IDF accused of 'knowingly risking Palestinian lives'

First let me thank you for your constructive response. I am pleased that you have seen my other writings. There may be a cultural gap between up and you may not correctly read my cynicism (this is a cultural observation and not a criticism). The point I am making is that Qassams and all forms of terror are hurting Palestinians more than Israeli. It is not our nature not was it our desire to cause harm to Palestinians. But for a hundred years we have been attacked and terrorized. If instead you would have been partners, you would enjoy the prosperity of commerce, technology, etc. But after enough terror, some of us too have learned to hate. The worst peace is better than the best war. Find respectable honest moderates and meet us at the peace table. We can fight for peace as hard as we fight for survival. Nichna Kulna Lazim Salaam, Ma'a Salami

"Neither Jewish morality not Jewish tradition can be used to disallow terror as a means of war...we are very far from any moral hesitations when concerned with the national struggle. First and foremost, terror is for us a part of the political war appropriate for the circumstances of today" Yitzhak Shamir. So would you whining leaches please stop 'moralizing' about Palestinian freedom fighters, they are only following your own rules. your support even in your 'ally' the U.S. is a mile wide but less than an inch deep. Keep pushing and instead of becoming nothing more than a historical footnote in 100 years, it may happen in less than 50, God willing.

Of course the fact that the people firing the rockets are not the people being shelled is irrelevant (to you). How could a local farmer (who is unarmed) stop the well-armed people who fire the rockets?

Of course the people being pounding have nothing to do with firing the rockets and couldn't possibly stop those who actually do the firing, but, Hey! you've killed someone in retaliation, andd that makes you feel better. The only question I have is whether it does the slightest bit of good in stopping the rocketeers, who "shoot and scoot".

I agree with everything you said, it is an absolute delight to hear it, and it is such a better alternative than the never ending violence! I hope people like you go far in ISRAELI politics and can some day execute those very thoughts! Keep living for the cause! "The religious extremists on both sides of the conflict disgrace their own respective religions and cause turmoil in the region. " -- absolutely true, my advice to all the people in the middle east is to realize that we all have ONE GOD, and that he loves us all.

"The only occupation is in your mind. Clean out the spider webs that clog your thoughts and then perhaps you`ll have a better day." To me it looks like you are an agressor, much like your brutal government. It was the settlers who burnt there houses so no arab can come in it, was that not true? Thanx for taking direct shots at me by trying to offend me, that is not the issue though, the issue is ISRAEL STILL CONTROLS land sea and air so they still occupy gaza bro! they still controly there electricity, cryin out loud the currency is still in SHEKELS! Go live in gaza for a weak and c! And thanx for the advice to the palestinians to grow some vegetable, but palestinians usually knows how that ends, with bulldozers and thuggish settler gangs up rooting all the trees and plants grown by an Arab!

are you overlooking the fact that the Palestinian government and many people believe that the Occupation will continue until Israel is destroyed and the Jews are driven in to the sea...isn't that what the charter for HAMAS says? Hmmm...let's end the occupation so they can have peace. Israel would gladly get out of there if they knew it meant peace.

You poor, simple, maroon, Gaza is no longer occupied. Wanta know why the IDF keeps shelling gaza? Because -- to paraphrase Willie Sutton -- that's where the Kassams are. See if you can figure this out: there was no shelling before the rockets started. Now there's hell to pay. Go figure.

actually, Mexican troops constantly cross the US-Mexico border in support of drug smuggling. Also, thousands come into the US over the Mexican border for criminal (as opposed to economic) endeavors. Violence spreads accorss Americna cities because of the smuggling and the Latino Gangs. The only response that the US government has is to try to control the borders and to talk to the Mexican government about options. At no time does the US military attack Mexico or even contemplate attacking Mexico. To attack Mexico would encourage the Mexicans to attack us and it would elevate a criminal enterprise into a war (which is truly stupid).

The Palestinians can't move. They are not allowed to move from Gaza or from the West Bank. They are also not allowed to move from Gaza to the West Bank and vice versa. Also, they are not allowed to move within the West Bank. They are permitted to live only where they have permits to live. They are stuck right where they were born.

The Palestinians are not NAZIS and should not be compared to NAZIS. (Neither are or should Israelis.) Such comparison belittles the scope of the EVIL perpetrated by the NAZIS. In my opinion the only group today comparable to the NAZIS are the Northern Koreans or those few others who are actively committing genocide. (THE N. KOREANS ACTUALLY USE GAS CHAMBERS TO SLAUGHTER DISIDENTS. The silence in response to their atrosities is deafening.) Neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians is attempting genocide against the other, they are just trying to posses the Land of their collective ancestry.

