Civilian Casualties In Palestinian/Israeli conflict Should Be Primary Concern
By Brian McAfee
20 January,
2009
Countercurrents.org
The BBC reports that over a
thousand are now dead in Gaza almost a third of them being children.
Aside from the deaths about 5,000 have been injured. Thirteen Israeli
civilians have been killed including three children. Absolute confirmation
on the numbers in Gaza are currently unattainable as Israel blocks
International journalists from entering Gaza. While casualties from
either side are deplorable the proportion on the Palestinian side
and the numbers of children in particular seem indefensible. Israel's
continued not taking any respocibility in the suffering and denying/ignoring
the human toll that their state of siege has caused on the Palestinian
population appears devoid of any ethical standards.
In actions
that are sure to prolong the conflict Israel has increased arrests
of West Bank children. According to Relief Web (reliefweb.int) have
been arrested in increasing numbers. Defense Of Children International
(DCI) an organization that monitors and defends human rights for children,
has documented numerous arrests of children every month by the Israelis
with 8 children already occuring in the first two weeks of this month.
According to DCI's statistics 10 to 15 children are arrested each
month by the Israeli's in random street arrests and for participating
in demonstrations. The actual numbers arrested in Israels current
operation in the Gaza Strip is unknown because of the news black out.
The U.S. all too frequent blanket and blind support of Israel both
diplomatically and in unrestricted arms sales indicates tacit approval
and support for anything Israel does. We should voice our concern
for decency and compassion for those caught in the crossfire and for
an end to the state of siege Israel has put upon the Palestinians.
Siege only causes resentment, uncalled for and unnecessary suffering,
develops hatreds and prolongs conflicts.