from the Bahraini potentate

"Today we are trying very hard to improve the process of reform and rectify those problems that have arisen along the way. Sectarian divide has created a schism in our society that is a major challenge. As monarch of all Bahrainis, it pains me to see many harmed by the actions of a few. And yet I am optimistic and have faith in our people. We all realize that now is the time to strike a balance between stability and gradual reform, always adhering to the universal values of human rights, free expression and religious tolerance. I am confident that we can strike this balance in cooperation with our long-time friend and ally, the United States, producing an outcome that will preserve the aspirations of our young democracy in transition."


We must wonder how "pained" the potentate was upon learning fo the death of Mr. al-Fakhrawi: 
" ‘Abdel-Karim al-Fakhrawi, a 49-year-old businessman and member of al-Wefaq, the largest Shi’a political association, died in police custody on 12 April. According to reports, his body bore marks of torture but the authorities have attributed his death to kidney failure." Amnesty International

This photo and others may be found on Demotix.

Israel's colonization of occupied territory: You say illegal, I say illegitimate, let's call the whole thing off

http://pfcmc.com/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10178.doc.htm
Headline USA Today: "Clinton says Israeli settlements are illegitimate, not illegal*"
Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, February 18, 2011:

"I think it is absolutely clear to say, number one, that it's been American policy for many years that settlements were illegitimate** and it is the continuing goal and highest priority of the Obama administration to keep working toward a two-state solution with both Israelis and Palestinians."

Amb. Susan Rice, February 20, 2011: 

"Yes, for over four decades it has been U.S.  policy to oppose settlement activity.  We view it as illegitimate and corrosive to the peace process.  I made that point clearly in our statement after the vote."

 According to Merriam-Webster:

*Illegal: "not according to or authorized by law"
**Illegitimate: "not sanctioned by law"


[How should the U.S. respond to its impudent clients, namely Israel and the PA?  In the case, of the PA, despite the personal request of the U.S. President, Mahmoud 'Abbas insisted on going forward with the doomed resolution.  As for Israel, it merrily continued it illegal colonization of occupied territory.  Michael Lame suggests punishing both parties by chopping financial aid.]

The Public Commission to Examine the Maritime Incident of 31 May 2010 The Turkel Commission

The full report runs almost three hundred pages, while "regretting" loss of life the report validates Israel's blockade of Gaza, which it argues does not constitute collective punishment of Gaza.  Of course, the blockade is an ingredient in a broader policy that aims to isolate Gaza, incapacitate the Gazan economy, and discredit and disable the Hamas leadership.  The report does not address that broader policy, of which the blockade is only a part.
The full report may be downloaded at the Commission website.

The Mavi Marmara assault

Hugh Pope offers a thoughtful commentary on the UN Human Rights Commission's September 23, 2010, report on the Mavi Marmara incident.  While Israeli officials were at pains to dismiss the report out of hand, Pope shows that the report reflects a careful weighing of evidence.  The report disproves key aspects of Israel's account, including the allegation that the passengers were armed with firearms.  The report establishes that two of those killed on board were documenting the boarding with video equipment, including Furkan Dogan, a U.S. citizen.  (Dogan was shot twice in the head at close range.)

The report also addresses the intentions of the passengers, some of whom were intent on repelling an Israeli assault rather than meekly submit to being boarded in international waters.

The Human Rights Council finds that the Israeli blockade of Gaza constitutes collective punishment of Gazan civilians.

Reflecting on this episode, one wonders about the dubious strategic judgment of Israeli decision-makers who decided to assault a Turkish flagged vessel in international waters, particularly given the importance of Israel's relationship with Turkey.

Speaking of Turkey, a snapshot from a recent session with the Turkish Foreign Minister is available at Kamil Pasha.

Israel's announced modification of its blockade of Gaza

Cross-posted with Informed Comment Global Affairs.