Occupation? Where were you when the Israeli settlers left balmy Gaza last August? The only occupation is in your mind. Clean out the spider webs that clog your thoughts and then perhaps you'll have a better day. Isn't it too bad that the poor people from Gaza destroyed the public buildings that the settlers left? They could have had community centers, or health centers or a plain roof. And isn't it a pity that they burned the hot houses? They could be growing export cherry tomatoes instead of swallowing dust.

"the total contempt of the Israeli authorities for innocent Palestinian civilians." What about the total contempt of the Palestinian authorities and civilians for the lives of Israeli civilians? The moment the Palestinians stop firing Qassams, there wil no longer be any Israeli artillery there, nor air or sea attacks. If Palestinian civilians are killed or wounded, they have only themselves to blame - for voting a terrorist organization into power, for supporting, actively or passively, terrorist violence. 100 meters is too far away to be useful, and it's only Israel's fear of international reaction that prevents it from doing what must be done - destroy Palestinian neighborhoods until the populace realizes that it either stops supporting terror or gets killed.

The IDF artillery men are clearly total incompetents, and to adjust the regulations so that such men can now fire to within 100 metres of residential homes (when previously only 300 metres was considered safe), shows the total contempt of the Israeli authorities for innocent Palestinian civilians.

The religious extremists on both sides of the conflict disgrace their own respective religions and cause turmoil in the region. The continuation of war and terror makes reconciliation more difficult. With terror being viewed as a major problem in the world those who use it only damage their cause. Believe me that Israel will capitalize on Palestinian terror in every way possible. I truly believe that stopping the cycle of violence&terror, bringing enormous sums from USA, EU, and Israel to rebuild the PA economy, provide jobs, and improve the quality of life for Palestinians. Working on internal politics and forming external alliances to help negotiations with Israel is needed. Becoming a respectable member of the family of nations and meet us at the bargaining table as a strong respectable adversary. WHEN THE LIVES OF PALESTINIANS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE DEATHS OF ISRAELI, THERE IS HOPE FOR PEACE. Ma'a Salame

"The Jewish people, and let`s not forget that religion is a choice of worship and not a race, last occupied this area almost 2000 years ago." This reveals your abysmal ignorance about Judaism, the Jewish People, the history of Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel. For example, if the Jews "last occupied this area almost 2000 years ago", how is it that the accepted text of the Hebrew Bible was developed in Israel in the 7th-9th centuries? Or how is it that the Jews participated, along with the Muslims, in the defense of Jerusalem against the Crusaders in 1099? If you dno't know any thing, please shut up.

Omar! You hate those Arabs who are ready cooperate with the USA and even with Israel. Your orientation on Iran, Saddam and others like that is wrong. You will lead your people to father disastrous situation, complete degradation. Change your mind, and teach your kids do not be a suicde bomber, stop propaganda to hate Israel, the USA, and all democratic forces in the world. I am not sure that you will listen my voice, but....

With Hamas having one foot in social services and the other in terrorism, the recent elections left doubt as to whether the PALs were voting against Fatah corruption or for Hamas terror. Now they are in power, we will soon see whether whether they put the welfare of their people above the destruction of Israel. If they remain true to their commitment to the destruction of Israel and to terror above the lives of their people then the world will see them for what they are. In the meantime go to www.mfa.gov.il and look under terror for the names of the victims since 2000 and the number of incidents this year. The Fence, crossings, roadblocks, etc. are working well. Passover and Easter will be celebrated by Jews and Christians in safety. No more Park Hotels incidents in Netanya this year. WHEN THE LIVES OF PALESTINIANS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE DEATHS OF ISRAELIS, THERE WILL BE HOPE FOR PEACE.

A agree with your sentiments. Even just observers of the ME conflict are weary of this never ending cycle of violence. And as you say even a child could figure out the solution - two states side by side in peace. Yes this would involve alot of hard bargaining but its not rocket science! But it must be said that the keys to moving forward now lie in the hands of the Palestinians. There have been lots of wrongs done to both people, lots of mistakes made on both sides with equal measure and this we all have to recognise.But unfortunately the process cannot move forward whilst Hamas are still a terrorist organisation masquerading as a political party.

You have it all wrong. We are not targeting their children. But they are targeting our children, women, and anyone they can kill. They uncompromisingly call for our destruction and the killing of Israelis (Jews, Christians, Arabs) makes no difference so long as they can kill. We on the other hand target their terrorists. But the terrorists not only have no regards for our lives but also have no regard for Palestinian lives. They deploy and shoot from populated areas, mosques, hospitals, and schools knowing full well that they are endangering all others around them. Their "work accidents" have killed neighbors. They blew up in a parade killing their own people. They kill each other, kidnap UN, ISM, and foreigner that came to help them. The Intifada II is a declared war against us intent on our destruction. Our responsibility is to protect our people. Let them protect theirs.

