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UN estimates Gaza civilian dead at 51
Ynet and Reuters
Published: 29.12.08, 11:33
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20 Talkbacks for this article
1. Two Words: Human Shields!!!
Terry ,   Chicago, IL   (12.29.08)
Of course, makes sense- doesn't it? Israel can't be immoral if Hamas intentionally put these innocent civilians to harm. Now, we can wash our hands off every outrageous offense we may have done. It's THEIR fault. The ability of the Jewish people to assimilate lessons from the Holocaust and perpetrate the same actions themselves never ceases to amaze me. What is sad is that even when babies are killed, either "Pallywood" or the Palestinians themselves are blamed. To call you delusional would be a major euphemism.
2. #2 Completely disagree with you
Australian Guy   (12.29.08)
We hear big smarts such as you, all the time ...giving free advice..but never realistic solutions...you don't have any , do you ? As far as your concerned Israel should have just let the whole situation with the rockets and the mortars ..develop into something worse by progression. If anything, you're the delusional twit here. I cant fathom your own complete lack of judgment. Even Olmert has more commonsense and brains than you...and that's saying something. Get a job with the UN or an NGO -- you'd fit in well.
3. Anyone asked Mr Guiness
Danny   (12.29.08)
how the UN are getting on finding all those cluster bomblets he claimed were all over South Lebanon? Last time i checked they had found less 3% of what he personally claimed. Was that a "conservative estimate" too? Or is he lying again as the UNWRA always do.
4. Accuracy
George ,   Kfar Saba   (12.29.08)
Neither UNRWA nor the Palestinians have ever been known for their ability to count accurately.
5. Over 83% of those killed were terrorists. Not bad odds.
Avinoam ,   Tel Aviv, Israel   (12.29.08)
With over 300 killed, 51 of which are civilians, means that over 83% of those killed were in fact terrorists. Harsh as it may sound, these are not bad odds. Especially when you consider that Hamas uses human shields. (The following not to be considered a justification. Our security is justification, and civilian deaths are regrettable, but unavoidable.) This cannot be compared to the Hamas statistics in which almost all the casualties are civilians. We are not targeting civilians. We have no quarrel with the civilians. Nor any agenda that involves harming civilians. This is diametrically opposed to Hamas behaviour and philosophy. Normally one should avoid absolutes, but this is literally a fight of good verses evil.
6. Human shields.
Robert Bernier ,   Tel Aviv   (12.29.08)
Israel cannot be blamed for hurting human shields. The key problem to be addressed is the way in which terrorists exploit their own civilians, forcing them against their will to serve as human shields or obtaining their agreement to serve as such. When human shields are used, those who agree to be used are combatants, and have chosen to die. As far as involuntary human shields are concerned, the terrorists are to blame for every civilian who is killed. As to the methods of the terrorists : http://xrl.us/bi9r6
7. s the UN counts the 150 police murdered
R Hitchings ,   Methil   (12.29.08)
as "Terrorist" ... hhmmm
8. ONLY 51?
Petra ,   usa   (12.29.08)
very small number when you consider Hamas 'leaders' are in hiding and they leave 'military' operations to civilians. ONLY 51? Ah, shucks I had hoped for MORE! I'm sure ther will be when the 'rabs finish their propaganda.
9. Children are not more important than adults ..
redbourn ,   tel aviv   (12.29.08)
The IDF record of enemy to civilians killed is incredible and something that most nations have ever cared about. The world should learn from Israel. Dresden, Vietnam, Tibet, Chechnya and many others. The countries that did the above would like to criticize Israel?! Mike
10. And it all could have been avoided.
israel   (12.29.08)
Hamas are to blame for ALL loss of life in Gaza.
11. IF THOSE 51 HAD BEEN ISRAELI'S..??
(12.29.08)
What would the U.N. say then??? You would not have heard a single sound from the U.N.!!! ONLY SILENCE!!! UNFATHOMABLE!!! HYPOCRITES! THE U.N. SUPPORTS TERRORISTS!!!
12. Civiliand Casualties Regrettable
emanon ,   USA   (12.29.08)
It must be remembered that they were *not* intentional targets of the Israeli strikes. Either Hamas was using civilian shields, they civilians were aiding Hamas combatants or outright accidental deaths. Such things are unavoidable and in a very low proportion to the number of overall casualties. Compare this to the Hamas tactic of *deliberately* targeting civilian population centers with their rocket attacks and suicide bombings. Now tell me who the terrorists are.
