Haniyeh may be target if Hamas renews terrorist activities

Chris Linthwaite, The IRA were not firing rockets & mortars from Eire to Ulster. The may have been hiding but they did not use the South as an artillery base. If they had, the Guardis=a (Irish police) would have dealt with them.

So just how do they counter wanton almost daily - yes daily indiscrimate terrorism, suicide bombings, bus bombings, hotel bombings, shootings, Kassam rockets, kidnappings.......? Does your question imply they ignore it, treat these people with kid gloves.? The State of Israels paramount responsibility as would be the case for any country is the security and safety of its citizens. The fact that they act with such relative restraint and their responses targeted only at the perpetrators is to their credit but that does not condone the tragic loss of any and every innocent Palestinian life lost as a consequence. Why dont people of good faith from all sides of the divide try to bring some sense to this madness instead of perpetuating this seemingly never ending conflict

Mark, you did not really address my post. Furthermore, people from both "inside" and "outside" seem to have different views. You should not forget either that some people have several aliases. Thus it is difficult to make blanket statements. I pay attention to the content. It is much harder to change style than to change aliases.

Dear Gina horrible and poor leadership:that is the characteristic of arab leaders who actually never ever wanted to recognised israel and brought their own people into shit.The occupation is wrong but what arab leaders did and do,is worse.In the west we criticise our leaders,in the muslim world:never, so what do you expect???

definitely not in a way you put it. How many civilians Israel kills? Insignificant number comparing to the numbers of civilians killed elsewhere. Well, how many civilians are killed in Iraq, Sudan, Nigeria, and Thailand... and the list goes on. When people like you first justified the murder of the Israeli Jews by the Arabs, they set the precedent that is being followed around the world. Now everybody is a justifiable target whether they're shoppers in the Israeli market or take a train in Madrid, go to disco in Bali, the subway in London or sit at their desks at work in New York. But in a way you are right -- Israel was a trend setter, because that's were terror was allowed to take its first victims. To paraphrase ? first they came for the Israeli Jews, and I was silent because I wasn't an Israeli Jew??. You know the rest, I hope.

Hello Cipora, As you can see from where I post from, I'm an outsider. But I note the addresses of other posters. Have you ever read the posts of Michael Iosif or Larisa of Mockba or Kim UTW or Yoram USA or Vladimir of Rio or Gabe 1, to name a few? Generally, I find the posts of those who identify themselves as posting from inside Israel to be much more measured, regardless of their political stripe. That is not to say that there are not those in the diaspora that are not measured, many are.

the way some people think is absolutely disgusting...babies old people anybody who gets in their way...really??? who are the real killers...not Hamas they are just trying to survive the butchery of israel...i hope that huge piece of crap that is still lying in his filth in a coma is tormented by all the dead children and adults that he murdered...good god when a person has been through hell and then they sees no problem in causing hell...honestly it is appaling and very very sick

There is a Yidish expression, "Es is gut tzu shmeisen yenem in tuchas." Translation: "It is good to smack someoune else's rear end (tush)" How many terrorist leaders would strap explosives onto their backs and blast themselves to bits trying to kill innocent Jews? Not many. How many terrorist leaders will recruit others to do this ugly deed if they know they had to face immediate Israeli retribution? Not many. How many terrorist leaders would recruit others to do their dirty work if they knew that Israel would not attempt to kill them if they had an eight year old kid near them at all times? All of them. It is unfortunate that innocent people are killed by Israeli retribution, but I do not see an alternative. You cannot deal in a "civilized" way with an uncivilized adversary.

Andrea, you head is in the sand. When terrorists surround themselves with innocent civilians, collateral damage happens. And where was your voice when the sucide bombers blew up innocent civilians?

Shahid, the ignorant moslem that you are!! Read the Bible and het some wisdom.Arabs are the half brothers of Jews.But Isaac was the child of the promise and not Ismael.Ismael was the son of the maidservant and I'm sure you know it.The servant does not abide in the house forever.Why do you think that the arab world with all its resources in oil have not been able to defeat Israel as yet. Read Time-Magazine 1967, and document the whole account of the "Quickest War" (you can google search) to see the divine intervention of God on behalf of Israel.If you claim Mohammed/allah is that powerful why don't you allow him to fight the Danes like God did on behalf of the Jews during the "quickest war of 1967" You people have folllowed the madness of a man named mohammed for too long.Except you and the Jews alike repent and give your life to Jesus Christ,the judgment of God will soon descend on you all.Hell is real,and no one can ever kill in the name of God!

So anyone who opposes Israel is a Nazi?

short and to the point. very good comment. Hertzel

Do you have a better way to stop terrorists that don't recognize your existance, teach hate to their children, shoot rockets into citiesm glorify suicide bombers who go into restaurants, buses, hotels to kill people. If the roles were reversed they would destroy Israel. I think Israel shows incredible restraint.

Plain and simple If you associate with terrorists you WILL get hurt! and Israel should not appologize for anything.

No, it wasn't a natural disaster Shlomo. Indeed, there is a war going on, and yes, I agree that that the latest war was a product of Yasser Arafat...and the busted agreements, and the terror, and the qassams, and those that use this as an excuse to gleefully voice their anti-Semetic hate-mongering. But all the above gets noted daily, hourly, and even by the minute. This was a moment that I thought should be reminded that despite all that, it was important enough to highlight the real loss faced by the two parents, and how they now face the rest of their lives, with the hole in their hearts where their child resided. I have family friends who's young daughter was killed on 9.11, in the WTC. Her loss was a gaping hell for them. I belive that these parents are going through the same hell. That was my point. To take a moment out of the verbal bickering that goes on here, to remind everyone what was lost yesterday.

Do you think this will stop..? NO..this are the end times..when everything must go wrong in order to antichrist get to power..Russia,Iran and other nations coming toghether for the distruction of Israel..and it will happen ,as it is written(read Zacharias)and jerusalem will be destroid ..and only a seed from the city will survive..and then The Real Messiah will appear...His name is Yeshuwa.. as he fullfild all the ancient prophecies)isaiah53,genesis 3.15(since when a woman had seed?..or the virgin birth is real??)ETC.. So be ready for anything..accept the blood of Meshiah as atonement for your sins(as the law of Moses require,blood instead of your souls) ..and you will be spared.. May God be with you ..

If they acquire explosives and missles then they have what they have because they are defending themselves. Israel clams to do the same thing it's just easier becaue they have an entire military arsenal on hand and access to more advanced weapons. Israel loves to play the victim but do the people of Palestine have air force jets and pin point bombs? Not yet but I would not be surprised if the kind of aggression Israel forces down their throats doesn't bring more advanced weaponry. Israel is a hippocritical and racist country. The people need to stop acting like they are victim. You cannot even get a person to move to the side when you are trying to pass them on a sidewalk in this country. With that kind of everyday bull-headed ness it is surprising Israel has any friends at all. An eye for an eye has never worked in any conflict.

I have an 8 year old girl. If she was killed in a retaliation attack against a couple of crooks who happened to be driving by, I think my heart would break and I would want to die. Why can't Israel simply go in and arrest those it feels are launching attacks. Killing innocent children makes us just as bad as any terrorist.

By the way, before anyone starts pointing fingers. All LIFE is SACRED!!! Neither side has the right to kill anyone on the other side. GOD gave us life, he is the only one who is supposed to take it away! Many ignorant and biased comments were written, including those of you who support killings. NOONE has a right to kill, it is a commandment.

OK, I'm neither pro-Israel nor pro-Arab, nor pro-Pal,or pro-Hamas. I'm an American. But here's the deal. In 1948, Jewish folks got the "right" by the "consent" of most international powers to re-take land from Arabs and found the State of Israel. Did those nice Jewish Irgum (sp?) ect, walk up to those nice Arab farmers and say, "Good Morning Abdul, but you mind moving off "YOUR" land, so,as I can move in?" No, of course not, in some cases they bought up land and acquired legal title. else they "took" the land. They TOOK it by force in 1948 and as long as Abdul's descendants live, they will probably have to DEFEND that taking by force. Just as in the USA, nice white Europeans didn't walk up to those Mohawk Natives and say, "Good morning, Running Deer, Mind if I move in?" No, It wasn't any different in 1948 than it was when Joshua's boys crossed over the Jordan River and TOOK/CAPTURED one Arab. FORCE/violence took the land in 1200 BCE, 1948 1967, 1973 & Keeps/DEFENDS it PERIOD!

So, Israel is correct in killing innocents because they happen to be there. What about the innocents they kill practically everyday, that they claim as an accident? What about Rachel Corrie? She was an American innocent that the bulldozer purposefully crushed! How many excuses can you make for the real terrorists the Israelis!!! Stop the excuses! Noone has a right to continue killing, starving and occupying a people. If the Israelis stopped their terror, maybe there wouldn't be any more suicide bombers. Stop terrorizing a people, they will stop terrorizing right back.

LISTEN UP JEWS, MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS. YOU ALL FIGHT OVER A FAIRY TALE GONE WRONG. YOU ALL REALLY THINK A TALKING SNAKE TOLD EVE TO EAT FORBIDDEN FRUIT AND THIS BROUGHT SIN INTO THE WORLD. YOU SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TALKING SNAKE. JEWS AND MUSLIMS ALONG WITH THE HAIR BRAINED EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS BELIEVE THAT TRIPE. WHY ARE THE JEWS CHOSEN? GUESS WHAT THEY ARE NOT. NONE OF YOU CAN CLAIM SUPERIORITY OVER THE OTHER WHEN ALL YOU RELIGIONS ARE BASED ON SOMETHING SO STUPID

The only good one is a dead one. Keep up the good work IAF. Innocent bystanders, tough cookies.

The very last thing Israel should tolerate in Hamas playing the IRA dual wing political-military strategy. Hamas cannot have its cake and eat it too.

What is the point of using words like this? Oh yes it must be an election. Well these words that maybe meant to gain 2 or 3 votes is absolutely the wronng thing to say at the wrong time.Whats the point? Hamas have held the ceasefire,and have reached out to the International community.They havent dropped the charter or recognized Israel but claim these are bargaining chips (I dont agree but the right wingers anyway wont hear that part) Does Mofaz want to create the very thing he fantasizes about? Maybe. They would look a lot better. They have been outplayed by Hamas and now again. Mofaz statements show Israels weakness,not its strength. Its stretch would be to show the world that it wanted to talk to Hamas but Hamas wont talk or drop the charter that calls for the end of Israel.THIS is strength. Weakness is saying you are going to kill the most moderate of Hamas men if they fire and everyone knows its to do with pickinga playground fight insteadof taking on the Big Picture

The only commonality will be the support they will get from their "selective humanitarian" and neo nazi supporters. The outrage as usual will be defeaning at Israel striking back but even more deafening will be the silence if Israelis are killed. Plus ca change.