Their chutzpah is breathtaking to the point of ludicrousness! We can throw Kassams at you but woe is me and woe betide and begorrah when you retaliate! When will they realise that ceasing attacks means no retaliation. But more - ceasing attacks means negotiation. Ceasing attacks means a peaceful future. Ceasing attacks mean economic prosperity. Sadly the solutions have stared them in the face but time and again they choose not to see them. A comedy of errors

Notice that the people defending the IDF are not taking issue with the accusations. They justify the intentional killing of Palestinian children, because a Palestinian militant committed a crime. I would like to point out that there is a difference between 4 million Palestinian civilians and hundreds of militants. A person failing to see this distinction is brainwashed. Once you start justifying the intentional killing of civilians because of their race, you become uncivilized and not very different from those you loathe. There is never a good reason to kill innocent civilians. Never!

Isreal is a grant of land that was taken from Arab people and simply handed to Jews as a result of WWII. In no way can anyone ever make "reparations" for the slaughter of six million people. That said, in no way can a people be entitled to a land in which they have no claim. The Jewish people, and let's not forget that religion is a choice of worship and not a race, last occupied this area almost 2000 years ago. I suppose that the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians is acceptable because they are not God's "chosen people". Isreal has the second best military in the world and yet they fight a people who have virtually no weapons. Everything Palestinians do is a terrorist attack because it kills civilians. Everything Isreal does is a "military response to a terrorist attack", yet these responses are now virtually targeted at civilians. Sure, it's fine to kill civilians if you're Isreali because misinformation is the key to a successful strategy.

Do you not understand that every arab nation is under INTENSE pressure from the U.S to forget about the palestinian cause. I am not dissapproving, there are tons of pricks in the arabs leadership, i hate all the saudi kings, Jordans , kuwaits, i dont mind mubarak much but if he helps the palis than the U.S would probably cut off the 2.5 b it gives to Egypt. Dont even get me started on lebanons president. shalom

No way is this like MEXICO, Mexico has an airlines, they have a sea, they have air, they control there borders. Last time i swam in gazas mediteranean i had to be warned that if i swam to deep the israeli cost guard could shoot me. And about israel leaving gaza, again they controly land sea and air. Face it, the orthodox sees non jews as animals, and treats the palestinians that way.

....it should be 10 meters!

The simple and humane solution would be for Israel to disengage from all of its towns, kibbutzim and moshavim within a 10km range of Palestinian Quassams around the border of Gaza. Close up Sderot, Nahal Oz, Yad Mordechai, perhaps Ashdod and Ashkelon. Move the entire populations of these places into Tel Aviv. Then there would be reason for the Palestinians to fire these pesky Quassams and no need for those bloodthirsty Israelis to fire back in retaliation. Now do I qualify as a member of the human rights community?

It is imperitive for the cours of Israel to dismiss any and all petitions presented to the any branch of the judiciary as being without merit nor grant any motion even a temporary restraing order that imposes any restrictions on the IDF. the IDF is goverened by an equal independant civilian body charged by the Israeli contitution to preserve and protect the citizens of Israel. Just where and how does any court in Israel obtain any jurisdictional authority that would bind or restrain the IDF to fulfill their sworn duties. Just what part of a decleared war waged by an enemy falls under the courts oversight. if the actions of the IDF causes death, injury, displacement, or inconvinance upon the citizens of the enemy so be it since they were directly responsable by their overwelming votes to be governed by a government that has decleared an unceasing war of annialation against Israel, there are no innocent civilainas living in any area from which the enemy utilizes to wage their war.

So Marcel posts with a subject line "Palestineans` = Nazis". This is the new civility that Haaretz wanted these discussions to have? Either the moderator is on break - or they are moderating in a very uneven way.

For sure not: it seems that you are not following the International proposals for solving this issue. The World Bank recently proposed what is called the sunken territorial link which connects the WB near Tarkouima with GS near Beat Hanoun. The link will be 42 km long and 40 meters width and six Israeli bridges will pass over the link. The six bridges will keep on the continuity of Israel as the sunken link will keep on the continuity of the Palestinian state and this will be done sooner or later so, "Haval Azman Havear" Free the Moon .

