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The Killings of All Children

rene | 12.11.2002 23:27

Israeli security forces and civilians killed 433 Palestinian minors--compared to 50 Israeli minors killed by Palestinians. Kofi Annan has described this conflict as the most dangerous in the world.

During the current intifada, Palestinians have suffered 20,976 casualties; including 1,852 killed by the IDF and settlers (664 Israeli were killed in this same period). According to B'Tselem, from December 9, 1987, through January 2002, Israeli security forces and civilians killed 433 Palestinian minors--compared to 50 Israeli minors killed by Palestinians. Kofi Annan has described this conflict as the most dangerous in the world.

Two weeks ago, British ambassador to Israel, Sherard Cowper-Coles said, ÒThe territories are the biggest detention camp in the world, in which 3.5 million people live.Ó He criticized Israel for continuing to build illegal settlements, for Òthe unnecessary humiliation and harassmentÓ of Palestinian civilians at checkpoints, unnecessarily uprooting trees, and making life difficult for the international welfare organizations. He said he was Òvery shockedÓ by what he has seen in the territories.

Cowper-Coles accused Israeli forces of displaying Òa lack of professionalismÓ amid reports of soldiers looting property during military operations. A day earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres admitted that TV images of Israeli rampage against Palestinian civilians were creating a lot of hatred for Israel in Europe.

On 11/4/02, Amnesty International published a study titled ÒIsrael and the Occupied Territories Shielded from Scrutiny: IDF Violations in Jenin and Nablus.Ó The conclusion reads: For many years, Amnesty International has documented serious human rights violations by Israeli forces -- unlawful killings; torture and ill-treatment; arbitrary detention; unfair trials; collective punishments such as punitive closures of areas and destruction of homes; extensive and wanton destruction of property; deportations; and discriminatory treatment of Palestinians as compared to Israeli settlers.

ÒMany of these violations have been committed in a widespread and systematic manner, and in pursuit of government policy (some, such as targeted killings or deportations, were carried out in pursuit of a publicly declared policy). Such violations meet the definition of crimes against humanity under international law.Ó

We have given Israel $100,000,000,000 of our taxes to help build illegal settlements, rogue nukes, and to buy the most efficient weapons to help kill and destroy their neighbors hope for peace and freedom.

rene