Chavez accuses Israel of genocide against Palestinians
Venezuelan president told French newspaper that Israel's Gaza offensive was unprovoked.
By Reuters Tags: Venezuela Israel news PalestiniansVenezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people, telling a French newspaper that the bombing of Gaza late last year was an unprovoked attack.
"The question is not whether the Israelis want to exterminate the Palestinians. They're doing it openly," Chavez said in an interview with Le Figaro published on Wednesday.
The Venezuelan president, who has just completed a tour of Middle Eastern and Arab countries, brushed aside Israeli assertions that its attack on Gaza was a response to rocket fire from Islamist group Hamas which rules the coastal enclave.
"What was it if not genocide? ... The Israelis were looking for an excuse to exterminate the Palestinians," Chavez said, adding that sanctions should have been slapped on Israel.
Israel launched an offensive against the Gaza Strip on Dec. 27 2008 with the declared aim of curbing rocket fire from the region into southern Israel.
The land, sea and air assault lasted 22 days, and left some 1,300 Palestinians dead, according to medical sources.
Chavez said he recognised Israel's right to exist, as with all countries, but added that the Jewish state must respect the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
The Venezuelan president said he wanted more clarity from the United States on its foreign policy, adding that he was disappointed by recent U.S. dealings in South America, including the installation of military bases in Colombia.
"Sadly, the arrival of Obama brought with it a lot of hope, but little change," he said.
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Genocide? He must be joking or ignorant. Of course many Palestinians have died, especially during the war in Dec-Jan, which is incredibly sad. BUT. If the Israeli gov actually wanted to kill all the Palestinians...then in one day they could do so. They have the military capacity. THAT would be "genocide" .... The reason that will not happen and has not happened? The Israeli government, Israeli people, the IDF....they don't want to kill Palestinians. They want to get rid of Hamas, their enemy that constantly attacks them and is a propaganda machine (let's face it, if Hamas really wanted, they could use all the $$$ from humanitarian aid they get towards building their economy, not buying weapons/teaching hate in schools..) The problem is, it's not easy to get rid of Hamas, as they hide their weapons and bunkers underneath schools, hospitals, mosques. So of course many civilians die. They USE their people as human shields! It's impossible not to have casualties in this situation. :-(
Odds are, he can see the rockets, but also the shells and bullets, the raids and the blockade.
even the UN said they were surprised at all the destruction in Gaza...but few lives lost. That says IDF was careful about lives, all lives. IF Israel wanted the arabs gone, they would be. Arabs removed 100% of Jews from JOrdan Palestine. Israel has 20% Arabs. I guess Israel isnt very good at getting rid of arabs, unlike the reverse. As for Gaza provication? I would says hundreds of missles launched from Gaza and Israeli cities, which is a war crime, for over a week is provocation enough. Its clear Chavez cares little for truth or what is right and more about power and defending terrorists. This is a perfect example of why there is no peace. Where people start pointing the fingers at the Arab leaders and the racism, terrorism against everyone that they promote, then peace is possible, but not before that. The Arab League now has another propaganda leader for their empire of lies. How sad. Why dont average Arab citizens speak out against their leaders?
"Sadly, the arrival of Obama brought with it a lot of hope, but little change," (Chavez) said.
A bit less exaggerations, and the effect will be a much bigger one.... P.S. You see, my Israeli friends, you are not the only ones, whom I'm offering my precious advice.... ....and that even for free !! :)
"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people, telling a French newspaper that the bombing of Gaza late last year was an unprovoked attack." What would he do if a neighbor, lets say Cucuta Colombia started throwing thousands of rockets at Venezuela from their very city and their very side of the border? Would he spend month after month in deplomatic talks? Or would he try and wipe out Cucuta and take over the rest of Colombia? Pretty sure he would choose the latter. Would he give it back or keep it claiming spoils of war? Again he would choose the latter.... The guy is a taker and hate monger, just ask his people,they are now seeing their error.
The relationship between Pres. Obama and Pres. Chavez is improving in spite of the media "herd poisoning." Look closely at Venezuela, our fifth largest oil supplier, and you will see an extended hand. Salaam/Shalom
by the increasing influences of Nuke Iran in Me & SA and in the near future which Russia, which make Israel within the reach of tigger teeth, but do not be so worry life is short..
He can see the Palestinians.. but not their rockets?