Even I found your replies in previous articles are reasonable, which let me think that you are a peace supporter, and even your analyses is this replay is looking smart and logical. But my friend you forgot an important legal issue in this game which is that we are under occupation and by all the International laws, Israel is responsible of providing us with water and electricity. But imaging that your scenario is real and God/devil directed the rockets to the water desalination plant and/or the electricity plant in Ashkolon and Olmert followed the same steps you mentioned and after only three days 1.5 Millions moved peacefully to Erez crossing point just to drink from Al Majdal (Ashkolon). Do you think all the IDF F16 can stop the thirsty, Hungry and angry people. Just think over and continue asking for mutual understanding. The ball is in the Israeli government court which could put an immediate end to this situation by confessing our right in a real independent state.

To be clear here - Israelis do not have the right to live in peace while the occupation continues, and Palestinians do have the right to shell them, as long as the occupation continues. If Israelis want peace - end the occupation. simple.

some lefty idjits seem to be living under the delusion that if we give the 'Palestineans' what they want there will be peace. They fail to understand the 'Palestineans' are just like the Nazis. Once they get what they want they will demand more... and more... until they demand all of Israel.

I have read in this forum a comparison of Palestinians throwing qassams at Israelis to "what would americans do if missles came from mexico". This is the most idotic, retarded argument i have ever heard. For those israelis who keep comparing the U.S. to israel: WE ARE NOT BRUTUALLY OCCUPYING MEXICO!!!! You are occupying the palestinian territories, massacring civilians, destroying any human dignity, in defiance of many UN resolutions, and finally TERRORIZING the palestinians. If we ever do that to Mexico, I would totally undestand if they sent missles over our way. STOP TWISTING THINGS AROUND!

Shlomo, Since no one knows in advance where the IDF is going to shell (if people knew, then those who are targeted would be the first to flee), then by your logic, every point is a possible shell target. Given that, you are asking the Palestinians to move 100m from EVERY possible point; does that not get them to the sea? Graham is right, you cannot complain about the violence perpetrated by the Palestinians, yet advocate violence done by the Israelis! Israel has used the IRON FIST for decades now, what peace has it brought its citizens? Isn't it time to try alternate routes! The "eye for an eye" philosophy (or in the case of Israel it is 5 eyes or more for an eye) brings nothing but a "cycle of violence" that makes the situation harder and harder to solve with every passing moment!

It's very humanitarian of the six human rights organizations to appeal to the Supreme court on behalf of the palestinians. They apparently don't regard Jews as human or they would be appealing to the PA goverment to stop the Kassams being fired at Israel. How many meters of of safety range are the palestinians regulated to?

The Pals have chosen low intensity warfare as their means of expressing themselves politically. So if Israel does not play along, and keep the fighting low intensity, the Pals and their friends get angry? Where does it say that Israel is obligated to keep the war low intensity? Israel is within it's rights to shell all of Gaza, and the Pals need to understand that. The Pals are keeping the war going, and if they suffer, then so be it. Salaam alaikum, Harry

When they get so upset that that they just feel this absolute urge to blow themselves up, and they do this in front of their legislatures, or on their buses, or in their cafes,we can watch in silence. Until then, obviously we have to hit hard and keep hitting till they stop.

I'm Confused - Help me to understand! Have we reached the long awaited peace with the Palestinians? Is there no Quassams and Katusha rockets shelling our south? No more terrorist attacks from the West Bank? Have the Palestinian Hamas Government recognized our right to EXIST? Are they arresting the rocket perpetrators,and the terorists , so the peace will take place? Hell NO. So why all this blabber about these 100, 200, 300 meters? These "border line" civilians VOTED and empowered Hamas to fight us. Give them the fight, and stop (Human Rights Activists) fooling everyone and especially yourselves that there is no war here.

Just imagine what would happen if the terrorists actually hit the Ashkelon power plant or water system that Israel provides Gaza. Israel may just have enough technology, engineers, and spare parts to repair the equipment that provides power or water to Israeli customers. On the other hand, it may demand payment for damages before effecting repairs. It may also file a claim in the High Court for punitive damages. It is known that such litigations can take a very long time. Couldn't begin work until we are paid for damages. Once resolved, they might order the replacement components from China. I hear they have very good prices there. With the high airline transportations cost, they might save considerable money bringing the component by ship. Let me know if you need precise coordinates.

Lets show the pals how ilogic their statements are (the major part of them at least) See you!

*This is another Omar* You people are crazy... What more can I say: So you're willing to say that Israel has every right to target innocent residents because a handful of people are launching rockets into Israel? You are therefore justifying EVERY SINGLE suicide bombing since 1948: 'Israelis' have settled forcefully on foreign land and are using military force on another country (Historical Palestine). The women and children are then just collateral huh? You make me sick. Neither of the attacks are justified and you damn well know it, but be aware of this: an Israeli soldier's blood is not worth a drop more than the 'terrorists' you rush to condemn.