The only commonality will be the support they will get from their "selective humanitarian" and neo nazi supporters. The outrage as usual will be defeaning at Israel striking back but even more deafening will be the silence if Israelis are killed. Plus ca change.

E.S. You don't remember the history very well either you forget or distort. Let me remind you a little. Lastly we have been disengaged from Westbank according to Oslo agrements in 1999. Do you know when was last occupation of WestBank. After slaugtered 30 Jews in Pesach seder in 2002. It's not decades but years. PA failures to the agreements resulted the occupation. What the civilized world can't understand is the Pal's doesn't left any choise to us except occupation. They had started the new war in 2000. Read the newspapers they had wrongly predicted Israel can't defend her self will surrender.What you still doesnt get to understand is we are going to defend ourselves. What INNOCENT was asking from you was to share your wisdom how you would deal in a civilized manner the current citiuation. From your reply it seems you haven't any.

Sorry, but I'm absolutely genuine, nationality, residence and my name (that was chosen by my parents). Other than that it is not my fault if readers misinterprete my posts; most read selectively with the premediated target of marking me as a Jew-hater. Also they get furious about my nationality as though Germans had not learned their lesson fron the Holocaust and continued with anti-semitism. Most of my pertaining clarifications are being withheld by Haaretz.

Sorry to dissappoint you both but I definately know what a Mench is- But you both were not able to figure out what Freier is-And this word is in wide usage in Israel and the Jewish community . So what gives? Yes Sarah it was a joke on you and neither of you got the punchline and I doubt that you live even near to Ra'anana or Israel or are even Jewish. As for Ronnie he is so assimilated that his knowledge of the Jews is very limited.

I think the statistics speak for themselves. How many civilians have been killed by the IDF in the last twelve months? What is really sad is the fact that you believe that you are so righteous in your struggle. What is even worse is the way you portrait yourselves as the weak victims. I think the world knows what you guys are. Simple solution. Stop the occupation and Free Palestine.

The arabs , muslims and Israel need to have a detante. Sit down iron out differences. Both sides have been used for centuries for others gains. Both sides use strong tactics. The tactics employed by Muslims and arabs have been deplorable. NO EXCUSES! Israel is heavy handed but paranoid for good reason. If both sides used its potential together the middle east could become a very powerfull economic area of the world. Its time to join forces and become allies!

If your relatives (daughter, son, parents, cousins) were to be butchered for any reasons you share or agree with, what would you say : Bravo ?Well done ? Let the ... win ? A vaillant act ... ? Would you question the fact that this would be a horrendous crime ? A war crime ? Look at yourself in a mirror and don't lie to yourself (if you can). Come on all hypocrit heartless zionists ... Whatever you come up with to "justify" this yet another monstruous murder let us see more and more your disgusting inhumane faces. Life is sacred. Justifying its destruction places you in the same basket as the perpetrators of the killing. It doesn't seem to bother you. I am not surprised ...

First things first, I agree completely with Mr. Mofaz's tough line even against the so-called members of the political bureaus of terror organizations, for they are the ones who directly order attacks, and thus they should not be immune from retaliation. That being said, it is unfortunate and regrettable when children, women, old men and people, and innocent bystanders who have nothing to do with the filth, terror, violence, and corruption and anti-Jewish incitement that has poisoned palestinos over the years are the casualties of IAF airstrikes. However two things should be put into consideration: 1) IAF, IDF, etc...are combatting terrorists who deliberately hide amongst civilians (in ice-cream vans, Islamic women-veil dresses, etc...) to avoid detection, leaving no choice but to strike in civilian areas to prevent future attacks, and 2) The death of the innocent should have made pals vote for moderation rather than Hamas;they are making things worse for themselves,as they always do.

Uruandimi, I wouldn't get too upset about "Fritz" if I were you. "Fritz" is a negative petname used in a lot of Europe to designate "germans" since WWII. I would not be surprised if "Fritz" was not german at all actually, and just used "Fritz" as a nickname on these forum, purposely missleading most of the readers as to his true origins.

If your really believe that I have a bridge in Arizona to sell you. . . These terrorists are on payroll, they are not selling ice cream in some slum.

Something should be done to avoid this sort of collateral damages. I want terrorists to be killed merciless, but children and innocent Arabs should be spared. This type of botched operations only bring a bad name onto Israel. Mark

They wouldn't be blowing themselves up and targeting innocent civilians. They would have made peace with the other side and lived in harmony in their own state. But instead they reject any concept of compromise, only looking for ways to get israel out of their territory, and murder their children, until they are strong enought to attack Israel and turn it into palestine (which will never happen my friends). If the Palestinians were jews, they'd want peace, not war and death. But their muslims, and these days it's become obvious across the globe what the muslims want.

To:Chris, If Israel had planned this attack in order to kill the 8 yr old boy then it would be a war crime. We know that is not the case. There is a significant difference between intentionally targeting civilians and civilians being killed unintentionally as a result of war and counter-terrorism activities. Obviously this is a difference you cannot comprehend. However, will you also support any organization that indicts Palestinian leaders on war crimes charges for intentionally targeting Israeli civilians in countless suicide bombings of pizza parlours, shops, night clubs, street markets etc ?

as well as dutch doris = observer =....

... For all of your observations listed here. Hate is blinding and just breeds more hate. One prays the PA will continue to temper its hate. Only in the light of true calm can the world see the evil.

A subseqeunt provision provides that the Convention does not apply to: "[a] person who is recognized by the competent authoritiesof the country he has taken residence as having the rights and obligations which are attached toto the possession of the nationality of that country." It is clear that the people living in the West Bank "refugee camps" who are under the age 58 are not and could not be refugees. Nothing in the definition includes children and great grandchildren. Also, I believe that all of the Palestinians in the refugee camps are entitled and recieve the same rights as other Palestinians living in the West Bank and therefore are excluded from the term "refugee." They were all entitled to vote in the recent elections and many of them are now and have been members of the Palestinian Authority and held other governmental positions. In other words, since they are treated as Palestinian citizens, they are excluded from the Convention whatever their age.

Why are slums which have permanent structures and for all practical purposes are integrated into urban areas called "refugee camps"? It is a myth that a significant portion of the people living in these "camps" are refugees, when they and their parents have been living in the West Bank and Gaza most if not all of their lives. By the UN's own definition few if any people living in these so called "refugee camps" are in fact "refugees." The UN Convention on Refugees (as amended in 1996) has adopted the following definition for the term refugee: "[F] the purposes of the present Convention, the term 'refugee' shall apply to any person who . . . [as a result of events occuring before 1 January 1951 and] owing to well-rounded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality . . . is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country. . ." See Part II

I believe your defense minister should stop acting like a gangster. Mofaz should leave his Iranian mentality home and wake up to realities of life. If Israel is to assassinate a Palestinian prime minister regardless of his faction it will commit a blunder that will make Mofaz regret his bellicose manner. Look at Iraq Mofaz before you make such statements, time is not running in Israel's favour.

When it is against the Jews.

Wasn't it the british who used to bury the arabs in pig skins when they caused trouble in mandated palestine. No british soldier was ever put on trial for war crimes against legal aliens sent to Australia during the war. Oh and what wil be done about the video of your porky brothers kicking some poor Iraqis head in?

Isn't it a little primitive to defame my posts (ignoring their texts) as anti-semitic, actually as Nazi-views, just because I am a German? Are all Jews who do not share your views self-haters, and all goyim with a similar opinion Jew-haters? My point is that the present "focused prevention" results in an escalation which does reduce security for Israel rather than improving it. The vicious cycle must end. This endless war is unsuitable to secure Israels future. A just and equitable peace is needed. Both sides must make concessions aimed at a win/win result. You know how life is: if you want too much you may end up with nothing.

Onward Cristian Soldiers!

It seems every few days I read about an Israeli incursion targeting "suspected militants" to thwart "potential attacks." I read no violence coming from the PA other than non-lethal Qassams that our host has documented as retaliation. Now 2 more "suspected militants" who may or may not have been considering a "potential attack," which has all but not happened for the past year, were killed with 3 innocents, two of them children. Then Israel announces if the PA isn't down with this, their PM-designate is to be assassinated. National Socialism, Stalinism and Neo-Zionism, give 'em all one way tickets to London.

I love you!!!

I support the policy, but to say 'rockets barely succeed in causing any damage''is stupid and inconsiderate. Just imagine the 8-year old is yours, is that 'rarely any damage'? You kill a life, you take a world, remember???!!!!! Bad life, bad world, ok, but 8-year old life, innocent world, like a child in Auschwitz!

Fritz, your claim that Israel uses a 'double standard' is unsubstantiated. Israel has laws which prohibit racism and discrimination. In contrast, the Arab countries use the tool of racist oppression against their OWN women, Christian and homosexual minorities, and also against Jews and Israel. Even after all the Jews left Gaza, terrorists continue to shoot rockets at Israeli cities. You must admit - the Arab and Muslim societies seem as corrupted (religiously, mentally, morally, financially) as was Hitler's Germany. Indeed, as you say, the issue is one of justice and peace. So let there be democratic peace in the Arab countries. God knows they have already enough (oil) money and grounds to do it. But if the Arab countries want war with Israel, they can have it. It is their choice, really.

Funny! "The Palestinian people should be praised for their courage and patience". It's not true that Arab terror war began in 1967. PLO was created in Egypt in 1964. Just now Arabs made their choice - Hamas, terrorist organisation, destruction of Israel and killing Jews. Germans made their choice in 30th- Hitler. My people paid very high price for their choice. Why Arabs must be protected? Human Right is a signatory, but why it's not working towards Jews? Or you agree that they are not Humans? What about Indians in your own country? Can they return to THEIR HOMES in Manhattan or Philadelphia? Why didn't you take care of Negroes in Sudan, or 40 millions Kurds? They are victims of Arabs, not Jews.

What happened to "we are sorry if any children were killed", that used to be the Israeli Army's; 'we are better than the children we killed, because we didn't mean to kill them and look we are so sorry for it'? This after killing the children did also make them feel better from killing the children.

I think you're a bit confused observer. It's the Palestinians with a death culture, and admire murdering innocent people that strap on bombs, looking for death as a means of being a martyr. And don't care about solving their problems. It's Israeli's who look to live, and are saddened by the death of Innocent palestinians, and do everything in their power to prevent these events from happening.

Silesien,Pomern,Russia,etc.etc. There's a price to pay for the started and lost war. p.s.Abolish Pakistan as well,they've driven off the Hindu population.

If they know there's going to be dead people in retaliation, why do they do it in the first place? they don't give a damn about the Israeli civilians either.

At the end, the overall result of the indiscriminate killings of suspected possible terrorists (heroes for the other side, remember) will maybe decrease the number of terror attacks for the time being, but for sure it will have two results: it will create other terrorists in the near future, and has tranformed you in a bunch of killers. Your model is General Custer fighting the indians.

