Morch

So far it's mostly Gazans 'paying'. Hamas didn't bother asking them if they were interested.

Nonsense.

No, I couldn't - because unlike you I wouldn't exclusively refer to Israelis as 'Zionists'. That's something often seen from official representatives of Hamas, Iran, Iran-backed-militias, and North Korea. The underlying sentiment is objection to Israel's existence, and making a silly show of ignoring reality. It's a lame hater thing. Also, next time that you whine about being labeled a Hamas supporter, Hamas apologist and so on - refer to your post and my reply.

@thaibeachlovers The difference between your trolling and what I posted is that while you often skip providing links and support to your comments, I usually do. Given the pace of events, and the number of posts - it's not reasonable, IMO, to require posting links long after events took place and issued discussed. Not very reasonable to rehash things in detail for the benefit of late-arrivals. All the more so when posters involved are not in the habit of providing acceptable support for their comments. Considering you have many people with differing views on 'ignore', and assuming you do not pick - then it is perfectly possible you'll miss a whole lot of posts, and therefore links provided. There's probably a similar price for living in an exclusively-AJ-supplied-news bubble, as well.

@thaibeachlovers How is it not the Palestinians' fault? The Palestinians' predicament originated from rejecting the partition plan, and adhering to this rejectionist stance for decades. By the time they (sort of) came to their senses, things already shifted some. Always amusing to see you make excuses for Hamas terrorist attacks, especially the 7/10 vileness - then whine when labeled Hamas supporter.

@thaibeachlovers When people mention 'colonial' that's often a way of saying 'the West'. Far as I recall, China and Russia are on the UNSC as well, and doubt they're into relinquishing their status as well. I'm not sure what you consider 'proven'. Were things better, globally when there were no UN, UNSC, and permanent members' veto right? I'm not so sure about that, maybe you can demonstrate it. Same goes for abolishing these - how would things work? How would this effect global relations? Wars around the globe? Chances for WWIII? You do not offer any answers. Not even a hit at what would resemble a 'better way'.

Already previously linked on one of these topics. I don't know which press conference you refer to, so no idea which came first. To be clear, these were testimonies about Hamas presence and usage of the hospital - not that they were anywhere near the areas where Hamas operated in the building, quite the opposite. Spin it as much as you like, Hamas presence in and usage of the hospital were facts.

I'm not denying that there are many unnecessary killings of Palestinian in the West Bank. You claim it's a policy, I think it's more a case of no policy. There were two reserve soldiers involved, and the one identified as the shooter, based on interviews and details in Israeli media - is exactly among the extreme religious right voter base. I think it's worth pointing out that you do not seem as interested in the other Israeli civilians murdered, guess not as important for pushing your agenda.

I'm not sure what this comment have to do with the post you replied to. To address it, though - the way IAF reserve pilots serve is that they keep flying regularly to maintain operational qualification/readiness. It doesn't take too long for a pilot to 'lose' operational status, and there's more to regaining it then simply making up the missing flights. These training missions are what constitutes most of the reserve duty activities for pilots. So when they refused to show up for that, the IAF was starting to experience the effects. As I recall, IAF higher ups admitted things were getting uncomfortable, but that they could manage until the end of the year or so (IMO, that was based on current numbers of refusals, while the trend was growing). As for reporting back to duty - this relates to the nature of the Hamas attack, I think. Had it been one of the more 'ordinary' flare ups - the willingness to return to service would have been lower. In a way there is also a connection to your previous post regarding USA support. So long as the Biden administration basically gives a seal of approval (plus the context of the 7/10 attack), and so long as the Supreme Court 'overhaul' is sort of on a freeze, maybe less issues at the moment. I think if either (or both) will change (Biden withdrawing support/Netanyahu resuming 'attack' on Supreme Court) there will be a reaction.

With regard to the Biden administration future reactions to Israel's actions, guess we'll have to wait and see. Same goes for how Israel's operations in the south of the Gaza Strip will pan out. I have already commented on some issues with that elsewhere - mainly that both Israel's intentions and capabilities seem unclear at the moment. I think what's likely to happen is that Israel will try to push things (as in relation to the Biden administration's wishes) as much as it can get away with. And whether through mounting destruction and growing casualty figures, or whether through a single major tragic accident - a red line will be drawn. In terms of political an geo-political damage, it may come too late for Biden, there's that. But again - we'll have to wait and see. I hope it will not come to that - as in not a repeat of the death toll, and no major friction between Israel and the USA. As for your last bit - I think you're intentionally trying to twist my comment and introduce a faux moral argument which is not exactly related to what I posted. I have not said the the motivations of the opposition, or the pilots were pro-Palestinian.

Admitted how? As I understand it he simply confirmed that there was a tunnel built when the hospital was under construction. That was then, and if you imagine Hamas did not expand it etc. over the years, that's your choice. As for what was found - more than what you mention (as you're probably aware), and not surprising given the time Hamas was given to clear out. There are testimonies of foreign staff who worked that support Israel's claims.