Now you are talking out of your hate - eh, I mean hat. The ol bnenefits the Zionists? The Zionists are the only ones in the middle east who DON'T have oil. So far it is benefitting all the stinking rick Arabs who don't budge a finger to help their starving (NOT) Palestinain brothers. The only offer of assistance you have ever received is, and always will be from Israel. It's a great pity that nobody on your side is willing to understand this. Imagine the lives that would be saved and the prosperity that could be enjoyed by all of us if you did.

You mean they launch the kassams from the sites where they destroyed the hothouses that would have provided hundres of jobs and millions of export bucks. Very smart - something really to be proud of. And what have they gained? Pray tell? No income, no bucks, and Israeli retaliation. Real smart moves. The only ones responsible for the prison are yourselves.

Nobody want them to move. All they need to do is to stop throwing dangerous projectiles over the border in the hope of killing Israelis. It is very simple indeed. What's to understand - the simple math is: no kassams = no Israeli retaliation = no Palestinians harmed. In other words - well, you work it out, Einstein.

Realy funny those guys from the human right orgs. They should request the supreme court to stop the qassam firing of the palestinians, or Israel can be attacked with no problems ?

The attempted use of international law, and its distortion, is just one more method that these people have come up with to undermine Israel. It is clearly stated by the International Solidarity Movement. It is like swatting flies.

When will these little people stand up for the victims of deliberate, hateful, savage Palestinian terror? Answer: NEVER Reason: Self Loathing Jews Purpose of self loathing: Get the world to like us Probability of happening : 0 when you bash yourself publicly and don't stand up for ones own

"The only thing that will end this 60 year cycle of violence is a compromise and justice for everybody" You said the word, Greg, - compromise. Compromise does not mean going back to the pre-June 1967 borders. That's complete retreat, not compromise. Nor does compromise mean continued rule over Palestinian populations. Compromise means Israel's giving up PART (some, most, but not all) of the Palestinian territories in return for allowing the Palestinians to have a state of their own and control their own destiny. Compromise does not mean a "right of return" of Palestinians to Jaffa, Haifa and Ramleh. But it can mean reparations, in return for similar reparations paid to Israelis who fled Arab countries after 1948.

50.000.000 people have that name. I dont see the point of your complain Free the Moon!

did you realize that a palestinian state with territorial connection means that israel will be divided into two? Why i didn;t hear about that consecuence? Free the Moon Staff!

"P.S. Violence is no way to achieve justice." Does that go for the Palestinians too, Doris?

Calm down my dear friend... Perhaps the Israeli madia didnt explain itself accuratly. What the israeli want is to avoid beeing shot by kazams. They think that PERHAPS the palestinian citizens, whose houses are beeing used for launch the rockets, MIGHT be (in some way) interested in stoping the rockets or not allowing the terrorists getting in there. The problem, my dear omar, is that the israelis has the insane idea that those pals dont really intend to stop the terrorist and therefore the israeli government decided to shoot to the terrorists by itself. That means, shoting close to the civil population. Now.. Omar.. darling: In my humble opinion the israeli government gave you the perfect oportunity to get rid of those who undermine your own national interests.I know that is not easy, that those terrorists are in many cases neighbours or relatives. But this is what is all about: MUTUAL RESPONSABILITY. Yes,I know its not easy to leave violence...but it's for your own good.With love

"the bombardment [of targets in Gaza] disrupts the activities of Qassam rocket launching cells. They feel threatened and fire quickly, without taking aim, in order to get out of the area. That's why lots of the rockets fired lately landed in the sea. " If that's true, then why not fire straight at the houses from which the Qassams are launched, instead of firing at areas 100 meters from them? If Palestinian residents are harboring Qassam launchers in their houses or neighborhoods, they forfeit any immunity they have under the Geneva Conventions. If Palestinians wish to shelter terrorists, they must be ready to pay the price, even die, if necessary.

I accuse the settlers of the West Bank! This savage murder of poor innocent Palestinians with guns who would'nt dream of killing anyone. Everyone knows they need guns to hunt for kangaroos! Its those settlers with their magic powers who make them want to be murderers. These same magic settlers even put a curse on Sderot, that's why so many Kassams are being hit there. That is why Sderot is being hit more than usual since the Gaza disengagement. The plan itself was flawless and perfect!! What other logical explanation can there be?!??!