Why didn't the Palestinians have a state pre-1967? I am sure it was Israel's fault. The Arabs used the very existence of Israel to deny a state to the Palestinians and vowed to wipe Israel of the face of the map.

Mark, who wants to bring back the "good old" days of Richard the Lionheart, Stalin, Mao and the post WWI days? Who are these outsiders that would wish such a calamity on humankind? And Mark, are you an insider, or an outsider?

As long as the kassams keep coming, and innocent Israelis are targeted, palestinian terrorists will be targeted, and innocent bystanders will get killed. Stop attacking the Israelis, and the Israelis will stop responding.

I read some of the 274 responses to the article, and I share some of the ideas of them, but I want to make a different point: how may of you 274 have visited Gaza Strip recently? Have you seen the "living" conditions of the people there, thanks to the israli politics of the last 50 years, worsened by the recent stricter rules against workers seeking jobs? If such a treatment was given to Israelis, Americans, Europeans, a resistance war would be blessed, and suicide bombers would be saints. Bombing and killing people in a refuge camp, in somebody opinion, seems to be a solution for the humanitarian disaster that you have caused. Intu mawjuniin? I think so.

I ask my question again "What were terrorists doing in an ice cream truck (likely to attract children) in a civilian neighborhood?" The Palestinians use your own people as shields.

Johnie accuses Israel of not being 'effective' in its war on terror. Maybe he is right. But at the same time, Israel succeeds at surviving as a society by providing a measure of employment, health care, social justice and even a sense of security to its citizens, whereas Arab countries FAIL in all the above. Perhaps Arab communities should stop being so obsessed with Israel and get a life of their own, instead? God knows they have enough (oil) money and grounds already!

As long as the kassams keep coming, and innocent Israelis are targeted, palestinian terrorists will be targeted, and innocent bystanders will get killed. Stop attacking the Israelis, and the Israelis will stop responding.

Fritz, So peace and justice will come when Hamas rules in "Judenrein" Tel-Aviv under Islamic Sharia law?

As long as the kassams keep coming, and innocent Israelis are targeted, palestinian terrorists will be targeted, and innocent bystanders will get killed. Stop attacking the Israelis, and the Israelis will stop responding.

I'm sorry Marilyn, what state were you talking about that resorts to terrorism and loses their right to a state? Maybe you should look in a mirror. But I won't call the US that kind of state, because overall I believe they are trying to protect their citizens, like us. And funny that you say these states should lose their right to a state, how about Iran, or Iraq, or Germany for that matter. I guess killing 6 million jews is allright because they're the inferior race, but unfortunately killing a few innocent palestinians while trying to protect innocent civillians is a crime against humanity. Germany didn't lose it's "right to be a state." But Israel? Well, just remember, only 1 being in this universe decides who has that right, and it's not you. Thank G-d.

Israel should be added to the axis of evil with its embrace of a death culture as a means of solving it human probems.

Hala, Conveniently forgetting that for every Arab refugee from Palestine, most of which left to avoid a war they started, there was a Jewish refugee driven out from an Arab country, with no war going on there.

its true they will never stop

No Edward, it would be much easier if Israel ceased being brutal and inhumane racist occupiers, ceased indiscriminately killing Palestinians, humilating and abusing them, destroying their lands and their homes, and stopped having contempt for international law all UN resolutions, and even the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which it is a signatory. This was going on long before kassams were sent. The Palestinian people should be praised for their courage and patience before they finally decided to rise up under years of Israel's oppressive occupation and the expulsion of the Palestinian refugees who are refused their right of return. No, the problem is not the Kassams, and not the suicide bombers.

The point is that you apply different standards to Israel than to any other country and this different standard is obviously anti-Semitic. The same thinking allows you to look the other way and shrug it off when Muslims worldwide march in the street with placards advocating the murder of the Jews; allows you to disregard the fact that you grant any group, even as phony as the so called "palestinians" the right to self-determination and national homeland, yet you deny the same right to self-determination and the national homeland to the Jews. That makes you a hypocrite and anti-Semite. Is that clear to you now? By the way, there is NO REFUGEE PROBLEM -- at least not one created by Israel.

Nice to see one of your infrequent posts. I am struck that so many who argue on this site are impervious to the world reforms that started at Nurenburg. So many want to bring back the "good old days" of Baldwin I or Richard the Lionheart or Stalin or Mao. Or even the post WWI era. I do notice that mostly this is from people outside with little personal risk.

Here's a quick quiz for you? Which was the last state to present itself as defending 'civilization against barbarism'? ...and the parallels certainly don't end there.

Israeli Arabs live in Israel because Israel basically is a civilised country. They should have equal rights, though. My opposition against exaggerated military force and bloodshed is not an opposition against the rights of Israel and Israelis. The issue is justice and peace.

If operatives are hanging around children, they are probably showing them how to become operatives. The Palestinian people who want their children to grow up should demand the operatives keep away from all civilians. Blame the IJ operatives for drawing IDF fire.

'A senior defense official told Haaretz Monday night that he was convinced that this wave of targeted killings would bear fruit.' Of course it will. They always do. Targetting the supects while they were in an ice-cream van was a particularly clever ploy. 'Oh look -- collateral damage. Who'd have figured?'

Defamation is not a valid reply. I made more Jewish friends in my life than you will ever have.

No refugee problems when Russia and China drove out thousands. Are we to conclude that this is a righteous action? If others drive out natives from their homeland, then Israel should not be criticized. You are simply admitting that Israel has indeed driven out natives, but since other paragons of virtue like Russia and China have also done so in the past, then Israel should emulate them. Tsk. Colonialism was on its last legs when Great Britain illegally allowed the great demographic atrocity to begin in Palestine.

I can only partly imagine that, the same as I can only partly imagine Mr and Msr al-Batash's pain. My kids survived their childhood. But 3 of them currently are at risk in the armed forces.

News Flash for "citizen of the earth" there in Tucson AZ...there is no longer a "brutal occupation by a foreign power" in Gaza. Hamas is assuming political power there. As soon as the Palestinians have their Gov't installed, the next barrage of qassams will be considered an act of war perpetrated by a GOV'T ( not just a terror group anymore) and the IDF will take care of the situation...collateral damage? You ain't seen nothing yet!

Even militants have to put bread on the table.

so what else is new? its not for want of trying that they haven't succeded. keep on trageted killing only way to end this. keep hitting hard and fast and again and again. if they hide among kids and women that is their responsibility not ours. they search out our kids and unarmed then hide with women and children to bad they voted now comes the answer, you had a choice you made it here is the answer.

Read my post to Marilyn Walker, above. Eric Hoffer had a foresight to write it in 1968 and it is still valid. Maybe, you'll understand what he is saying ---I'm not holding my breath, but then, who knows....

"?Surgical strike? is that what you call this? Do you have any idea how much shrapnel is produced when an automobile is hit by a high explosive rocket" When jets fire 2 missiles and that's the extent of the carnage,shrapnel and all... yes it's surgical. Those same jets could do how much damage if the attempt was to kill and maim as many as possible, which is the aim of the 'suicide bombers'.???

The IDF has shown great skill and resourcefulness in dealing with Islamic Jihad and Hamas. It will have to show more metal, platinum to be precise, in coming up with a creative means of containing the present day Prince of Persia's protege, Mahmood Ahmadinejab. Time is of the essence.

"A wise Israeli once said: 'When we kill their innocents, we take the blame....'" That sounds like the old "shooting and weeping" b.s. The IDF kills some innocents and then a government mouthpiece gets on Television and says how sorry the State of Israel is over the incident. Shedding a few crocodile tears doesn't hurt either. 'Nuf said.

?The Israelis are only performing surgical strikes or arrests intended to kill just the murderous militants who are either on their way to attack, or planning the next one.? ?Surgical strike? is that what you call this? Do you have any idea how much shrapnel is produced when an automobile is hit by a high explosive rocket. Who cares if some innocent people are killed ? right? If those evil Palestinians were dumb enough to be on the streets they deserve what they get ? right. They should be in their homes where it?s safe. That?s right; they?re not even safe in their homes. You do remember the 2,000 pound bomb that the righteous IDF dropped on an apartment building in Gaza City in another one of their ?surgical strikes?? It killed one ?target? and fifteen innocent people, including 9 children, living in the same apartment building. How's that kill ratio for you? "...get your facts straight.? I?ll be happy to debate the facts with you or anyone else at any time.

What exactly Israel is defending by killing innocent bystanders? Their civilians and they not only have the right but a responsibility and high duty do do so.

This article was written 34 years ago!!! by Eric Hoffer an American social philosopher. He as born in 1902 and died in 1983, after writing nine books and winning the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His first book, The True Believer, published in 1951, was widely recognized as a classic. ======= ISRAEL'S PECULIAR POSITION By Eric Hoffer (LA Times 5/26/68) The Jews are a peculiar people: things permitted to other nations are forbidden to the Jews. Other nations drive out thousands, even millions of people and there is no refugee problem. Russia did it, Poland and Czechoslovakia did it, Turkey threw out a million Greeks, and Algeria a million Frenchman. Indonesia threw out heaven knows how many Chinese-and no one says a word about refugees. But in the case of Israel the displaced Arabs have become eternal refugees. Everyone insists that Israel must take back every single Arab. Arnold Toynbee calls the displacement of the Arabs an atrocity greater than any any committed by the Nazis. Other nations when victorious on the battlefield dictate peace terms. But when Israel is victorious it must sue for peace. Everyone expects the Jews to be the only real Christians in this world. Other nations when they are defeated survive and recover but should Israel be defeated it would be destroyed. Had Nasser triumphed last June he would have wiped Israel off the map, and no one would have lifted a Finger to save the Jews. No commitment to the Jews by any government, Including our own, is worth the paper it is written on. There is a cry of outrage all over the world when people die in Vietnam Or when two Negroes are executed in Rhodesia. But when Hitler slaughtered Jews no one remonstrated with him. The Swedes, who are ready to break off diplomatic relations with America because of what we do in Vietnam, did not let out a peep when Hitler was slaughtering Jews. They sent Hitler choice iron ore, and ball bearings, and serviced his troop trains to Norway. The Jews are alone in the world. If Israel survives, it will be solely because of Jewish efforts. And Jewish resources. Yet at this moment Israel is our only reliable and unconditional ally. We can rely more on Israel than Israel can rely on us. And one has only to imagine what would have happened last summer had the Arabs and their Russian backers won the war to realize how vital the survival of Israel is to America and the West in general. I have a premonition that will not leave me; as it goes with Israel so will it go with all of us. Should Israel perish the holocaust will be upon us.

The best way to stop a chicken thief is a good guard dog. The best way to prevent further Arab terror is SWIFT AND MERCILESS RETALIATION REMEMBER THE ALAMO?

