What a surprise. The United Nations Secretary-General, who has been virtually silent as Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terror groups from Gaza have made Sderot unlivable, has rushed to condemn Israel for "excessive use of force" as soon as Israel finally responded to the Arab terrorism.
The rhetorical question is whether it's possible for Israel to do anything other than absorb terror attacks without response without incurring condemnation from the United Nations Secretary-General.
The rhetorical question is whether it's possible for Israel to do anything other than absorb terror attacks without response without incurring condemnation from the United Nations Secretary-General.
UN's Ban condemns Israel's 'excessive use of force' in Gaza
Yitzhak Benhorin
Washington - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned Israel's "excessive use of force" in the Gaza Strip and said that international powers were not doing enough to force a ceasefire on the two sides.
Ban made the statements at a press conference held at the UN's headquarters in New York.
"I am deeply alarmed by the current escalation of violence in and around Gaza. This is unacceptable. I have been repeatedly condemning the rocket attacks by Hamas militants against Israel. While recognizing Israel's right to defend itself, I have also condemned the excessive use of force by Israel in Gaza.
Ban said he was particularly concerned about the harm caused to children in Gaza: "The frightening nature of what is happening on the ground, in particular its effects on children - who are more than half of the population - troubles me greatly. I have continuously stressed the need for strict observance of international humanitarian law.
[Not when it came to Arab terrorists violating international law. Only when Israel defends itself and does so strictly within the limits of international law.]
"I am also pained at the death, injury and damage to United Nations personnel and premises as well as to others associated with our programs."
Ban stated that both Hamas and Israel must halt all violence immediately and enter dialogue over a ceasefire.
[Hamas and other terror groups launched hundreds of Kassams, Grads and mortars at Israeli civilians during the last "cease-fire."]
He further criticized world powers for not doing enough to stop the fighting:" I think regional and international partners have not done enough. They should do more. They should use all possible means to end the violence and encourage political dialogue, emphasizing peaceful ways of resolving differences."
France trying to negotiate truce
According to the UN chief, Arab foreign ministers are going to meet soon in emergency session. "I urge them to act swiftly and decisively to bring an early end to this impasse. At the same time, other world leaders must also step up efforts to support a longer term resolution of the issue."
He also reiterated his call that unhindered access should be ensured for the delivery of humanitarian assistance into the Strip.
Meanwhile, a diplomatic source in France said Monday that French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner is trying to negotiate a humanitarian truce to halt Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip and let in medical aid.
The source said Kouchner had spoken to several European and Middle Eastern foreign ministers during the day, including Israel's Tzipi Livni and Egypt's Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
There is an easy way to end the violence: get rid of Hamas. Short of that, calls for Israel to stop defending itself only help perpetuate violence, terror and death.
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