Politics

Plenty of Blame to Go Around

By Adrian Duyzer
Published July 25, 2006

Re: 'This isn't just a border clash' (Hamilton Spectator editorial, July 18)

This editorial reads like an Israeli press release; no matter what Israel does in Lebanon, it's not Israel's fault.

But regardless of who started this latest conflict - and it should be pointed out that Israel still imprisons Lebanese citizens in addition to 9,600 Palestinians, has regularly violated Lebanese airspace since its withdrawal in 2000 and has refused to give the Lebanese government a map of the 400,000 land mines it planted in southern Lebanon - all parties have a responsibility to minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

As of July 18, Israel has killed at least 215 Lebanese, all but 14 of them civilians.

The dead include 20 Lebanese, including nine children, who were fleeing Marwaheen in civilian vehicles after being warned by the Israeli military to leave, contradicting the editorial's assertion that civilian casualties are a result of Hezbollah's "sheltering in residential neighbourhoods." Where was Hezbollah sheltering in this convoy of refugees? In the trunks?

It's true that Hezbollah and Hamas are a threat to peace and security in the region, but they are not alone in this distinction.

Israel's escalation of the conflict, disregard for the lives of civilians and continued annexation of Palestinian land makes it clear Israel is not interested in a lasting compromise peace any more than the Islamists.

(This letter was published on July 24 in the Hamilton Spectator.)

Adrian Duyzer is an entrepreneur, business owner, and Associate Editor of Raise the Hammer. He lives in downtown Hamilton with his family. On Twitter: adriandz

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