As a muslim, i am ashamed of Mahmood's shameless bashing of thousands of jews who have nothing to with killing. They are people like you and me Mr Mahmood and May Allah bless them all, all human being. Please do not hate whole lot of people for the action of a few. I am madder than heck and very upset with IAF/ISf action. But we do not want to blame all. It is a shamless act by Israeli army and I hope they would come to their senses. Else one day they will find way too many people seeking revenge and it will be harder for them to protect themselves from hatred of others even with nukes.

What are you defending? I ask Israelis? Does this method of killing innocent bystanders work? Did that help you in Lebanon? Did that help in Gaza? You honestly think it works ? ofourse killing innocent civilians by either side ( HAMAS OR BY IDF/IAF) are equally bad. Israel loses the moral right to speak against suicide bombing since they do the same thing- under an umbrella called ( unintentional). What an irony!!!

Israel had a plan to kill those who are ACTIVELY trying, and in many cases succeeding, to kill innocent Israelis. The death of the Palestinian civilians is very sad but their blood is surely on the hands of those who use them as pawns in their game of war and terror.

Israel had a plan to kill those who are ACTIVELY trying, and in many cases succeeding, to kill innocent Israelis. The death of the Palestinian civilians is very sad but their blood is surely on the hands of those who use them as pawns in their game of war and terror.

HERE IS WHERE ALL CAN READ THE HOLY QURAN IN YOUR OWN TONGUE CHAPTER 17 VERSES 104 TO 106 http://web.umr.edu/~msaumr/Quran/ EVERY ARAB SCHOOL CHILD MUST READ THE TRUTH HERE IN THE HOLY QURAN! THE JEW IS NOT OUR ENEMY AND THE QURAN STATES THIS FOR WHO EVER IS BRAVE ENOUGH TO READ IT!!

If Israel targets those responsible the "humanists" start getting outraged. Don't you think you are all a tad obvious?

WELL MAHMOOD, WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW OF OUR HOLY QURAN IS ALOT! JUST READ SURA 17 VERSES 104 AND 105, AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH FORM MOHAMED'S OWN MOUTH!HERE I GIVE IT TO YOU FOR AN EASY TIME! Surah 17. Isra',The Night Journey,Children Of Israel 102. Moses said, "Thou knowest well that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening evidence: and I consider thee indeed, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!" 103. So he resolved to remove them from the face of the earth: but We did drown him and all who were with him. 104. And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, "Dwell securely in the land (of promise)": but when the second of the warnings came to pass, We gathered you together in a mingled crowd. 105. We sent down the (Qur'an) in Truth, and in Truth has it descended: and We sent thee but to give Glad Tidings and to warn (sinners). 106. (It is) a Qur'an which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages. 107. Say: "Whether ye believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration, 108. "And they say: 'Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord been fulfilled!'"

A wise Israeli once said: "When we kill their innocents, we take the blame. When they kill ours, they take the credit." 'Nuf said.

Interesting how you and Khald need to you use "Goyim"(translation=Nations) when almost nobody else does. So who is the racist?

You're right Chris, the Israelis should be held up to the same high standards as you Poms. It's not like you Brits didn't deal harshly with the cold-blooded murder of those suspected Irish freedom fighters in Gibraltar. No, those guys were given a VERY STERN reprimand! I am sure they were severly scolded, and told that it was expected that they would NEVER get caught doing something like that again.

Rubbish. A recent book by a terrorism expert found that targeted assassinations have been a successful tool in reducing the effectiveness of terrorists and resulting loss of life from terrorism. The IDF has retained that policy accordingly. It has more brain power that yours and appreciates the counterproductive impact of civilian casualties. The alternative would be to engage in acts that could result in even more loss of civilian life. We will not address the cowardice of the terrorists in deliberately locating in civilian areas. It must be great to be able to be so considerate and nuanced about world affairs when neither you nor your family are in any immediate risk of terrorism Mark.

Yes Dutch, killing terrorists is heartless, and shameful, and unlike cold-blooded murder of people who make movies Muslims don't like, totally unjustifiable.

I can not understand the Israeli mentality. They kicked 10000 jews out of Gush Katif for no reason. Why don't they do something simple, like carpet bomb any city where Kassams are shot from. Give the city 2 hours to leave and you will notice a decrease in violence.

We are at war that will stop with the last Quassam rocket and with the last act of terror against Israel. Untill then we are not in "the peace process of settling a conflict that lasted 100 years" but in a process of a real war. And a war is a war. Sorry, innocent civilians some times get killed though not deliberately. Deliberate killing is a war crime practiced by terrorists. In all other respects I agree with you that we should share the land but only if they agree to share the land at least in principle and don't claim it as a whole through the so called "right of return". Also they should agree that they commited a lot of wrongdoing as well.

What will it take to have a solution, what have the arabs put on the table. Never mind the right of return, one state etc., all non-starters. What does Israel have to do while maintaining her jewish character to have a peace settlement? What land for peace arrangement is being offered to Israel? What negotiable solution has been offered to Israel? Talk of cycle of violence, moral equivalence etc., is just plain tosh. Talk of occupation is just more tosh. The arabs have to decide to accept Israel and jews in the middle east, when and if they do, there will be something to talk about. Or....they can not accept it, and face the consequences of their actions. This cowering behind women and children, this sacrificing of their youth is on their heads.

Greetings to you, my cousin Mahmood If you want to find out how Jews manage to survive in spite of all the hostility, read Max I. Dimont's The Indestructibel Jew. Long after the present Iranian leaders will lie with their forefathers Jews will remember them with humor and disdain, maybe even in a carneval.You are on the wrong side. We are not about to disappear to Europe, my cousin. Just like your forfather Ishmael so did our forfather Isaac and our joint ancestor Ibrahim live in this land the Roman invaders called Palestine. We both belong there and will remain there, and, if so, we better do it in peace and brotherhood.

it is not certain that kids died because of IDF attacc.

and should pay full price for it; no electricity, food, water, hospitals, work. starving.

Be not ashamed for Israel. Be ashamed for Islamic Jihad, a pure terrorist organization whose only purpose in life is to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.

Claudio Get your infomation right 1)Many idf soldiers targeted by c terrorists. 2)Palestinians get their weapoms from Russai 3)israeli civilians no guns agianst palestinian suicide bombers in buses buildings 4) israeli civilinas without wepaons againd palestinians with ugns on highways and at homes 5) 6 million JEWS against 150 million Muslims 7) JEWs without rockerts without much weapons against all muslim nations in 1948 1956 1967 1973 1980s war 8)1929 No israel killed by armed Muslims in hebron

I couldn't have said it better myself. Nice!

the Arabs have only one goal in mind to destroy all of Israel, despite their ranting and raving, and the hemming and halah arkbarring they won't achieve their goal so long as we don't allow them to, hint hint, incomming government. though we tread on fragile ground our struggle to exist has always been met with harsh resistance. those who oppose our being will continue to persue a violent path, we must be ready, persistant and respond with the strongest of might, such as a simple airstrike to send an even more powereful message

Dear Palestinian brothers: You want to play with Kassem rockets and threaten Ashkelon? For such sabre rattling, you will pay a very heavy price. Better face reality in the face and try another tack, like talking accomodation with Israel. It could work, but you will have to accept the facts on the ground. You lost in 1948, You lost in 1967, and the Intifadah 1 & 2 have brought you only more misery. Wake up brothers and sisters!

To all JEW HAters May i ask where were you bleeding heartsd screaming when USA by "accident" blew up (twice) RED Cross full of MEn Woman and children in AFGAN by mistake

After decades of having the recognition of its right to exist denied by its Arab neighbors, and having wars imposed on it, peace was finally proposed to Israel by Egypt in 1977. A few short years later, Israel had withdrawn from all of the Sinai peninsula The 1993 peace negotiations with the Palestinians began on the basis of mutual recognition (thus erasing your outdated Golda Meir quote) and the renunciation of violence as a means of pressure. Israel recognized the PLO, brought them back from their Tunisian exile, set up and armed the Palestinian police force, handed over territories to the PA, and continued talking out the issues. But whenever negotiations didn't go as planned or hoped for by the PA, terror was once again used. Understand something very clearly: Israel will not pull out of any territory under the threat of more terror. Any withdrawals under those conditions will be made as Israel pleases. The PA must choose: it's either negotiations or war and unilateral moves

Andrea THe UN made a resolution in 1948 ISrael should be given to the JEWS how come the MUSlim nation did not accept that resolution or is it only resolution against Jews the Muslims accept?

gena, ty prav ( you are absolutly correct).

Really Michael, that 8 year old kid must have been truly very guilty! You may be surprised, but some people think that killing of innocent German bystanders and hundreds of thousand of Hiroshima citizens was a tremendous attrocity in spite of the German and Japanese governments own attrocities. Do you believe in "eye for eye", tooth for tooth", etc.? The rabbis called it a barbaric law and replaced it by proper compensatio0n.

MARk Can you please imagine the sorrow and heart ache Israeli parents loosing their one years old kids in buses which have been blown up ? Can you Imagine the pain and anguish of father loosing pregnant wife and four kids to shooting attack in gush katif. Yes i feel sorry for the Palestinians tooo but they made their beds let them lie in it

See for yourself. http://www.palestinemonitor.org/Other%20Updates/Boy_as_human_shield.htm http://www.btselem.org/English/Email_Update/20051101_HS.jpg

What is horrifying is that so few are horrified when innocent people are killed. And so many others are justifying targeted killings. One day we will be all victims of this retalliation game because it has no end and serves no purpose. This is a game of some primitive Bedouin "blood revenge" that emptied entire tribes of men. #137, no, we are not at war with the Arabs. This is wrong thinking. We are in the peace process of settling a conflict that lasted 100 years, and if we won't settle it it will last that much longer. A peace process means that we have restraint, do not escalate and do not get provoked. Israel is strong and will not collapse even when we give the Palestinians dignity and the land which is theirs anyway. Not because Allah gave it to them but because they lived there. We have our part not because God gave it to us, but because we agreed to share it with our neighbors and we still do in spite of their present hostility.

If you can only think in blocks how can anyone have a serious discussion with you. I wonder if you both were in the Knesset how your arguments would sound.You would be calling at least half the Jewish MK's anti semites. You really are both a joke. You obviously both dont read a hell of a lot and probably get most of your culture from old Bruce Willis films.