Israel's decision to adjust its punitive blockade of Gaza is mainly intended to deflect international pressure that has grown since May 31st, when Israel commandeered the aid flotilla in international waters and killed nine activists.  The Israeli announcement, incidentally, came in English and was not repeated in Hebrew according to Haaretz.

The blockade has been severely criticized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC is an organization that goes out of its way to maintain a neutral stance, which it feels allows it to function effectively in conflict areas.  When it does take a position based in international law, it does so in a measured way.  Thus, the ICRC's finding that Israel vis-a-vis Gaza is not meeting its responsibilities under international humanitarian law, and is practicing "collective punishment" is important.  Furthermore, the ICRC has reiterated its position that the blockade is not merely a humanitarian issue.   Israel's "closure" of Gaza denies the people living there the opportunity to sustain normal economic opportunity and development. 

Of course, the blockade of Gaza was progressively tightened following the electoral victory of Hamas in 2006 with significant encouragement and support from the U.S. government.  The point was precisely to undermine the credibility of Hamas and sow discontent among Gazans.  After the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in June 2006, and especially after Hamas thwarted Fatah's (U.S. supported) effort to topple it from power in 2007, Israel was even more invested with keeping the blockade in place.

Israel is now betting that by adjusting the arbitrary terms of reference for the shipment of food and consumer goods into Gaza, and by permitting limited construction to occur, it will be able to keep the blockade in place.  Perhaps so. 

My own reaction to Israel's decision is quoted in part in the Washington Post.  My full comment follows:

Israel's government is attempting to retain the blockade of Gaza by allowing international NGOs to import some raw materials while denying Gazans the materials they need to reconstruct their simple homes, to move out of tents and hovels into barely adequate homes. If Israel was serious about improving the living conditions of Gazans, it would stop preventing the exports of agricultural goods and allow the strip's simple manufacturing sector to resume making and selling everyday essentials. This latest decision by Israel is an arrogant in-your-face to the US and other concerned members of the international community. Watch the US government spokespersons for their reaction. If they commend Israel, then you may discount Obama's commitment to Middle East peace making heavily. 

Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, described the newly announced adjustments to the blockade as only "a step in the right direction."  Obama has described the Gaza humanitarian situation as "unsustainable."  Gibbs repeated that yesterday.  Will the U.S., in concert with the EU, keep up the pressure to end the collective punishment of Gaza and allow the Gazans to attempt to create a viable economy, or will the pressure ebb?  It is obviously too soon to tell, but one lesson of recent weeks is that absent diplomatic pressure, the status quo will continue.

A skillful diplomatic effort led the U.S. would end the punitive blockade, and lend renewed momentum to the flagging efforts of George Mitchell.  It is hard to imagine such an effort succeeding without the release of Gilad Shalit, a move toward reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, and an effective long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.   That is a tall order, but Obama's aides insist he is deeply committed to Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking.

Useful compiliation of material by Glenn Greenwald challenging the Israeli narrative on the commandeered flotilla

Israel's deadly fiasco at sea condemned but what next for the U.S. and its "eternal ally"?

Even with overnight arm twisting by the U.S. the U.N. Security Council "Presidential Statement" leaves no doubt that Israel is being condemned for its seizure--in international waters--of the Gaza-bound flotilla.

Middle East Report Online provides by far the most valuable brief on the flotilla and Israel's response.

Notwithstanding Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren's claim that the Israeli commandos were armed only with paint guns and side arms, Israel has once again demonstrated its penchant for disproportionate force and its contempt for international law. While the "Free Gaza" flotilla has been prevented from reaching Gaza with its cargo of humanitarian supplies, the political purpose of the convoy has been largely achieved. Israel (with Egyptian complicity) blockades Gaza from sea, land and air, and has done so since 2006 when Hamas won the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Israel's commando fiasco at sea draws world's attention to the blockade and its humanitarian consequences for the 1.5 million civilians of Gaza (Israeli officials claim the situation in Gaza is good). Here is the relevant paragraph from the Presidential Statement:

The Security Council stresses that the situation in Gaza is not sustainable. The Council re-emphasizes the importance of the full implementation of Resolutions 1850 and 1860. In that context, it reiterates its grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stresses the need for sustained and regular flow of goods and people to Gaza as well as unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

This is moment when Barack Obama's diplomatic mettle will be put to the test. Will he seize the moment to deliver a stern wake-up call to the "eternal ally"? Even Israel's Mossad head, Meir Dagan, recognizes that Israel is becoming a burden for the U.S. Will Obama?