1. Pals must demonstrate against Hamas government, put them to resignation, and elect new people with correct orientation, who can work with Israel,who can put under control millitantsm and stop firing the Qassams. 2.All parties after paeca agreement must stay as it is with no any changes a political map of Israel. 3. Cooperate in busineass and give jobs to Pals 4, Pals must ask Arab League to stop hostility to Israel, and through meetings between Israel and others to establish program to restore economy of PA area on the basis of mutual cooperation between Israel and Arab countries.

The Arabs who live near where the rocket-launcher boys operate should clear out, unless they too wish to become martyrs. Jews do hit back, even if it takes 6 months of shooting into the ground first. When the Arabs evacuate a zone in Gaza equal to the Qassam Missile range, we can call them too "Refugees for Peace", just like the Jews that cleared out of their homes in Gaza. Equality can be tough, but may result in empathy. It's no fun having explosives blowing up around you, just ask the people of Israel.

When qassams and katyuskhas are launched at Israel, the people in the neigborhood have to hear it or see something. Then can go away from the area. In all the wars, when there is fight or bombings, the people leave their homes till the battle or the bombing finishes.

you still dont get it. Do you really think Israel should not respond while rockets are fired almost daily? Last time i checked, Israel has left gaza. Can you imagine if Mexico fired rockets into USA? There would not be any Mexican homes left standing ! It is hoped that the local populations will speak out against these militants. I have read that many have started to chase them away. If the rockets continue, we all know sooner or later Israel will be forced to act.

How about having the balls to come out and speak like a man instead of posing as a muslim! for your infor all the oil in the world is going to benefit none other than the zionists as it always has

These "terrorists" you speak of do not fire qassams from civilian sites, get your facts strait! they fire from areas that the settlers used to live on, then they go on as any other day under occupation, side by side with the civilians who where born in to this prison, only to hear f16s ready to bombard the whole place. It is the terrorists fault, the Israeli terrorists

Would that apply to the Hamas bomb belted people when they go to your areas. would that be acceptable and say you should evacuate the civilians, they were there to bomb settlers only

I hear of all this non sence that its the civilians fault because the innocent IDF warned the palestinians and gave them leaflets to move. Well einstein lovers, where do you want civilians who have been suffering through occupation all there lives, are broke and barely have 1 roof over there head to move to? They dont have government grants to move to settlements in ISRAELI TERRITORY, they have no where to go! So dont justify evil! EVER

From New York to New York IDF must fire at any area from which terrorists are operating. I am glad that US supports Israel and hope that military aid will increase as much as possible.

Not true! They knowingly know that they are under occupation and that they will do anything in the name of GOD to defeat evil even if that means they die in the act! It is better than our poor american soldiers who just want a education who end up dying for the israeli cause!

You will never convince people to stop hating you by trying to kill them. The only thing that will end this 60 year cycle of violence is a compromise and justice for everybody. Neither side will get everything they demand but until the two sides are forced to sit down and agree to a mutually acceptable compromise this will just continue corrupting the world. The only alternative to a fair two-state solution is a one state solution. Time and patience is running out.

Shlomo, Look I don't approve of Qussam rockets but neither do I approve of the occupation and depriving the Palestinians of their Human rights and political rights. So until Israel can grants the Palestinians their rights why make a mountain out of a mole hill? The rockets are a way for the militants to blow off steam and they rarely cause anything but minor damage. So why over react? Why not counting your blessings instead of beating the war drums? Wouldn't it be worse if militants were shooting them onto crowded streets? I can put up with a lot of nonsense why can't you? These days will pass as they surely will. No more victims --please. Dutch

It should also be noted that the IDF warned the Palestinians this would happen and urged them to stay away from Qassam launchers. The Palestinians, also unlike the IRA and ETA, do not issue warnings so that their bomb attacks can maximize casualties.

israel cannot sit by and do nothing yet if they do the pals cry that they are being provoked-and the world sympathizes because that is also what they want to believe.olmert should realize jews can never please this world, with its present governments=impossible-do what you have to do to survive and ignore the world-never surrender.

It seems to me, that what you write is not serious, that it is some impostor is posting here. You (or somebody under the nick Dutch) just said, on another board, that shelling Israeli residential centers by Palestinians is legitime resistance, while anything Israel would do is illegal, because the right to resist occupation is legitime, while the occupier has no right to resist "resistance". Now, you preach non-violence. Please, make up your mind.

Did you read that? Dutch actually acknowledged that the Palestinians shoot rockets at Israel! I had to rub my eyes to make sure that I was seeing straight. Well, at least it's a start.

Who puts the Pals lives at risk is the terrorist who attack Israel from populated areas, also putting at risk Israeli lives.