But only as the first step

Keith Which Acts of terror did the ISrael do when they were killed of in hebron in 1929??? Keith Which acts of terror did Israel do when they were forced into 1948 1956 1967 1973 1980s wars? YEs you are a self hating JEw and you wish Israoe should turn the other cheek like they did in HOlocaust which coasted us 6 million JEWs (fyi Turning the other cheek is a christian thing not a JEwish thing i sugest u should become a Christain non JEw Jews like u are do not need )

"But we`re clearly missing something so please share your wisdom and let us all know how you would deal - in a civilized manner, no less - with murderers who send youngsters with bombs strapped to their bodies to be blown up in your cafes, restaurants and shopping malls"... Innocent Bystander Innocent, Occupying lands belonging to other people for decades, while claiming publicly that "there is no such thing as a Palestinian people", as Golda and others did many times, and giving them no rights, is HARDLY the definition of "civilized society". What you forget is the fact that this whole problem is caused by the occupation which Israel STILL refuses to give up! Giving up bits and pieces after decades and much international pressure is hardly "giving up". Such occupation and oppression in the eyes of the oppressed is the very definition of terrorism.

In response to threats to rocket downtown Ashkelon with "improved" Kassams, make it very clear that the Israeli response will be MASSIVE: 1) heavy Kurnass (F-4) airstrikes against Jabaliya and Gaza City with 1000 Kg bombs to destroy all roads and municipal infrastructure, 2) take out all heavy equipment in Gaza needed to repair the damage, 3) permanent, total destruction of the Gaza airport runway with 50-75 1000Kg bomb strikes, 4) re-occupy and ANNEX the northern 5 Km of Gaza, destroying all buildings and expelling the population of Beit Hanun and Beit Laqiya to the south -- no more settlements, but make it a permanent closed military zone, with a permanent Israeli firebase; Article 51 of the UN charter allows Israel to do this in self defense vs. Kassam fire, putting Ashkelon out of range. 100% withdrawal from Gaza had a political motive that assumed Abbas in charge. With Hamas ruling Gaza, denying Israels existance, rejecting peace talks, all bets are off. Teach Hamas the price!

i am disappointed. An Original thinker like you should come up with better arguments. The Arabs are a clan based society and their leaders will is the will of the population. So you see you live in a cardboard world insulated from any logic. The Germans killed close to 20 million people and I am sure some Germans were peace loving honourable people. The British ditto. Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot were not supported by all. You judge a society by how many followers tow the leaders line and whether they have the guts to stand up to that leadership. to that end I would like you to tell us all the Peace organizations in the Arab countries. A Thinker you certainly are not. Permission given to use on your blog and no your offer is rejected. I do not intend to convert.

Just get out of your crack and look at the face of reality. How many percent of pal population voted for hamas, who is declared WAR with Israel? How many pals voted for fatah, who has murdered Israeli children, men and Women? THIS IS the WAR with TERRORISM. And if among pal one find some normal people ? it is unavoidable collateral damage that UNFORTUNATELY goes with any war. Meanwhile I am saying ? kill them all murderers of innocents, kill all the terrorists, their supporters, their associates, their media promoters, their financiers. Do it with no regard to political correctness, age and gender.

It's interesting that we never read a comment from you along the lines of, "I hope the murderers who sent the homicide bomber to kill the school children, end up in court". Why not, I wonder very little?

The decades-long cynicism of Palestinian leaders with regard to the lives of their own is appalling. One of the newly-elected Hamas legislators is a woman who uses every opportunity to shout her pride at the fact that three of her sons died as martyrs, one of them a youngster sent with her blessing on a suicide mission during which he killed five students. Some Palestinians call this courage; most of us call it horror.

Chris May i remind you that the british slaughtered of Aboriginese in Australia so they can settle in Australia. The USA slaughtered 99% of Native Americans so they can settle in America. However ISrael WHo was forced into 1948 1956 1967 1973 1980s wars did not kill off 99% of Palestinians to settle in ISrael. So again WHo are the war criminals here How many countires do BRitish have to raid to be called a war crime?

What were terrorists doing riding around in an ice cream truck in a residential neighborhood?

Jacob, I have been reading your posts for a little over a year now and you strike me as a decent guy--articulate and opinionated but willing, as tonight, to step back and put events into a human perspective. I echo your sentiments. I can't imagine losing an eight year old child, regardless of my political leanings. Shahid, you are a piece of garbage: a cankerous mouth awash with hatred, plagued by your feelings of impotency, and, in your desperation, trying to convince yourself as much as anyone else on this site. As such you remind me of Khalid, casting a blanket threat, equating all Zionists with combatants ('fair game') just as that ignoramus linked all Jews worldwide with Israelis and issued a similar threat a few months back. I usually side with the Zionist camp, so I guess that makes me a target even though I live in Scotland. Next time you're in town, come look me up. I've taken responsibility for my actions by printing my full name and location. My work here is done!!

Stop the Quassams and the targeting killing of your terrorists will stop. Why don't you admit it, the terrorists hide among "civilians" so that they put Israel in a double bind. Either Israel lets them continue to operate and shell Israeli towns or Israel kills them and they take "innocent" civilians with them. In the later case you score a propaganda victory. Your own leaders long ago decided that they are willing to sacrifice these "innocents" for the cause. They are the ones that deserve to be put on trial for war crimes against the Israelis and their own people!!!

Get Real Observer.There is the real danger from the Palestinians and Muslims of Islamic fundamentalism and the absolutism that comes with that.But I dont subscribe to ALL the muslims or Palestinians thinking this way. I figure that the same amount of intense morons are available in all religions and all cultures. In Israels case there is a big danger because of the relative small size of it but I dont believe for one minute all of the Palestinians are prepared to fight for this need for ALL of Israel. Most want a reasonable deal. And that sounds good to me but Israel has to very much be on its guard and for me security is the biggest issue. The right wing would have us all believe with their propaganda that ALL the palestinians want to drive us into the sea but that suits their politik.

"....Same with the other two 17- and 8-year old ones who died during the IAF-attack: why do they walk the streets when they know there is war?"... Fritz Are you suggesting that Israeli victims of suicide bombings in cafes and malls are just as guilty as those Palestinians killed, simply because "they should not walk the streets when there is war"??? I think you should think before making a claim!

In the 47' land partition it wasn't the Jews who attacked the Arabs. In 67' it wasn't the Israelis who blocked the Red Sea, or shooting from the Golan heights down towards the Kinereth. In 73' it wasn't the Israelis who started the war. Hmm...am I missing something? The view from your place is a bit blured AND SO IS YOUR JUDGEMENT. I sugest you'll spend some time in the middle east and get educated before jumping into conclusion regarding Israel's foreign policy.

Hamas leader Abu Marzouk in his own words: Interviewer: "Hamas has to determine its position. Does it support a state within the 1967 borders - the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem as the capital - or does it support a state within the 1948 borders?" Musa Abu Marzouq: "We presented a platform..." Interviewer: "Because Hamas is talking in two voices - to the Palestinians it says 1948, and to the foreigners it says 1967." Musa Abu Marzouq: "No, no. Hamas... Hamas is clear on this matter. Hamas believes that historical Palestine, that is, all of Palestine, belongs to the Palestinian people." Interviewer: "'Historical Palestine' means 1948." Musa Abu Marzouq: "We say that all of Palestine, from the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea, belongs to the Palestinians. They have a legitimate right to this land." Source: http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=palestinian&ID=SP109806

Chris YES eight years old kids are very dangerous when playing with bombs would u let your eight years old play with a gun? with matches with explosives???

In any war innocents are killed. Who is at fault, Islamic Jihad, who has their terrorists fire at Israeli towns (in Israel), and then orders them to melt back into the general population or the IDF for going after them? Israel is out of Gaza, there is no excuse to be shelling Israel. The equation is simple - no shelling and there will be no more deaths of "innocent" bystanders when Israel goes after terrorists. I have never seen you on this board condeming bombs going off in Israel killing civilians!

These "freedom fighters" hide among civilian population, wear masks, and then get picked off. Israel launched two rockets, and 5 people are killed. Is it too many? of course it is !! 3 too many. Anybody who can't see the difference between randomly blowing up and maiming as many people as you can, and trying to kill and cause as little damage as possible is wearing blinders. Could you imagine for a moment what the result would be if Israel actually tried to kill the arabs in gaza, judea, samaria??? The population would be wiped in less than a day. Spare me the tripe of Israel actively killing innocents, you all know that's nonsense.

Instead of your usual ^^glegot^^ some sort of RIGHT ideas started to pop up from your head. Did you hired, Ronnie Wolman personal thinker as I have suggested? Looks like you did. Perhaps one day you will come to realization that terrorists, their supporters, associates and accomplices should be all exterminated for good. Moreover, I mean it with no regard to their age, gender and social status. IAF, I applaud you!!!

HEY, WHO STARTED THE WARS WITH LITTLE DEFENCELESS ISAREL IN 1948, 1956, 1967, &1973? ALL THE BIG 5 ARAB NATIONS. THE SAME ARAB NATIONS THAT WITH THEIR PUBLIC RADIO STATIONS TOLD THE ARAB INHABITANTS OF ISRAEL, (THEN NICKNAMED PALESTINE BY THE BRITISH AND THEIR MANDATE)TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES SO THE ARAB LEGIONS COULD PUSH THE JEWS INTO THE SEA! FOUR TIMES THE ARAB COUNTRIES TRIED TO PUSH THE ISRAELI'S INTO THE SEA! SO WHEN EYGPT,SYRIA LEBANON,JORDAN, AND A FEW OTHERS FAILED IN THE WARS THEY INITIATED. THE ARAB INHABITANTS THAT LEFT TO ALLOW THE ARAB COUNTRIES TO TRY KILL ALL THE ISRAELI'S, WERE AFRAID TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN ISRAEL. WHY BECAUSE IF THE TABLE WERE TURNED THEY KNEW THEY WOULD MURDER THE RETURNY'S AFTER SUCH AN INVAISON! THE ARAB INHABITANTS THAT DID RETURN WERE NOT BOTHERED!!! HMMMM ISN'T THIS INTERESTING! NO ROCKETS,SUISIDE BOMBERS ECT.. WHY THE BARBARIC JEWS NEVER KILLED ALL THE ARABS WHO DID RETURN? THE JEWS MUST BE WHIMPS OR WEAKLINGS! NO NORMAL & CIVIL!!!!

"IDF have a responsibility under international law to protect civilians in both occupied Jordan and occupied Egypt." In one short sentence you reveal how little you know about the conflict. The Gaza Strip and West Bank are as Egyptian and Jordanian as Port Said and Petra are Israeli sovereign territory. The Gaza Strip and West Bank were part of the British Mandate over Palestine, a land to be divided among the Jews and Arabs and previously controlled by the Ottoman Turks. After the Brits pulled out in May 1948 and Israel declared its independence, five Arab armies attacked the new state in an attempt to destroy it. During that war, Egypt seized Gaza and Jordan, the West Bank. Both of those territories were captured by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War but never annexed. The key to any constructive solution to this conflict is at least to understand it.

Khalid, same lies different names. The pals attack, bomb,launch missiles and then vanish into the crowded streets, blending in with the civilians, hiding behind women and children in the hope that they won`t be the target. They obviously don`t care about their own children. Really brave bunch, aren`t they?