Bill Moyers interviews Judge Richard Goldstone

The reliably Zionist editorial page of the Washington Post does not like Obama's "absolutist" settlement policy

Why not return to the so very successful policies of the Clinton or recent Bush adminstration? After all, Netanyahu is a man of his word and alien to subterfuge or fabrication.

As I have noted here before, the key for President Obama is patience. Any Israeli government that is out of synch with its U.S. protector is a cause of great discomfort in Israel's political class.

Israeli report--no surprise--argues that its war was proportionate and respected humanitarian law

With the UN investigation headed by Richard Goldstone poised to release its report [in August], the new Israeli document is obviously intended to dampen Goldstone's impact. While the report refers to ongoing investigations of Israeli actions stemming from the war, the tone of narrative suggests that Israeli soldiers and officers will likely be absolved of any serious charges.

While the report avows Israel's deep respect for humanitarian law and Israel's regret for civilians' suffering, Israel's actions since the war ended would seem to undermine its claims.

For instance, Israel's systematic destruction of irrigation systems and agricultural wells in parts of Gaza indicates that one purpose of Israeli policy is to undermine Gazan's ability to sustain more than a subsistence economy at best.

The treatment of the 2008 ceasefire is revealing because it blames Hamas for ending the ceasefire, but says nothing about Israeli actions in November 2008 that effectively ended the ceasefire. These actions are explicitly noted in a report released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry (follow link here).

In short, those of you who have been following events closely will find no particular surprises here, but the report does offer Israel's official version of events.

Update: "Nothing to hide" IDF shuns Rabbis for Human Rights and their push for an independent inquiry into Gaza war actions.

Exchanges of letters continue on the Margailit/Walzer essay on the IDF and the tagetting of civilians

'Israel: Civilians & Combatants': An Exchange - The New York Review of Books

Link to essay

Earlier exchange

Imagine a little editing

Israel's Barak, U.S. Envoy Mitchell Discuss Expansion of West Bank Settlements: Mitchell apparently stands firm, unlike the softer rendering of the settlement issue by Glenn Kessler or the Wapo editor .

As published"
"There are more than 120 settlements in the occupied West Bank that are legal under Israeli law but not internationally. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which Israel ratified in 1951, forbids an occupying power to transfer 'parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies,' but Israel disputes that this provision applies to settlements. Israel seized the West Bank and other territories in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war."

A less equivocal editing:
There are more than 120 settlements in the occupied West Bank that are illegal under international law notwithstanding Israeli claims to the contrary. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which Israel ratified in 1951, forbids an occupying power to transfer 'parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.' Israel disputes that this provision of the Convention applies to settlements, but no major government shares Israel's view. Israel seized the West Bank and other territories in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

The "most humane" army

Soldiers often extol their moral purpose, their selflessness and their ethics while vilifying their enemies as deviant and immoral. In this sense, Israeli soldiers are no more chauvinistic than those who serve under other flags. Any respectable army includes training on military ethics, including the Laws of Warfare. This training would include standards for the treatment of prisoners, the protection of civilians and the conduct of soldiers in hostile areas.

Yet, Israeli civilian and military leaders often claim that the Israeli army is not just ethically informed but exceptionally moral and humane. As the accumulation of reports of IDF misbehavior and war crimes during the Gaza war once again demonstrate, refering to the IDF as "the most humane army in the world" is an oxymoron.