I don't know how you mean 'policy' considering there's a rather large scale investigation (three different agencies, not the norm) of the shooting. What it does highlight, is that under the current extreme right-wing Internal Security Minister there a sense of breakdown in discipline from supporters (in uniform or otherwise), and that maybe his new scheme of guns for everyone (a major shift in policy) is indeed a bad idea.

But would have been cooler if it was vodka infused cobra...

So Stevie, yeah...but what about Jimmy? How does one deal being in the shadow of a younger, more talented, and gone in his prime, brother? I dunno. This is a 2010 recording, but an old number. On the stage are BB King, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and Jimmy. Now, Jimmy ain't in their league no matter how you cut it. But that night, for a couple of minutes he absolutely shines, takes charge and brings it home. Richard Cousins on bass, and if anyone knows who's the old-timer in 6:27, I'll be glad to know.

Karim Khan sounds more balanced than some of his predecessors - not inasmuch as he's into giving Israel a free pass on anything (he won't), but in that he seems to accept and believe Hamas actions constitute clear transgressions. Also, he's less confrontational, and more of a pragmatic when it comes to the ICC's 'diplomatic' work (hence the problematic visit to Israel). The issues might arise from the guy chosen to actually investigate things - Andreas Laursen, who's hardly a 'fan' of Israel. I wonder if this appointment was intended to counter future claims of Khan being soft on Israel, but no way to know until things start rolling.

Minefields are a problem in some of the relevant areas (dunes). That's one reason they aren't widely in use. Tend to drift some. I don't think there's an issue with the existing means of security, the problem was more about readiness, level of alert, and a higher ups getting in-love with the notion Hamas was deterred. Also troops normally stationed there were deployed elsewhere (the West Bank), in part due to political pressures. Radars aren't that good at detecting drones, gliders and so on, but again - enough means as it is, more an a question of attitude. The buffer zone makes sense as it gives extra time to react, while not really having a huge effect on most Gazans. Diplomatically, though, it obviously creates bad vibes, hence this preempting move.

As far as I'm aware, administrative detentions do need to be approved by a judge (plus re-approved periodically), and there is a possibility to appeal to the Supreme Court. What you refer to, I think, is the initial process and detention. IMO the issue is with the practice itself, rather than how it's implemented. With regard to the ICC you can cite whatever you like - I don't see Putin avoiding international travel, or ICC squads trying to bring him to justice. As for you predictions - again, sounds like wishful thinking rather than something based on reality. The bit about the Palestinian State especially gives a distinct sense that you are not very informed on things Palestinian - but again, engage in wishful thinking.

Oh, I see - you start by commenting on both sides but now make it clear that this bit was reserved for one of them only. Thought that moment of semi objectivity was odd. The second bit is, again, one of them odd pronouncement of yours. Why is it not the point when cynical politicians use religious sentiments to incite violence, to make excuses for policies and so on?

The IDF did not plan to drop 'bunker busters' on any hospital. If that was the case the long standoff which allowed Hamas to clear off would not have happened. I'm aware you have issues with Israel, but try and keep things real, please. What 'international observers' would these be? Did the Hamas ever allow such to tour around? You want to deny the existence of tunnels, or any other thing Hamas does - go right ahead. You really don't have to make up excuses, you don't believe it, and that's it.

If any of the permanent members can veto it, what makes you think it will happen? Regardless of current events.

What are you on about with the 10 Commandments? How does this even relate? Allow me to doubt your geo-political predictions, and refuse to treat them as a sure thing the way you do. You seem to have very little of substance to add to the discussion.

That you dismiss something doesn't mean is not true. I didn't see it as blaming the victims, guess that's your interpretation.

Can't watch news for you. There were clips of the tunnels under the al-Shifa hospital, there were testimonies of foreign doctors and staff who worked there, and Hamas men spoke of it. Your choice to deny it.

Exclusive-Israel informs Arab states it wants buffer zone in post-war Gaza - sources https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/exclusive-israel-informs-arab-states-it-wants-buffer-zone-in-post-war-gaza-sources/ar-AA1kRZcH Well, that's interesting. Not the buffer zone thing, that's old news, but that this was offered for discussion with regional players. Diplomatically, it's a good move for Israel, as it involves relevant countries in sorting the mess, managing things post war in a cooperative way (vs. recent negative comments on this count from said countries). Better than a one-sided move, for sure. As far as I recall (security arrangements along the border were amended numerous times in the past), there was actually a time when it was like that. Access to fields near the border was limited for owners/farmer/workers at specific times. Stricter with regard to barren or no-man-lands. It's to be expected that there will be comments about the Gaza Strip already being very densely populated and so on - but doubt this would have much direct bearing on urban construction/living space. Don't think that there are high-rise buildings right on the border anyway.

Somewhat related, and quite surprising. This guy, for all his declared beliefs, political stance and allegiances , is as pragmatic as they come. I'm not buying into him wholesale (he's a politician, after all...) but helps holding on to hope that things may change: Mansour Abbas calls on armed Palestinian factions to throw down their weapons, work with PA to establish state https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/mansour-abbas-calls-on-armed-palestinian-factions-to-throw-down-their-weapons-work-with-pa-to-establish-state/