13. I am glad to see that Israel
mike cato ,   USA   (12.29.08)
now seems to be conducting a war policy as described by General William T. Sherman, American Civil War, to wit:"Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and defeat." and "[The ] aim is to whip the [enemy], to humble their pride, TO FOLLOW THEM TO THEIR INMOST RECESSES, and make them fear and dread us. Fear is the beginning of wisdom." Once wisdom falls upon the Pals in Gaza, then perhaps, and I'm serious, the Saudis and the Emirates can offer a REAL peace plan: a contribution of some small change (for them-10-20 billion), to make Gaza into a mini Dubai-luxury hotels and seaside resorts, casinos, malls, convention centers along the potentially beautiful beaches of the Gaza coast.
14. the difference
Nick ,   London   (12.29.08)
According Hamas any Israeli citizen is a legitimate target and there are no civillians in Israel, everyone is fair game. Contrast that with Israel who try not harm civillians and differentiate between millitary targets and civillians. With Hamas there is no differentiation, they would kill everyone in Israel if they could.
15. The Appropriate response is,...
Gideon Reader   (12.29.08)
"...'ere! Give us a chance, mate. We've only just started." You do NOT fight a war of any size (from a two person physical confrontation to a major regional conflict) without deaths and injuries. Each death or injury is a personal tragedy, but taken in context of the overall scheme and scope, it is "colatteral damage" and a statistical footnote in the recorded history of the conflict. So to my erstwhile Hasmasnikim and their UK/EU/UN cheering squad: "Suck it up!" S_it does indeed occur", and your delivery has arrived, delivered to your door.
16. Be very proud, that's only one in six
daniel   (12.29.08)
There is no army in the world which can boast such numbers while operating in a such a densly populated area. Of all victims, only one in six is a civilian. That's amazing. I doubt the IDF can sustain these numbers, I sure hope it does. One thing is for sure; once again it has proven to be the most moral army in the world. Neither the Russians and NATO in Afghanistan, nor the US Army in Iraq is able to kill only one civilian for every 5 bad guys.
17. no body is the bad guy?
fatimah ,   kuwait   (12.31.08)
to justify murder is disgusting, revolting. you justify Israel's actions on what grounds? did you read that Israel did not let food, water or anything go into Gaza until now. isn't this the new world? the world that believes in the human rights and democracy? but no kill the terrorist's right? how do you know there terrorists? how is it that you can justify Israel killing thousands daily and then call Palestine's terrorist? look for the real terrorist. Israelite's are dancing and clapping in streets as rockets kill. look at the definition of innocent, murder, death. just the definitions and you tell me if the people who are dying weren't Muslims and if realign had nothing to do with this matter. would your views change? not who its happening to, if possible also look past the fact that there Muslims. i realize most of you believe were terrorist by nature but come on.. murder is murder, and i a Muslim who had to see it happen to anyone, whatever there realign, nationality, or anything that most American's cant get past.
18. agreement
agreement ,   toronto, canadad   (01.04.09)
you blame israel for not letting in food or water? First of all, most of the food and supplies that israel tries themselves to bring were attacked by HAMAS! second of all, how stupid are the people in gaza that they don't realize the simple fact: don't fire rockets, stop attacking israel and israel will leave you alone! alothough these are the same people who see a bomb warning on their house and decide to hold a martyr party!
19. "We are not targeting civilians."
Canadian   (01.15.09)
Yes, the fifteen Israeli deaths, half of which resulted from friendly fire, are really Hamas' targeting civilians. You're delusional. And yes, of course, the white phosphorous that Israel is raining down on innocent civilians is completely ethical. Note my sarcasm.
20. "Be Proud."
Canadian   (01.15.09)
So because they're less innocent babies dying, it's okay that there are still some innocent babies dying? Be proud. Yes, be proud that you have no sense of shame, of conscious, of anything. Moral? MORAL? What is moral about raining white phosporous down on the little children. You claim all this ("be proud" "moral" "boast") as you sit down someplace on your ass and type. Preach that to the little children that have lost their lives. Shame on you.
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