Ashkenazi: IDF is a ‘moral’ army | JTA - Jewish & Israel News: "'I don't believe that soldiers serving in the IDF hurt civilians in cold blood, but we shall wait for the results of the investigation,' Ashkenazi said, adding that the IDF 'is the most humane army in the world.'"

Amnesty calls for ban on arms transfers to Israel and to Hamas--report details abuses by each side

Foreign-supplied weapons used against civilians by Israel and Hamas | Amnesty International

Link to report.

The Gaza War: Antecedents and Consequences

The article is also available en Español.

Bob Simon and 60 Minutes under attack for calling it like it is

Watch this candid interview between Charlie Rose and Bob Simon, filmed prior to the 60 Minutes segment. It is rare to hear such candor, even in a relatively obscure corner of public television. Simon, by the way, lived in Tel Aviv for ten years.

Related commentary from Muzzle Watch.

Predictably,Israel's rightwing supporters have leveled predictable charges of bias and prejudice in an attempt to discredit CBS and 60 Minutes. See Camera , which avers dedication to "accuracy" in Middle East reporting, but in fact typically attacks any and all reporting that deviates from Israel-does-no-wrong; or the ADL, which accuses CBS of a "hatchet job."

As I noted in an earlier post, if you believe that reports like Bob Simon's deserve to be heard then make yourself heard. See the earlier post for contact info to CBS.

On this site I have consistently noted that the Israeli colonization of the West Bank is illegal. This is a position that is widely held in the world, including by the EU. Equally important, the purpose of the settlements is expressly to make a two-state solution impossible. Bob Simon argues that the situation has passed the tipping point. Perhaps he is right, and, if not, the tipping point is close. From the standpoint of U.S. interests in the Middle East and vis-a-vis the Muslim world, it is certainly important for the U.S. to be on the right side of the settlement issue. There is no room for waffling. Without a firm and stern U.S. stance, those forces in Israel that support a two-state solution will be thwarted. This is a point the Senator George Mitchell understands all too well.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has gone through some sort of out of body experience and has publicly repudiated his own long support for the settlements, argues that no peace is possible if Israeli settlements remain. He is certainly right. Olmert, or any other leader committed to a two-state solution will need to be pushed by the U.S. Otherwise, they will not be able to stand up to domestic pressures in Israel. This is a point that serious observers like Bernard Avishai have argued, as readers of From the Field will know.

60 Minutes

This is a sober, thoughtful and informed segment on the fading prospects for a two-state between Israel and Palestine.  The report puts the lens precisely where it should be, namely on the illegal Israeli settlements and how they thwart the achievement of a sensible solution.  

If President Obama is serious about reaching a solution, then there is no escaping the need for a tough U.S. stance on the settlements.  It has been nearly 18 years since a U.S. president (George H.W. Bush) was willing to take that sort of tough stance.

The timing of the 60 Minutes report could not have been more helpful for George J. Mitchell as he leaves for the region.  60 Minutes is consistently one of the most-watched shows in America.

If you care about this issue, then I suggest you contact the show to tell them your opinion about the broadcast.  You can be sure they will be hearing plenty from the right-wing Israel lobby.  There are comment forms on the page, but an old-fashioned snail letter or even a postcard can have much more impact because it takes a bit more effort on the viewer's part.

Mr. Leslie Moonves, President and CEO

CBS Television
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

Thorough reporting of the ravages, casualties and likely war crimes by Israel in Gaza

If you are following the Gaza war then you know well that much of the material available is weak on facts. Israel has excluded journalists from Gaza to reduce the glare of publicity as it decimates the infrastructure of Gaza, and to shield the Israeli army while plays fast and loose with rules of engagement. Even if the international media were on the ground, let's face it, the dangers posed by the IDF would make reporting very hazardous. The result would be that a lot of reporting would be shaped by English speaking Israeli officials working in the service of IDF PR.

The by now ramshackle Hamas PR machinery is similarly intent getting its own messages across, and it would probably require a death wish for a foreign reporter to try to "imbed" with Hamas under the threat of the IDF killing machine.

