Amnesty International released a surprising report yesterday in which it sharply censored Palestinian terrorists. The organization, whose six previous reports on the Middle East have been sharply critical of Israel, \"condemns unreservedly direct attacks on civilians as well as indiscriminate attacks, whatever the cause for which the perpetrators are fighting, whatever justification they give for their actions... Targeting civilians and being reckless as to their fate are contrary to fundamental principles of humanity which should apply in all circumstances at all times.\" The report notes the comfortable atmosphere in which the terrorists operate:
\"Among Palestinians and supporters of their cause, there is considerable support for armed resistance by Palestinians... Commonly, advocates express support for the use of violence by Palestinians against Israel in general terms, drawing no distinction between attacks against military objectives and against civilians. In Palestinian media and in public displays, there has been considerable praise for those who have been killed in the course of attacking Israelis even if the attacks were targeted against civilians. \'Suicide bombers\' are commonly referred to as \'martyrs\' and their actions as \'martyrdom operations.\' Armed groups appear to find it relatively easy to recruit people prepared to kill themselves while committing attacks.\"
The report notes at some length that Amnesty International has long condemned Israeli \"violations of human rights,\" etc., but adds that \"no violations by the Israeli government, no matter their scale or gravity, justify the killing of [18-month-old] Sinai Keinan, [5-year-old] Danielle Shefi, [90-year-old] Chanah Rogan or any other civilians. The obligation to protect civilians is absolute and cannot be set aside because Israel has failed to respect its obligations. The attacks against civilians by Palestinian armed groups are widespread, systematic and in pursuit of an explicit policy to attack civilians. They therefore constitute crimes against humanity under international law. They may also constitute war crimes...\"
The report notes that at least 350 civilians were murdered in the 21 months of violence, though official Israeli figures have it at 385. It can be seen here.
\"Among Palestinians and supporters of their cause, there is considerable support for armed resistance by Palestinians... Commonly, advocates express support for the use of violence by Palestinians against Israel in general terms, drawing no distinction between attacks against military objectives and against civilians. In Palestinian media and in public displays, there has been considerable praise for those who have been killed in the course of attacking Israelis even if the attacks were targeted against civilians. \'Suicide bombers\' are commonly referred to as \'martyrs\' and their actions as \'martyrdom operations.\' Armed groups appear to find it relatively easy to recruit people prepared to kill themselves while committing attacks.\"
The report notes at some length that Amnesty International has long condemned Israeli \"violations of human rights,\" etc., but adds that \"no violations by the Israeli government, no matter their scale or gravity, justify the killing of [18-month-old] Sinai Keinan, [5-year-old] Danielle Shefi, [90-year-old] Chanah Rogan or any other civilians. The obligation to protect civilians is absolute and cannot be set aside because Israel has failed to respect its obligations. The attacks against civilians by Palestinian armed groups are widespread, systematic and in pursuit of an explicit policy to attack civilians. They therefore constitute crimes against humanity under international law. They may also constitute war crimes...\"
The report notes that at least 350 civilians were murdered in the 21 months of violence, though official Israeli figures have it at 385. It can be seen here.