Post by Teddy Bear on Dec 13, 2007 23:07:43 GMT
Today, a report was issued by the Red Cross, which basically blames Israel for the hardships endured by the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. It fails completely to address the Palestinian culpability in bringing about this situation by having launched the intifada, and electing militants who daily fire rockets into Israel making the restrictions and safeguards imposed on them absolutely necessary.
Naturally, I could imagine the BBC editors rubbing their hands with glee at the Red Cross 'findings', and wasn't surprised therefore when their article on this report avoided balancing it with anything really to show where the Palestinians had to carry responsibility and blame for their present situation. The BBC did make a point of calling the RC 'neutral' - which can be regarded in the same vein that the BBC is 'fair and impartial'.
You can get a gist of the report from this extract:
How the Red Cross expects this to come about when every time Israel has eased the situation for the Palestinians, the militants have used this as a weak point to launch fresh attacks is not addressed. But the RC are very good at saying that somehow magically it should come about. Perhaps they are totally unconcerned about the need for Israelis to also live a 'normal and dignified life' as well, and they should just accept the casualties inflicted on themselves just so long as the Palestinians don't have to suffer as a result of the conflict they initiate.
I monitored a few of the other International News Agencies just to see how they covered this Red Cross report, and without a doubt they provided a bit more background with which to judge this report by, and form an opinion on ones own.
Naturally, I could imagine the BBC editors rubbing their hands with glee at the Red Cross 'findings', and wasn't surprised therefore when their article on this report avoided balancing it with anything really to show where the Palestinians had to carry responsibility and blame for their present situation. The BBC did make a point of calling the RC 'neutral' - which can be regarded in the same vein that the BBC is 'fair and impartial'.
You can get a gist of the report from this extract:
Together with its statement calling for political action, the Red Cross has issued a report called Dignity Denied which paints a harrowing picture of life for the Palestinians - suffering an economic blockade which denies them jobs, medical care, and even food.
"The 1.4 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip continue to pay for conflict and economic containment with their health and livelihoods," the report says.
"In the West Bank, the establishment of Israeli settlements affects every aspect of Palestinians' lives and leads to the loss of much land and income, together with recurrent violence by settlers. Exhausting movement restrictions hinder access to work and have led to unprecedented levels of unemployment and poverty.
"Only prompt, innovative and courageous political action can change the harsh reality of this long-standing occupation, restore normal social and economic life to the Palestinian people, and allow them to live their lives in dignity."
The ICRC says it recognises Israel's right to take measures to defend itself.
"[But this] needs to be balanced against the Palestinians' right to live a normal and dignified life," said Ms Roggo.
How the Red Cross expects this to come about when every time Israel has eased the situation for the Palestinians, the militants have used this as a weak point to launch fresh attacks is not addressed. But the RC are very good at saying that somehow magically it should come about. Perhaps they are totally unconcerned about the need for Israelis to also live a 'normal and dignified life' as well, and they should just accept the casualties inflicted on themselves just so long as the Palestinians don't have to suffer as a result of the conflict they initiate.
I monitored a few of the other International News Agencies just to see how they covered this Red Cross report, and without a doubt they provided a bit more background with which to judge this report by, and form an opinion on ones own.