As noted here, one UN agency has been providing valuable and objective daily reports, but they tend to be thin on details. Thus, it is important to draw attention to the al-Mezan Center for Human Rights that is providing some extraordinarily detail reporting on casualties, targeted areas and the weapons being used by the IDF, including white phosphorus. I include an excerpt from the report for January 12, 2009, below. Go the website (in English and Arabic) for more more data.

Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights

Date: 12 Jan 2009

IOF Continues Targeting Civilians in Gaza; Death Toll Rises to 876 and More Civilian Premises Destroyed

2:30PM Gaza Time (+2hrs GMT)

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) has escalated its war on the Gaza Strip for the 17th consecutive day, during which it has acted in violation of the rules of international law relevant to conflict and belligerent occupation, motivated by the failure of the international community to stand for the principles and rules itself had set. There is evidence indicating the perpetration of grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Times of War.

IOF's attacks on civilian targets, public infrastructure, and border areas have brought about enormous destruction of private property and infrastructure, as well as unprecedented loss of life. According to Al Mezan's careful monitoring, the IOF has killed at least 876 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the start of its Operation Cast Lead on 27 December 2009. This number includes at least 186 children and 61 women. This number is restricted to those whom Al Mezan has verified and double-checked. The Center estimates that between 200 and 240 children have been killed. Many of those have still been under the rubble of houses under areas under IOF's invasion. Moreover, tens of children who were killed on the first day of the attacks have not yet been verified; therefore, the Center prefers to wait until they are accounted for properly. Six of those who were killed by IOF were ambulance crewmen, who were killed while trying to reach victims of IOF's attacks. The number also includes 3 journalists and dozens of elderly people. Al Mezan estimates that at least 85% of the casualties were civilian non-combatants.

Moreover, at least 3,080 people have been injured and/or maimed during the same period. This number includes at least 634 children and 395 women.

During the IOF's military operations, it directly targeted 172 houses with guided missiles and shells. However, the number of houses that have been completely destroyed in these attacks is at least 472 houses. Another 3,000 to 4,000 houses have been partially destroyed. The IOF also destroyed 38 mosques; 13 of which were directly and wantonly targeted. 39 schools were damaged, of which 5 (and one university) were directly targeted. IOF attacks also destroyed 42 public civilian facilities; including CBO offices and quasi-governmental institutions. Furthermore, it destroyed 107 privately owned workshops and small industrial and commercial plants. IOF also destroyed 90 police and security installations and 25 sites that were used for military purposes by armed groups.

The above figures do not account for the attacks that targeted open areas and fields, or the dozens of bodies that remain under the rubble of in areas under IOF's invasion; especially in eastern Gaza City, eastern Beit Lahia and Jabalia as well as the eastern borders of Khan Younis, Rafah and middle Gaza district.

1. North Gaza District:

At approximately 2pm Saturday, 10 January Israeli aircrafts fired a missile at a group of young men in the As-Salatin area, west of Beit Lahia, killing Ahmad Ibrahim Jum'a, 25, and Umar Jum'a, 19.

At approximately 2:30pm also Saturday, IOF troops stationed in the town of Beit Hanoun opened fire at the Al-Bora neighborhood, killing an 18-year-old girl, Nariman Abdul-Karim Abu Odeh from a live bullet to her chest.

At approximately 4:20pm Saturday, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a small crowd near Barrawi gas station in Beit Lahia, injuring a 40-year-old pregnant women; Wafa' Al-Masri, and another 24-year-old woman, Ghada Al-Masri. The pregnant woman had to abort her fetus and had her leg amputated. The other woman had both her legs amputated.

At approximately 4:45pm Saturday, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at the As-Sultan apartment compound in Jabalia town. The compound's residents started to evacuate it. However, IOF fired artillery shells at the entrance of the compound as people were evacuating, killing three of them, two of whom were children. They were identified as:

- Ali Kamal Al-Nuthor, 12;

- Amer Kamal Al- Nuthor, 15; and

- Shadi Fatho Ijneed, 27.

