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Originally Posted by ntluser
The shelling of UN compounds is unfortunate, which is presumably why aid agencies are staying out of the region. However, in a war zone it is possible for agency staff to be killed by either side so it is understandable that they do not want to put their lives at risk.
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Unfortunate? That's an interesting way of putting it. Burning humanitarian supplies and people in a refugee camp with White Phosphorus is indeed unfortunate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ntluser
Israel could withdraw tomorrow but Hamas would still keep firing rockets as there has been no statement from them saying the rocket bombardment would stop, so Hamas do not seem to believe in exercising restraint either.
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Firstly, Isreal broke the ceasefire in the beginning -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KntmpoRXFX4
Secondly, Hamas wants a ceasefire -
http://news.antiwar.com/2009/01/14/h...-in-principle/
Israel is now bombing UN refugee camps, buildings used by journalists/reuters (information war) and 2nd largest hospital in Gaza with 500 people inside.
I don't think "restraint" and "Israel" really go in the same sentance, do you?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ntluser
Israel are pounding the Palestinians as an example to others in the region to let them know what they can expect if they try to take offensive action.
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Israel is massacaring civilians, and has killed over 1000 people, over 2/3 of them are women and children. Using white phosphorus on a densely populated area like Gaza is probably a war crime. They are breach of the UN ceasefire resolution, not to mention they have more UN Security Council resolutions against them than any other country. That's with the U.S. Veto. Sounds like "restraint" to me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ntluser
I expect and agree that by the time Obama gets into power this skirmish will probably be over. However, the unwillingness of Hamas to stop firing rockets will only serve to convince him that Israel needs US help more than ever.
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I doubt that very much. Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni both want a ceasefire -
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1055473.html
Olmert embarrassed the Americans by claiming to control U.S foreign policy by forcing Condi to abstain from the last resolution. Obama has spoken out agains the aggression. If it's still ongoing when he gets in, you can be sure he will condemn it and hopefully act quickly. His foreign policy advisor Zbig is also feared by the Zionists. Economic sanctions would be the best option in my opinion.