To avoid confrontation, to avoid future strike from both sides, I am quite agreed to Iranian President that by now Israel should have in their mind to move else where, Europe or USA or even Russia. So many vacant land. Otherwise the struggle will never end until all Jews converted or ...... To Muslim it is good because the fighters/victims becomes shaheed but to Jews it become .... a useless effort. Hell is yor right place. Jews have been cursed by Allah because of their mad behaviours all the ways from Prophet Moses, Prophet Isa (Jesus), Prophet Mohammad until judgment day. So to Jews do something to please you neighbours (Hamas). Move to German as part of your retaliation process and leave Palestain as it was before 1948. To continue war with Muslim, you will never win because the war to them is the easiest path to be in the Heaven. They love to fight Jews/infidels and they love to die in that way, but Jews don't have that.

what else is new in their threats. they have been trying all along. this necessary killing has nothing to do with their attempts. except that we slow them down. my my as if this killing suddenly gave them this idea. how stupid of those cry babies who listen to such pig droppings.

The kids weren't in a car. This was an ice cream van in a residential neighborhood. The pilots should have held fire. If Israeli intelligence could pinpoint their targets this wekk, they could have waited until a better opportunity arose.

It was to be expected. There's Dutch with the 'war criminal" stuff. Perhaps Dutch should walk himself over to the Hague and ask to be put on trial for incitement to hatred. His disdain for Jews and for Israel NO MATTER WHAT is solid as a rock. His beloved Palestinians are as innocent as lambs. Their Kassams are made of chocolate; their bomb belts are spun sugar; their phrases about "sons of monkeys and pigs" nothing but airy figments of overactive Jewish imaginations. Israel's having "no right to exist" not an actually spoken Hamas truth, but for people like Dutch, another creation of horrid Zionist manipulators. Dutch can call Jews bastards as much as he likes. Illegitimacy for Jews is his strategy. Understand him for the hater he is.

SQUATTERS LEAVE JUDEA AND SAMARIA. SOVEREIGN JEWISH LAND.

look at the sadistic arrogance of the American and Euro Christian zionist sympathizers. Look at how they delight in the death and misery of the oppressed. Why do they have such strong opinions when firstly they know very little of the issue and secondly they have absolutely NO STAKE in the issue. That is the definition of arrogance and Western imperialism.

Suicide bombers target anybody. They target people with nothing to do with anything. Israelis target those who fund and carry out suicide bombers. There is a difference between terrorism and defense of innocents. Israel targets terrorists, Israeli civilian deaths are the Palestinians goal. Big difference Hamas and Islamic Jihad derive their legitimacy by killing Israeli secretaries and high schoolers. Sorry Khalid, Jews are not going to live under Sharia law. This is why Palestinian children are killed. http://www.tampabayprimer.org/index.cfm?action=articles&drill=viewArt&art=1090

Israel, cease your attacks on Palestinians, especially indiscriminate attacks like this which kill and injure Palestinian civilians. Israeli officials have no moral standing to accuse Palestinians of terrorism when suicide bombers blow up Israeli soldiers and civilians. Israel, put an end to the Zionest (terrorists and thugs) settler occupation, recognize the right of return of 1948 Palestinian refugees, and amend Israel`s basic law so that Israel becomes a state of all its people, whether Jew, Christian or Arab.

You have to Congratulate the IAF for a splendid job and with minimum collateral damage. An Ice Cream Truck- What a splendid hiding place. Next will be a kindergarten-Should match their IQ. Again CONGRATS ON A JOB WELL DONE IAF.

Yaakov wants a Binatonal state and wants Israel eliminated. Israel should bomb more of these terrorist and has every right to

I plead with the Dutch's of the world to tell the Pals to stop this child abuse. http://www.tampabayprimer.org/index.cfm?action=articles&drill=viewArt&art=1090

From the opening statement of the Hamas Charter: "Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it" From Article 13 of the Hamas Charter: "Initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences, are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement." And Israel's foreign policy in Palestine is the problem? For the full text: http://www.mideastweb.org/hamas.htm

That's why IDF saved a dozens of Jewish lives today.

Israel is NOT effective at fighting terror! if it was it would not still be doing it after 40years. When you still find the US is sending more and more troops to the midddle east in 40 years time from now, maybe you will begin to realise this.

"The problem with such operation is that it will not stop Palestinian aggression. I propose another way to deal with rocket launchers. Each time a rocket is launched from any area in Gaza, IDF should warn the residents of the area in advance, let them 24 hours to leave the area, then level it and enforce the no mans land by artillery fire and areal bombings until further notice." - Shlomo This is not wise. Remember how Yair Stern's gang provoked the British to brutalize the Palestinian Jews? Remember how the response was not to turn the the Palestinian Jews against Stern's gang, but into people who would protect the Stern Gang and Irgun just to spite the British? Without the brutal oppression, I suspect the British would have bagged all of Stern's gang instead of only perhaps an eighth of them. You will never make a man your ally - forget friend, lets just consider arriving where your interests are the same as his - by threatening him or destroying his farm.

Patrick...you're brilliant!People have been looking for this solution forever and you came up with it...just like that!! I'm sure there's a position waiting for you at the UN...I'm sure you'd fit right in with the rest or the clowns there!!

With so many schools in NY youd think there would be a few educated amongst us. Are you out of your mind? Jewish racist state? How many Arabs are in the Jewish government? How many Jews in the Arab government? How many jews are allowed to walk through the arab markets freely? how many arabs are EMPLOYED in the Jewish markets...read a book, sharpen your mind, racist hippie f**k?

No need to put words in my mouth. No-one said anything about any and all Israeli policies being justified by the threat of terror. A "black and white" depiction of the conflict is easier to grasp but there are many shades of gray involved. However, stating that Israel is, in your own words, "a terror state" is as far as possible from examining the conflict with some sense of subtlety and fairness. Most Israelis will share your opinion that settling Gaza was a waste of time. Many will agree that some or all of the WB settlements must go. The vast majority will oppose any damage done to the livelihood of innocent farmers. But few Israelis will be able to relate to any position that blindly attacks Israel with no regard to the context the country exists in and levels absolutely no similar criticism of what was once described as one of the bloodiest national movements of the 20th century. Take off your blinders and we can talk and debate about the solution to this conflict

"This operation was half successful: the IAF killed terrorists but did not succeed this time to avoid civilian casualties." - Shlomo This was a loss for Israel. Whack away at Islamic Jihad all you want, but the killing of children was not good for Israel. It is a moral defeat of immense proportion, and incidents like this are one reason why so many in Europe are so strident about the occupation. The Rules of Engagement need to be adjusted to avoid incidents like this when ever possible. I don't know if the families of Amed Sousi and the Al-Bach kids were terrorist supporters or terrorists before this incident, but I suspect that they will be out for revenge now. When fighting a war it is very unwise to do that what helps your enemy. When fighting terrorism, step one is to stop recruiting terrorists. Step two is to dry up support for the terrorists, not increase it.

Wow- just come out and say it, you think Semites are the problem with the world. You believe Jews are to blame for all that is wrong. Don't hide behind your true feelings creating smoke and mirrors with your ideas of what policies should be. Have you learned nothing about radical islam jihadists? Why are you not crying about thousands of innocent muslim children being used as human shields amidst combat by their own family, or the armies of teenage palestinians being strapped with explosive devices by their own leaders. You cry for one child? Cry for them all. Don't pick and choose- or are you afraid of being called a hateful mongor? Anti-semite, stop hiding behind your 'liberalism', you don't care for peace you care for peace so long as it opposes the freedom of Jews.

"No one except the most depraved would be glad when a child is killed in war." - Jane Jane I don't give a hoot about the two militants. But this is another case where poor judgement has hurt Israel. "I can`t understand Palestinian mothers who allow their children to be used as human shields for terrorists. It is simply child abuse. Don`t they care about their children?" - Jane They didn't. Read the article. "The other three casualties were identified as bystanders Ahmed Sousi, 24, and 8-year-old Raed Al-Batch and his 15-year-old brother Ala Al-Batch. The Al-Batch family was walking through the neighborhood when the missile impacted." -Haaretz I weep not for the militants, but I am ashamed for Israel. This is EXACTLY the sort of incident that gives the militant Palestinians credibility in the eyes of the world.

I love it (sarcasm) when the English take the moral high ground. Did the British forces in Northern Ireland face homicide bombers? Did the IRA ever target school buses or play groups? Did they fire rocket propelled grenades at power stations? What happened in England the first time a homicide bomber struck? Within days, British police murder a completely innocent man on his way to work, because he looked a bit suspicious to them. Are those policemen war criminals, are they even being prosecuted? If this was Britain or America the response to the provocation would be completely disproportionate, i.e. Iraq and Afganistan. I hate this destruction, I hate the necessity of war, but I believe the militants are the problem. Without them the Pal arabs could be very wealthy people, a path they started on, when they decided to choose war instead.

Marlene, if it would be easy they would be captured. However, this all can be stopped in a moment. All what is necessary - just stop sending kasams.

"Did you have the same responce the last suicide bombing? " - pace306 Yes, and more so. The fact that some ruthlessly murder innocents does not justify others ruthlessly murdering innocents. IF those two militants were about to set off a bomb and kill innocent Israelis the attack would have been justified and the deaths of kids unfortunate collateral damage. Indeed, if they had been the only possible victims and they only intended in the future an attack it might have been justified. But as it was, there was little difference between the suicide bomber who ruthlessly kills innocents and the pilot that pickled the missile off the rails. The killing of innocents does not justify the killing of innocents. Reducing oneself to depravity because depravity threatens is not a choice a civilized man easily makes.

Sad to hear Sarah. So the killing of an 8 year old child is not a crime then? So the killing of an 8 year old child is an act of self defence then? I am glad I don't think like you I will never be a party to a war crime and that is what this is. IDF have a responsibility under international law to protect civilians in both occupied Jordan and occupied Egypt. If you do not beleive that then I feel sorry for you, no deaths are acceptable and as the great JC said himself Suffer the Children.

Jane, Read the article. The children who were killed were not in a car. They were taking a walk with their family when Israeli state terrorists massacred them with a missile.

And so the final playing field is being set!(miggedo) I do love reading all the things that people speculate in these articles, but this game has all but to be played out as written in the all knowing good book. Many will rise up against Isreal, and none will lend a helping hand. In the end Isreal will be attacked, by an enemy from the north with everything they have, but not one stone will fall. Isreal will prevail in the ultimate end. Look to Russia, to lead a very heavy assult against her.

I would be angry if it was my children that were killed in a missle strike...but I wouldn't know who to be more upset at, the freaking bastards who were the targets or the Israelies. That being said....I would do the same if someone was shooting missiles at me...I'd kill em, end of problem. Get a clue egg heads. Stop the missles you stop the arieal strikes. Duh. Until then...no sympathy for the targets, shame on the targets for endangering innocent lives.