WITHIN GREENLINE ISRAEL EVEN? How many of the PA Kassams and Katushas do you expect Israel to keep absorbing? All of this time Israel has fired at open fields while indiscriminate rockets range from S'derot to Ashkelon's power plant and just landed at a Kibbutz Shabbat dinner as an entree.

Let me see. The arabs launch rockets to kill as many Israelis as possible. Suicide bombers, homocide bombers, shooters, murderers. The arabs of Gaza are hardly worried about Israeli death or the survival of Israel, why shouldn't Israel take every measure to insure the protection of its citizens. Anything less is morally unacceptable.

What becomes clear is that the IDF is no different from a terrorist organization. when you throw rockets that have a +/- 100m mistake range and you know there are civilians in that range, you are then by default targeting civilians. i wish the US for once and for all would stop this stupid aid that Israel uses to terrorize the Palestinians. it is against american principles, values and laws.

They should return when PA cracks down on those who launches rockets. Seriously, what would you do if rockets fail in your backyard. Don't you want to stop it?

Attention Israeli's! Stop defending yourself from all attackers immediately! We of the International Not for Profit League Profiting from the Death of Jews (INFPLPFTDOJ), a new NGO dedicated to peace and human rights, insist you do not have the right to defend yourselves from Palestinian Muslims, and also any other muslims who may decide to kill you. Since you are only a little less human than other humans (see the peaceloving remarks of President Ahmadinejad of the democratic nation of Iran ) we will come to your aid after we have helped the oil rich Islamic citizens of the world put you in your proper place. The middle of nowhere.

Every action has a reaction.This is an a.b.c. in our life.Continuous killing of the palestinians, putting their children in prison for trivial things,demolishing their houses.etc...What do you expect them to do?saluting your actions? immpossible.They resort to any means available to them to stop your killing.Isnt that what your IDF doing?shelling the palestinians to stop the kassams.Why you are surprised? Acknowledge Hamas ,the elected body,they are the only people who can put things in order.The result will be,your people and the palestinians will have very much quieter life.Mofaz knows nothing other than killing(many of israely notables have the same feeling)dont let him ruin the lifes of innocent people.See how many U.S generals feel about Ramsfield.Mofaz and Ramsfield are from the same school.

It seems the "Rights Groups" would have saved nazs from deafeat.Luckily neither Eisenhover nor Zhukov consulted them

And according to international law, this makes these terrorists guilty of any deaths, including those resulting from IDF return fire.

"GAZA CITY - The leader of the Islamic Jihad militant group on Sunday said rocket attacks and suicide bombings against Israeli targets will continue, despite an Israeli offensive in the northern Gaza Strip." http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/706248.html ------------- Besides the pals are constantly launching qassams at Israel and the hamas government does nothing to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure. Far from it, the terrorist organization in office has said the government won't stop anybody attacking israel. The pals have declared war to Israel. Israel needs to defend itself. If the pals don't want any civilian dead, they should stop attacking or, at least, not attack from among civilians and shelter among them.

Why is it that these leftist never run to the courts when our rights are being violated? The Israeli population has the right to live in peace, to go about their daily lives, just as much as our enemies do. But why is it when our goverment tried to defend us, these leftist groups run to the courts to solve everything??? Is it because they can't get what they want by way of our national elections??? The courts and these leftist keep trying to undermine an elected goverment. As for the actual shelling, as long as rockets are flying out of Gaza, then the army should shell, any place they deem fit. The Palistian population has been warned time and time again, stop your terror, and we'll stop shelling.

The solution is to stop shooting quassams at Israel. If Gaza bordered the United States (or virtually any other country), Gaza would be reduced to a parking lot. Its nice and safe and cozy in the Virgin Islands, but if you were having daily rocket attacks against you, you would not be so concerned with the welfare of the people that were firing the rockets, or the welfare of those supporting the people who fire the rockets. Stan

Palestinians shell Israel indiscriminately and nobody says a thing. If the matter is brought up with their supporters, they JUSTIFY the Palestinians actions (primitive rockets; what would you do if you were a Palestinian; etc.). The rockets get enough range and accuracy to become a threat to Israel, so Israel determines that it will now take steps to defend itself. It warns residents that they need to move, wait a couple of days and then begin shelling, still keeping a line away from Palestinian houses. The results are immediate and effective; Palestinian shelling is down and accuracy diminished. But on Ha'aretz and the international Leftists who participate in these discussions, not to mention human rights organizations WHO SAID NOTHING WHEN THE PALESTINIANS WERE BOMBING ISRAEL, this is Israeli violence that depicts "war-mongering" leaders. WOW! How insane can you get?

