(Telegraph-UK) Col. Richard Kemp - Hamas uses hospitals and other protected places like schools and mosques for terrorist purposes. Since 2006, we have seen report after report showing just that. An American Public Broadcasting Service documentary showed Hamas gunmen prowling the corridors of Al-Shifa Hospital, intimidating staff and denying access to protected areas. Yet since Israel launched its ground invasion of Gaza, this has suddenly come into question. Many people don't want to believe the Israelis; it seems they would rather believe Hamas. Media outlets often caveat announcements by the IDF, pointedly saying that what they claim cannot be independently verified. Rarely, however, are reports from Gaza questioned in such a way. Many who call for a ceasefire may be well meaning, but in practice they are saying Israel should stop defending its population and Hamas should live to fight another day. Political leaders are playing into Hamas' hands by virtue-signaling implications that Israel is not adhering to the laws of war and is inflicting unnecessary civilian casualties when they know that this is not true. The writer, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, was chairman of the UK's national crisis management committee, COBRA.
2023-11-22 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive