If you'd read the links I've posted from HRW, ai, B'Tselem, they all make the point that the kassams
must stop. *
The argument you're presenting is just a red herring, or an abhorrent attempt to justify the ongoing
Israeli war crimes, because 'they're doing it, too'. But, at least we have a breakthrough, you've
accepted that Israel's committing war crimes in Gaza.
So, what's your suggestion as to the 'correct Israeli response', I note that you've not mentioned
any suggestions?
*
From last month;
HRW : Israel: Investigate Gaza Beach Killings
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=124&topic_id=127696 In the HRW release;
'Israel: Investigate Gaza Beach Killings
>snip
The attack at the beach comes amidst an intensified Israeli response to Qassam rocket attacks by Palestinian armed groups operating in the area. Human Rights Watch, which is also investigating the use of Qassams against Israeli civilians, has
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/06/09/isrlpa11106.htm">previously called on Palestinian armed groups to cease such unlawful attacks. The Qassam attacks violate international law because they fail to discriminate between military targets and civilians. Qassam rockets are highly imprecise, homemade weapons that are incapable of being targeted at specific objects.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/06/13/isrlpa13544.htm ____________
B'Tselem;
10 June 2006: Israeli Human Rights Organizations: End Killing of Civilians
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=124&topic_id=127173#127280 >snip
The organizations add that it is indeed Israel's obligation to take all legitimate steps at its disposal to defend the lives and security of its citizens from attacks by Palestinian organizations. These attacks by Palestinian groups, which deliberately target civilians, constitute a war crime for which there can be no justification. However, it is unconscionable that a sovereign state should use illegal means, some of which reach the level of war crimes. The organizations reiterate that one of Israel's central obligations under international humanitarian law is to minimize the impact of military action on the civilian population, and to ensure the life and security of Palestinian civilians, also during armed conflict.
__________________
ai;
Israel/Occupied Territories: Immediate action needed to avert humanitarian crisis in Gaza
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=124&topic_id=125181#125235 From the ai report;
>snip
Amnesty International calls on all High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to urge Israel to respect its obligations as an Occupying Power and to take immediate measures to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Amnesty International reiterates its call on all Palestinian armed groups to put an immediate end to indiscriminate attacks and deliberate attacks on Israeli civilians. Such attacks are prohibited at all times and under any circumstances.
The organization also reiterates its call on the PA to do its utmost to stop and prevent such attack by Palestinian armed groups and to investigate any such attacks or attempted attacks which may occur, and bring to justice those responsible, including those responsible for past attacks.
http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engMDE150252006?open&of=eng-ISR Edited to include links.