Another 11 people were injured, including one child.

At approximately 5:25pm Saturday, IOF troops stationed in Jabalia fired 8 artillery shells towards the eastern parts of the town. Al Mezan's field worker reported that the shells were used for the first time. After hitting the ground, a light bounced from each shell, not very high from the ground. As they landed, they caused fires around it.

About 30 minutes later, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile into a crowd in Beit Lahia. One man was critically injured, as a result. At 6:45pm, an aircraft fired a missile at the house of Nafiz Al-Helu in northern Beit Lahia, killing two of its residents and injuring three, including a woman and a child. Those who were killed were identified as:

- Mohammed Nafiz Al-Helu, 22; and (his sister)

- Ameena Nafiz Al-Helu, 18.

Two minutes after, aircraft fired missile at the Beit Lahia Park, destroying it.

At approximately 7:20pm Saturday, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile into a crowd of people who were sitting in front of a house in their neighborhood, killing 3 and injuring 6, including a 2-month-old baby. Those who were killed were:

- Rami Jamal Salman, 21;

- Abdul-Mu'ti Ratib Sulaiman, 20; and

- Sami Umar, 35.

At approximately 8:25pm Saturday, Israeli aircrafts raided a house owned by the Rayyan family in Jabalia, destroying it and damaging three neighboring houses. No casualties or injuries were reported in this raid.

At approximately 10:10pm Saturday, Israeli aircrafts raided the house of Waheed Ahmad in Jabalia refugee camp. The house was destroyed and three neighboring houses damaged; however, no casualties or injuries were reported in this raid.

At approximately 2am on Sunday, 11 January 2009, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile into a crowd of residents of the Al-Karama apartment compound, killing Ibrahim Ayish Salman, 25. When neighbors tried to help the victim, a second missile was fired at them, killing Ala' Fathi Bashir, 40, and his 18-year-old son, Sohaib. Yet, when neighbors tried to help them, aircrafts fired a third missile, killing a 40-year-old woman, Lamia's Hasan Bashir, and another 75-year-old woman, Jamila Hassan Zyadeh. Four other people were injured in this attack.

At approximately 3:35am on Sunday, Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at the Al-Karama area. The shell hit the house of Mohammed Khalaf and killed his cousins, Ibrahim Mohammed Khalaf, 35, and Bilal Yihia Khalaf. 25 minutes later, an Israeli aircraft raided the house of Tawfik Saqir, which is located near the Beit Lahia market. The house was destroyed completely and five neighboring houses were damaged.

At approximately 9:30 am on Sunday, 11 January 2009, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile into a crowd of children who were near the Olo Al-Azm Mosque in the north of Beit Lahia, killing the four of them; three girls and a boy. They were identified as:

- Haitham Yasser Ma'rouf, 12;

- Fatima Mohammed Ma'rouf, 16;

- Khawla Ramadan Ghabin, 16; and (her sister)

- Samar Ramadan Ghabin, 14.

On the next day, the body 14-year-old Abdul-Rahma Ghabin was found, raising the casualties of this attack to 5 children. According to Al Mezan Center's investigations, these children belong to families who had evacuated their homes and took shelter in the Al-Fakhora School, which was shelled by the IOF. They went back home with their parents to pick some clothing and other necessities and return to the shelter.

At 10am on the same day, medical sources at Shifa Hospital announced the death of 51-year-old Abdul-Hakim As-Sultan, who was injured inside his house in the As-Salatin areas western Beit Lahia.

At approximately 11:45am on Sunday, Israeli troops fired artillery shells at the Al-Jurun neighborhood in Jabalia. One shell hit the house of Khalid Abid, killing his 25-year-old son Khalid, and injuring 20-year-old daughter Shahira.

Later, at approximately 1.10pm Sunday, IOF troops fired artillery shells that hit houses in eastern Jabalia, killing Hueesin Nazmi Abu Sultan, 40, inside his house.

