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Source: http://en.cijnews.com/?p=9209
Quebec Judge: Israeli Military Activity in Gaza Is Self-Defense
(CIJnews-Canada) Irina Alifanova - Montreal Judge Stephen J. Gallagher dismissed a Palestinian's appeal for Canadian refugee status who had alleged that Israeli military action in Gaza constitutes a form of persecution. The Refugee Protection Division (RPD) determined that the applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence that he will be facing "persecution or a personalized risk" upon his return to Gaza. After the applicant filed an appeal, Judge Gallagher determined that it is illogical to claim that the Israeli government is targeting all Palestinians, when in truth Israel has been defending itself for years. "It is not a 'political opinion' to demand and work towards the destruction of another country and countries in international law have the right to defend themselves." Residents of Gaza are at constant risk of begin caught in the crossfire of efforts to destroy Israel by Hamas and armed militants. Thus, the applicant is simply an individual who "would be caught in the cross-fire of various dangerous and destructive policies pursued by the leadership of several political organizations in the region including Hamas."