Really now, you all breath the same air and drink the same water...eat food from the same earth. Your all right in what you say! Jews and arabs must stop claiming each others legal property and put the here and now before religion. Let God decide on a religious war, not you. Then maybe kids will grow up instead of blow up. Your both responsible.

WAY TO GO TILL THE GAZA IS NO MORE, GUSH KATF WILL BRING PEACE. It is much better to have jews and the IDF living next door to Ashkelon and Sderot, as well as the rest of Western Negev. We can have much better chance for "PEACE", PEACE in our CITY'S, if we will elect this time a leader with a vision to totally remove all the arabs from our land. Starting in "Gaza", or at least bring our troops to patrol every square meter of the land. WE DON'T NEED PEACE WITH THE ARABS, WE NEED PEACE IN OUR LAND.

"But we`re clearly missing something so please share your wisdom and let us all know how you would deal - in a civilized manner, no less - with murderers who send youngsters with bombs strapped to their bodies to be blown up in your cafes, restaurants and shopping malls." But we`re clearly missing something so please share your wisdom and let us all know how you would deal - in a civilized manner, no less - with murderers who send youngsters with bombs, tanks, rifles, planes, (a mandate from their government and the approval of the US to boot) strapped to their bodies to be blown up in your cafes, restaurants and shopping malls. See the only difference? The Israelis survive thier more sophisticated attacks by firing the weaponry attached to their bodies. Palestinians have no such luxury.

"But you`d never live in Israel. You`d never do so precisely because fleeing those dilemmas is so much easier than facing them." #114 Israel is not facing it's dilemmas! the 'disengagement' will not end the occupation or the fighting, it will only make it a little easier to manage. Your lives won't change that radically and you will still be scared. You will remain so until you realise that fighting fire with fire isn't making your country any safer.

What bastards in the IAF- they have no humanity Charge them at the Hague for their war crimes. Dutch

Terror is terror no matter who is the terrorist.

Fighting terror by terror will prepare the ground for terror, and the cycle will go on until wisdom overrides courage on both sides.

Nobody counted innocent bystanders when Nazi's Germany was bombed; because maybe they weren't so innocent after all? As long as Palestinians don't stand up against there terrorists (but elect them in some kind of elections), they might not be all as innocent as we wish. Too many of them want us dead, that's a Palestinian fact. The peacefull way to stop terrorism would be through Palestinian people, who somehow are only busy to protest cartoons e.g. and burn foreign flaggs (mostly of countries that supported them) after dancing in the streets on 9/11 - so how innocent do think they all could be while accepting/celebrating their jihadist "heros"? May Allah protect all those virgins, where other profen innocence seems so rare ...!

WAKE UP!!! I read so many posts that believe the best intentions for all mankind are what are in the hearts of your politicians. ITS NOT. The "war on terror" is necessary to expand Israels border into the prime lands of the West Bank.(DUH) Your government is a warfaring nation bent on expansion without any regard for whom their policies hurt, provided they are not Israeli. I know it is hard to believe, but analyze the situation with your mind, not your heart, and see that peace IS possible, but not with current Israeli FOREIGN policy in Palestine.

Israel's attacks on Palestinians, especially indiscriminate attacks like this which kill and injure Palestinian civilians, can only backfire. Israeli officials will have no moral standing to accuse Palestinians of terrorism when suicide bombers, in turn, blow up Israeli soldiers and civilians. The right way to end this cycle of violence is for Israel to finally end the terrorist Israeli occupation, recognize the right of return of Palestinian refugees, and amend Israel's basic law so that Israel becomes a state of all its people, whether Jew or Arab, and ceases to be a racist Jewish state.

You are not safe Meshal...not in russia or in syria you will still be a murderous terrorist responsible for the lives of hundreds of innocent children, elders, men, and women who were the bravest citizens of Israel. How dare you declare the killings of terrrorists a massacre? What have you done? HOW MUCH PAIN HAVE YOU CAUSED? Meshal thinks he is a politician and so he is playing the political game of lies and deceiving. Show your true face, murderer. You can flee to turkey, russia, south africa, anywhere in the world, but you will never be safe, because we will hunt you relentlessly.TO those who agree with me:You must not forget that it was Netanyahu that failed to kill Khaled Meshal.And he will fail a second time if he wins this election.Voting Netanyahu will not mean that Hamas will just "poof" away in one day. Do not forget the past, who and what Netanyahu did. Vote Olmert, a leader who will tirelessly hunt down Khaled Meshal to whatver corner of the world he is hiding in!

Israel's State terrorism against a defenseles Palestinians. I hope the Palestinians drag those war criminals in the IAF to the Hague. What bastards they have over there in Israel. Dutch

So your answer to claims that the British are committing war crimes in Irak is - "If you have evidence of war crimes committed by British forces, if you would provide it to British Embassy officials who will pass it to the appropriate authorities who will investigate." That means that if Britain offends then let the Brits investigate before it can be determined that a war crime has been committed. Yet in Israel's case you've already made up your mind and Israel is guilty. Nice set of double standards you possess.

Where is the logic? What is terror? If you are the oppressed people resisting the brutal occupation of a foreign power with whatever methods you have, then its "committing terrorist acts." If you have a conventional army and technonlogy, then its "fighting" terror? There will be no peace until the atrocious double standard is recognized and destroyed. Killing innocent people is terror, no matter what the reasoning or the methods of the murder.

Just an added thought..the pals attack,bomb,launch missiles, and then vanish into the crowded streets,blending in with the civilians,hiding behind women and children in the hope that they won't be the target. They obviously don't care about their own children. Really brave bunch,aren't they? So..enough with your "horrified" nonsense. Just sit back and watch CNN and see how the world really is.

If the Palestinians use civilians as human shields. Then civilians will die. Its that simple. Islamic Jihad is constantly attempting to carry out terrorist bombings against civilians. It has never stopped doing so. As long as the Arab behave like killers, then ofcourse there will be strikes against them. Do you think you can just blow up civilians and get away with it.

From what I have read terrorist attacks against Israelis are low due to the wall, check points, by-pass roads and attacks such as this one. I wish my country was as effective against Islamic terror. Hats off to Israel!

Ok, perhaps we should go about it the European way. Excuse me Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hizbollah etc. Please do not fire your Qassams, or send your suicide bombers, some Europeans may get horrified if we kill you and others get hurt in the process seeing as you involve these kids in these actions.

Chris wrote "The British Army did not kill civilians in Northern Ireland whilst removing terrorists' - you have got to be kidding!!! The British army was absolutely merciless in Northern Ireland and before that in all of Ireland. The only thing Britain can teach Israel is how to kill more effeciently - they are among the best at that.

Andrea. what is truly horrifying is your ignorance and selective compassion. Israel and the Palestinians are at war. It is most unfortunate, and "civilized" human beings wish it were not the case, but it is. In wars, unfortunately, even when one of the parties takes extra-ordinary care to spare civilians, civilian casualties cannot always be avoided. If you really wish to be horrified, I urge you to visit Darfur, or any number of other places in the world where huge scale massacres are committed on a daily basis. Your selective compassion does not absolve you from the responsibility of a "civilized" person to urge other "civilized" people to do something about those massacres that no one is actually paying attention to.

Where do you see "zionists rejoice in their luxury homes and air conditioned cars"? - or are you simply expressing your disgust that Israelis, despite your attempts to destroy them, are getting on with as normal a life as possible. Bet you too have an air conditioned car, wherever you are. You are shwing signs of pathalogical envy and bitterness. All you have to do is tell your people to put down their arms and get jobs to support their families (first ask your government to stop wasint millions on arms and build factories instead).

What a shameful cowardly act to kill defenseless Palestinians civilians with their 21st warfare. I hope the Palestinians drag those bastards to the Hague. They have no humanity. Dutch

Did it ever occur to you, that if the palestinians stopped attacking Israel,THERE WOULD BE NO RETALIATION? It's very simple..PA attacks and Israel responds.AS for the 8 year old boy killed..unfortunate..and again in the headlines of the paper..but when a suicide bomber blows up a bus stop,restaurant,school,etc.etc. there is no big fuss made.Two palestinian kids killed while "playing with explosives"..what does that tell you about these people and the values they have. Everthing that happens to the palestinians,they brought down on their own heads and if kids die as a result, they have only themselves to blame...nobody else!!!

Targeted assassinations have been going on for years killing many innocent bystanders. Do you not already know that Palestinian deaths outnumber those of Israelis three times more. Even these people who are targeted could easily be captured if Israel wanted to but you don't even know if they were innocent or guilty of any crime because they were denied due process of law. If people on this forum want to make excuses about innocent bystanders being killed, then don't condemn suicide bombers. They could say they're killing soldiers and or potential soldiers who will become part of Israel's brutal occupational army under which they will surely suffer, unlike Israelis who live in freedom. All this going on and Israel has the audacity to complain about Hamas.

You are saying that Israeli killing is justified because you live under the threat of terror. What does terror have to do with seizing beachfront property in Gaza for 40 years? Or continuously building settlements and moving hundreds of thousands of Israelis into "disputed" West Bank territory despite the protest of the world? What does terror have to do with ruining crops and trees?

No one except the most depraved would be glad when a child is killed in war. As a mother I would not allow my child in a car with known terrorists for any cause under the sun. I can't understand Palestinian mothers who allow their children to be used as human shields for terrorists. It is simply child abuse. Don't they care about their children?

who is laughing at the death of an innocent woman who had a heart attack? who exactly is sadistic? whom do you represent exactly?

Is another victim. Another victim of both parties to this conflict. Israel HAVE to attack the attackers. The government of the Palestinian side HAVE to take responsibility and stop these bombers themselves. We need to untangle the mess and get on with a Peace Process before more 8 year olds die. And they will. But if Hamas cant come to the table or Israel wont come to the table,there will be many more 8 year olds dying.

You are right. 2 militants killed and a lot of new militants created. And a lot of people who thinks IDF are war criminals.

Bomber Harris

I wish people like you were more literate and bothered to read Israeli news on a regular basis since you obviously don't live here. We kill less innocent civilians in the course of tracking down terrorists than any other country in the world. Why? Not that you care, ignorant fool. Because we do care and we've studied the art of targeted killing to avoid harming innocents, we've perfected as well as can be done, so much so that many nations consult us for tactical advice. Your profound ignorance of the concerns of the IDF is typical of those who live in their cushy comfy countries and attack us while eating cake. Our soldiers take classes with B'Tselem (the most pro-Palestinian left-wing Israeli group around) on how to be more careful and considerate with Palestinians at checkpoints. When you get out of the group home for Ivory Tower Idiots, feel free to join us here in dialogue. Until then, learn to read.

This is your opinion. You have done nothing against your settlers.You have not respected a lot of UN resolutions.

There is a lot of people wich says "IDF tries to kill terrorist, while terrorist try to kill civilian". What are the technical possibilities for palestinian to kill military forces? guns against missiles? revolvers against helicopters and tanks? There is no technical possibility. I think pal would like a lot to hit soldiers instead of civilians; but they do not have any possibility.

I'm glad all British people don't think like you, I know I don't. IDF officers are not brought to trial because they haven't committed any crimes, they are defending their countries against terrorist atrocities. Fire can only be fought with fire, not with a couple of crumpets and a cup of tea by the fireside.

all of its so called zionist citizens are fair game. Look at the extent of their evil!

Islamic Jihad knows they are marked men by Israel- so if they really cared about their own people- they would not roam around civilian areas but fight face to face. However, that is the answer to the question- they don't care and they don't want to fight face to face. For terrorism is a lucrative profession for the Palestinians - of course - with occupational hazards for some.

again we see the sadistic nature of zionist civilians who live in luxury homes and lord it over the helpless Palestinians. They laugh at the heart attack of an innocent woman and the death of an 8 year old. They come from New York and claim the Arab village. What an outrage.

Does Israel at least apologize any more for killing innocent people? Perfunctionary apologies may be worse than none at all. Don't Israelis (in this case) realize the hatred and violence that is created by the killing of innocent people?

this is a crime How can you justify the killing of these boys? This is an horrible crime. What the difference between a kamikaze and the engineer who guided the plane? ... both are killers; it seems to me that the kamikaze has more courage

"If you want respect you have to earn it." Israel tries to do so every day. If you really look, you'll see it. "If you do not cope wiyh UN resolutions why should other do?" After 1967, the UN called for "land for peace". Talks were held (finally!). Land was returned. Still no peace. "Is Israel above law, above God? I do not think so." Neither do I. We finally agree!! "A human life is gratest thing in the world and you can`t play it down as a "innocent bystander"." You're reading too much into my alias. Nothing is more important than human life. Please convince Hamas, al-Qaeda and IJ of the same. "If Israel is at war with Palestinians then feel free to kill as many as you can, but until that point, IDF action are terrorist ones as palestinian ones and deserve nothing more, nothing less" ????? I thought you said human life was important. Kill as many as you can?? Sorry won't do. That's what makes Hamas a terrorist org and Israel a state defending itself.

It would be so much better and fair to just have an old fashioned total war - may the best side push the other into the sea. That way everyone can be a combatant and there would be no war criminals, no complaining. If allah wills it, the Palestinians would win, it not, how could anyone complain?

Or perhpas those two kids weren't playing with the explosives but working.

If Israel could catch the terrorists and put them on trial, this wouldn't happen.

Yes, you are right. The tragedy is terrible. I am a father myself and all my sympathies are with the bereaved family. You are saying about this tragedy as if it were result of natural disaster. No, it was result of war. And this war was launched by one side and has been perpetuated by one side and everybody knows who launched the war in the midst of negotiations, who violated all signed agreements, who employs all efforts to kill as many civilians as possible. Even those, who would blame Israel for anything, know, that it's the Palestinian side, which launched this war. Again, my sincere condolences to the bereaved family.

How I envy you Keith. You lived in Europe, you're now in New York, and from the comfort of your living room you can sit there and judge those "murderous" Israelis. Even better, as a Jew, you appear even more courageous in your unhesitating blanket condemnation of that "terror state" of the world, Israel. How annoying that little country is for your world view of the docile, "no-waves" Jew (a la Woody Allen). How much tougher it would be for things to be so black and white if you lived, say, in Kfar Saba. Then you'd have to weigh your good Jewish conscience against the fact that your wife narrowly missed getting on the bus that was bombed last month. Or the fact that there was a shooting attack next to your kids' school last year. Or the fact that you survived that attack on the wedding hall the year before that because you were running late. But you'd never live in Israel. You'd never do so precisely because fleeing those dilemmas is so much easier than facing them.

It was unfortunate that an innocent bystander got killed. Every one said it. Stop making more of it then it was. It was NOT on purpose, it was the best option to be had. Should it bother you - YES, but you NEVER write in and are upset when jews are hurt or killed. When Eitam got hurt in Amona - YOU JUMPED FOR JOY. When Jews get hrut, killed, expelled you are quiet. The graveyard is FILLED with mothers crying for thier sons in the IDF, killed by YOUR FRIENDS. Maybe a little sympathy for THEM ?! Surely not right?

There is no such thing as a "just" war. Innocent civilian bystanders as well as armed militia are always killed together in urban combat. I wish we lived in a nicer world, where justice and tolerance reign supreme above all of our baser instincts. This world was NEVER fair. The only answer is to negotiate a final end to the conflict with the division of historical Palestine into two nations, Jewish and Muslim, each recognized as legitimate by the other. -Bloomfield-

Simple Sullivan, the most DIRECT route to stopping the daily kassams is to target the people who fire them. True they shuold warm up the F16s and DRESDEN Gaza City, but Olemert is only interested in hurting JEWS, not arabs. SO, the IDF struck the car carrying the maggots. UNFORTUNEATLY there were innocent bystanders - UNFORTUNEATLY. No one in the IDF wanted to kill the future terrorist, it was an ACCIDENT. But, there was no choice. Why dont you ask, why yor buddies the Pals are firing rockets into Israel? THAT you cant figure out how to ask. Typical.

And somebody will find Israel. To treat. Keep the Irrelevant Dummy Forces in the asylum.

If you want respect you have to earn it. If you do not cope wiyh UN resolutions why should other do? Is Israel above law, above God? I do not think so. A human life is gratest thing in the world and you can't play it down as a "innocent bystander". If Israel is at war with Palestinians then feel free to kill as many as you can, but until that point, IDF action are terrorist ones as palestinian ones and deserve nothing more, nothing less

This operation was half successful: the IAF killed terrorists but did not succeed this time to avoid civilian casualties. It's a tragedy, that children were killed today. Of course, the PA, which failed to implement its commitment to disarm and dismantle the private armies of mass murder, is responsible for the death of these children. Because there is no way Israel would not respond for Palestinian aggression -- it is legal and moral duty of the army to defend citizens of Israel, while taking all precautions to minimize non-combatant casualties on the Palestinian side. The problem with such operation is that it will not stop Palestinian aggression. I propose another way to deal with rocket launchers. Each time a rocket is launched from any area in Gaza, IDF should warn the residents of the area in advance, let them 24 hours to leave the area, then level it and enforce the no mans land by artillery fire and areal bombings until further notice. Then, the shelling will stop.

Palestinians do not need ?tit? for their ?tad?. They are constantly doing everything trying to kill more Jews. Qassam rockets are flying daily accompanied by frequent bombing attempts. When they finally success, there is always something for a revenge claim. There is no reason to be discriminate. Anything would do - terrorists killed in the course of their own attacks, premature suicide bomber,?work? accidents Mohammed cartoons, palestinian infighting, etc.

lets be honest about this, nobody lauches an air to ground missile into a densely populated area and expects that they can avoid civilian casualties. they kill your civilians so you believe you are justified in killing theirs. so you killed 2 militants in the strike, tell me how many militants did you create. defense is a product of strategy, this is just revenge and it is a product of hate.

Thank you for pointing out that suicide bombings are way down since Israel has put up the security barrier (only a small part of which is a "wall", to deter sniping attacks) and intensified its operations against Hamas and Islamic Jihad. You no doubt believe that the letup is because Hamas and IJ have now taken a liking to the poems of Bialik and Tchernichowsky but the high number of failed attempts suggests otherwise. As for the lives of the Palestinian "goyim" (your term, not mine) weighing less heavily than they should on the collective conscience of Israelis, I know that this must be a comforting thing for you to believe, especially if you carry the weight of guilt associated with a time not so long ago when the lives of Jews weighed not at all on the minds of some of your fellow citizens. If they had had then a fraction of the concern everyday Israelis have for innocent Arabs today, many more Jews would be alive today.

To all ones who have commented to me so far - kids are innocent by definition (jewish, arab, whatever) - if israel is at "war" with Palestinians then you can kill each other "safely" (NOBODY is a terrorist then) - if your own child would be killed wouldn't you be entitled to revenge - what are tribunals for (maybe for fun) - All innocent victims have my simpathy but I cannot tolerate that a "democratic", "civilized" country sends his commandos without too much care for innocent casualties

I met too many Israeli expats when I lived in Skokie. The reaction we're seeing here is not at all typical. You may not agree with him much, but I believe that the reaction of Jacob Blues is much more typical. Regards.

I, too, can't begin to imagine the pain of having her children blown up before her eyes. She lost her 8 year old and her 15 year old. A fourth grader and a 9th grader.

You never see any outcry among the Palestinian people against Palestinian terrorists using Palestinian population centers as a base for their crimes, knowing full well that civilians are being placed at risk as a result, or Palestinian indignation against these terrorists that they caused Israel to strike in the first place. There is no Palestinian Peace Now, Yesh G'vul, or other organziation that insists that Palestinians seek peaceful solutions with Israel. This tells you the value placed on human life in their society and their intentions. Every sad, tragic, innocent death is meant to be a propaganda piece.

If you condemn suicide bombings and terrorism, it's to your credit. Your comparison with Northern Ireland is flawed. First of all, a correction: the British army did not *intentionally* kill civilians in its operations against the IRA, but had some civilians been killed accidentally, you surely would not have called that British state terror. Second, the IDF is no longer physically present in the Gaza Strip. It therefore has to "rely" on the PA to arrest and judge the terrorists. But that has not happened in the 13 years since Oslo. Should Israel simply accept terror attacks as its fate and do nothing? Protecting its citizens makes Israel "different"? If you know anything about Israel, you know that it doesn't take these operations nor the risks against civilians lightly. As for Golda Meir's (supposed) quote, I can quote 1960's PLO leader Shukeiri as well and peace won't be any closer. Let's look forward, not back.

What many people fail to understand about incidents such as this one is that though the loss of innocent life is tragic even villainous when viewed from the right perspective, the blame for these deaths lies solely on the Palestinian militiants, terrorist organizations and the Palestinian Authority. Haters of Israel claim to cite international law and that Israel or Israeli soldiers are guilty of war crimes because of attacks like this one. However considering the de facto state of war brought upon Israel and its citizens by the militant Palestinians, the very international law that these ignorant charlatans claim to cite places the blame of this loss of life solely on the Palestinians involved in attacking Israel. Since they choose to plan and conduct their operations of warfare from a civilian zone, it is THEIR fault that innocent Palestinians are dying.

Hani..if Jews committed mass suicide, who would control the Banks, the unions, George Bush, the media, and HOLLYWOOD?

children getting blown to pieces, women having fatal heart attacks and the zionists rejoice in their luxury homes and air conditioned cars. This is the equation in the conflict. What a sadistic and barbaric group these Jews have turned out to be. Swimming in their sea of arrogance.