At approximately 3:05pm on Sunday, Israeli troops fired artillery shells at the Al-Bora neighborhood in Beit Hanoun, injuring a child inside her house. She was identified as Dalia Fareed Abu Odeh, 12. Another woman, Iman Sami Nusair, was injured.

At approximately 3:35pm on Sunday, Israeli troops fired artillery shells at eastern Jabalia, killing a 12-year-old boy, Mus'ab Abdul-Muhsin Khadir, and a 15-year-old girl, Amal Najeeb Alloush. Another 5 people were also injured.

At 4pm on the same day, the Emergency Administration at Kamal Udwan Hospital announced that four of its ambulances stopped as a result of the shortage in fuel.

At approximately 7:pm on Sunday, Israeli troops fired artillery shells at the Mas'oud Street in Janalia town, killing a 1-and-a-half-year-old girl, Tasnim Yasser Al-Rafat, inside her house. Another young man, 19-year-old Mohammed Khadir, was also killed inside his house in the area.

Between 7:50pm Sunday and 4pm Monday, Israeli aircrafts raided three houses in Jabalia a and Beit Lahia, destroying them completely and damaging 12 houses. The targeted houses were owned by Ibrahim Lubad and Zyad Al-Masri, from Beit Lahia, and Yousef Ghbeet from Jabalia.

At approximately 5am today, Monday 12 January 2009, medical sources announced the death of 33-year-old Sa'id Mahmoud Al-Amawi, who was injured in the IOF shelling of the Al-Fakhora School.

At approximately 5:30am Monday, Israeli aircrafts raided the house of Ali Al-Dhai in Jabalia, destroying it completely. Six minutes later, aircrafts raided the house of Mahmoud Abu Matar in Beit Lahia, destroying it and damaging 5 houses near it. One hour later, they raided the house Sheikh Zayid town's park, damageing it and many houses in its vicinity.

At approximately 7:35am Monday, Israeli troops fired artillery shells at houses in eastern Jabalia and Beit Lahia, killing a 34-year-old woman, Afaf Hasan Jum'a, inside her house.

At approximately 7:40am Monday, Israeli aircrafts raided a farm in the Al-Nuzha Street in Jabalia town, injuring 3 girl-children.

At approximately 7:35am Monday, Israeli aircrafts raided the house of Sa'di Al-Jamal in Jabalia, destroying the house and damaging three houses and a kindergarten near it. At 8am, medical sources announced the death of a woman, 22-year-old Amal Al-Madhoun, who was injured on 9 January 2009 by IOF snipers.

At approximately 12:05pm Monday, Israeli aircrafts raided a vegetable stand owned by Yasser Shbair in the Sheikh Zayid town, injuring him critically. Later, the corpse of Khalid Al-Abid, 21, was found in the As-Salatin neighborhood western Beit Lahia.

Please pause for a moment and reflect on the moral courage of Gideon Levy, not just in this column but in so much of what he writes. (Updated)

Things one sees from The Hague - Haaretz - Israel News

"The first echoes can already be heard. This past weekend, the UN and the Human Rights Commission in Geneva have demanded an investigation into war crimes allegedly perpetrated by Israel. In a world in which Bosnian leaders and their counterparts from Rwanda have already been put on trial, a similar demand is likely to arise for the fomenters of this war. Israeli basketball players will not be the only ones who have to shamefully take cover in sports arenas, and senior officers who conducted this war will not be the only ones forced to hide in El Al planes lest they be arrested. This time, our most senior statesmen, the members of the war kitchen cabinet, are liable to pay a personal and national price.

"I don't write these words with joy, but with sorrow and deep shame. Despite all the slack the world has cut us since as long as we can remember, despite the leniency shown toward Israel, the world might say otherwise this time. If we continue like this, maybe one day a new, special court will be established in The Hague."

Reply to Levy by A.B. Yehoshua.