IDF Investigates Improper Use Of Phosphorous Shells In Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces is investigating whether a reserve paratroops brigade made improper use of phosphorus shells during the fighting in Gaza. The brigade fired about 20 such shells in a built-up area of northern Gaza.

Aside from this one case, the shells were used very sparingly and, in the army's view, in compliance with international law. The IDF's use of phosphorus shells has sparked great criticism both in Israel and in the international media. The army therefore appointed Col. Shai Alkalai, an artillery officer, to investigate the issue, and his probe is still in progress.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[batguano]

Some of the history and acts of the IDF in Gaza.

http://www.pcdc.edu.ps/13yo_gilr_shot_to_school.htm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/4279102/Bullets-in-the-brain-shrapnel-in-the-spine-the-terrible-injuries-suffered-by-children-of-Gaza.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/784358.html

[arvay]

These horrors remind me of the incidents where American soldiers fired on civilians in Vietnam. I haven't felt similar shame for my country until Abu Grab.

When you fight against a people's war, killing the people will, of course, be part of the picture. That's not 'accidental' but rather part of the logic of oppression, a logic that Israel practices with deadly precision.

[arvay]

The finding will be that the unprovoked and inhuman rain of charred children's toys so unnerved the valiant IDF warriors that phosphorous was the only solution.

[jhNY]

A prediction: after a bit of public soul-searching, and a ponderous and lengthy inquiry, the IDF will discover that the IDF did nothing wrong, and even if it did, the other side would have done worse if only they had the white phosphorus themselves, which is why the IDF had to use it-- because if Hamas possessed the stuff they would have fired it in Israelis, if only they had a way to fire it at them, which they didn't and don't and won't.

[arvay]

Superb post.

[nefertiti]

I must say I m very happy to see many Posters very aware and know a few facts , and show some sceptism when it comes to Israel crediblity , I must thank the Web for telling the truth , not available on many US media I must say . thank god for the web and thank god some US citizens are willing to make an effort and find the truth , OUTSIDE their media . Bravo Evervyone .

[esquire07]

Americans are becoming more aware that the US Media is nothing more than a Corporate disinformation machine designed to keep the people ignorant and the money in the pockets of the richest of the rich.

Lets not forget all of Israel's weapons - which they use to murder children - are gifts from the American Taxpayers.

[batguano]

....cont
I also remember from numerous incidents the deaths of many press/camera crews/personnel, ambulance and paramedics, peace activists like Rachel Corey, killed by Israeli forces, most all such killings termed “mistakes” and “tragic errors”. Do these killings and attacks on civilians or their homes/shops, or news/ambulance personnel constitute a glaring lack of control of the IDF or just an amazing failure to use that astounding intelligence capability claimed by Israel in most instances of destruction/killing termed “justifiable” due to them being a “military target”?

I find it extraordinary that such a disparity of information exists in fact within the intelligence capabilities of the IDF and the Israeli administration of the moment.

[billybunterbatter]

UKPapers have plenty of evidence of WAr Crimes

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5563082.ece

[skialethia]

This is a j o ke. Would you let the cri mi nal investigate the c r i m e?

[xxnounxx]

This is the head of the israeli army denying,well refusing to say whether its using WF

[JoeDoorman]

HAMAS MADE ME DO IT!

[Prattvictory2]

Oh watch out! They'll be some wrist slapping happening in the IDF.

[Mollabaji]

Oh, they want to investigate on the "improper" use of it? Is there a "proper" use that is legal under international law? that is Israel for you.

[LillianB]

So, the IDF is investigating itself... Another invetsigation has to be initiated, too, on a higher (read: UN or the international war tribunal) level, shall it's results be credible.

[nefertiti]

"so IDF is investigating iself !? It always has . and it will find itself NOT GUilty . disgusting .

[000Jade000]

How does it make sense to have Israel investigate Israel?

[Ray46]

I don't think even the people in Israel believe this baloney.

[wadenelson1]

The reason this hasn't stopped is because no photographer is there to snap a heart-ripping picture of a little girl on fire running naked down the street.