The husband is the head of the family, responsible for seeking God's direction for the family. Each family member old enough to make significant decisions is responsible for seeking God's guidance in important manners. The Family Council should occur on average, once a week where important matters are discussed, where free speech is allowed but not slander. The husband/father and wife/mother should meet before the Council to set the Family agenda, father resposible for knowing the boys concerns, mother the girls, and so forth. If husband and wife are not agreed on a matter in this private meeting, the issue may be discussed, but no serious action may go forth until husband and wife agree. No secrets in the family. Family members should not have to be commanded, but have God's Law written on their own hearts so that His commands suffice. No beatings, no sexual abuse, no psychological abuse. Goodness, kindness and love should prevail. Steadfastness and firmness against evil.

What a strange idea, that Palestinians should move to the sea. They should not move to the sea, but keep away of the areas, which are turned by terrorists into battlefield. I am talking about 100 m. range of shells shrapnel, don't see anything similar with Hamas platform here.

um, did those rights groups call upon the arabs to refrain from shelling directly into Jewish homes?

Shlomo from Tel-Aviv- How can you complain about homemade rockets being fired into resident areas and now turn aroiund and give instructions to fire 21st century shells into residental areas on the other side? That's pretty sick to me. What a double standard! More violence isn't going to solve anything. Indeed, as Martin Luther King , Jr. said violence is both impractical and immoral. Please see below.... Dutch P.S. Violence is no way to achieve justice. Violence as a way of achieving peace is both impractical and immoral. It is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in the destruction of all. The old law of an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind. It is immoral as it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding; it seeks to annihilate rather than convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hate rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in a monologue rather than a dialogue. Violence end by defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyer. Martin Luther King, jr. (Thanks, Dutch)

PALESTINIAN QASSAMS KNOWINGLY RISKS PALESTINIAN LIVES And really it does not matter to these people if they die at Israeli hands. It's all a Jihad and they are all martrys for the cause. They are happy to give their lives. It's true I've seen the videos of the little children being interviewed. They are all indoctrinated to want to give their lives for the Jihad.

The Philistine and Jordanian Arabs who continue to unlawfully occupy Israel's Land should remove themselves to their homelands, Philistia (Gaza) and Jordan, and be peaceful, thereby obviating the need for shelling. God gave this Land to the Israelites. The King of England gave it back to us. The Arabs got to live there rent free for a long time but are not grateful for that. The Israeli government in a fit of paranoia refused during the first Gulf War to deport them to Arab lands, thereby solving the problem. This problem was exacerbated by some Israelis who think the Philistines have some claim on the Land. That paranoia is caused by the false idea and propaganda among the Jews (Judahites) that WWII and the Holacaust were caused exclusively by antisemitism. God does not massively punish His people except for disobedience and sin (see the Bible). The Jews were also punished for the disobedience of not returning to the Holy Land with Hertzl.

And what exactly do the Pals mean when they launch their rockets and Kassams into Israel? Are the Israelis supposed to just ignore this fact because so far they have showed lousy accuracy? It might improve after the first thousand. Firing rockets is a declaration of war and the Palestinians should either stop their flagrant attacks or bear the consequences. How typical of the Palestinians, throw the rockets and then cry foul when they are hit back. I hope the Israelis are smart enough to pound the daylights out of them.

But it's ok for the others to slam their qassams and katyushahs anywhere in Israel? These human rights groups just don't get it. let them be deported to wherever they might see reality, like Darfur, or Tehran.

since you are very inteligent.. do yo uthink they should move to the sea until you are done destroying their houses? sounds like a Hamas call for Israel's destruction don't you think so?..

I have a serious question for any IDF veteran or officer who might be reading this. Where to direct counter battery fire, which is essentially what this is, seems to me to be strictly a military matter. Do all decisions have to be submitted to the supreme court.

Shaul Mofaz, Olmert, TZippidity-do-dah Livni and other war-loving, military starved and crazed Israeli government officials need to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with Gideon Levy. He has the answers. Unfortunately, no one is listening.

I believe, that Israel is allowed to shell the launching fields of the Palestinian terrorists even if they are located as close as 100 m. away from residential areas. The shrapnel range of the artillery shells is indeed about 100 m. and the lives of people living in these areas is indeed in danger. However, IDF has warned the residents, it dropped leaflets saying that they should keep out of launching sites. Those, who did not take this caution seriously, endanger their own lives. Since Israel is attacked and since it warned the residents, that they should move, it is not responsible for any civilian casualties in those residential areas. This is my opinion, but the court will decide.