Tags
conflict, Gaza, Iman Darweesh Al Hams, Israel, Israel Defense Forces, Middle East, Palestine, Rafah
The following is a transcript of the conversation between three members of the IDF shortly before, during and after the murder (for it can be acknowledged by no other name) of 13-year-old Iman al-Hams:
From the watchtower [three-way conversation between watchtower soldier, the operations room in another location, and finally, Captain R, the officer on the ground near watchtower : "It's a little girl. She's running defensively eastward."
"Are we talking about a girl under the age of 10?"
"A girl about 10, she's behind the embankment, scared to death."
"I think that one of the positions took her out."
"I and another soldier ... are going in a little nearer, forward, to confirm the kill ... Receive a situation report. We fired and killed her ... I also confirmed the kill. Over."
From the operations room "Are we talking about a girl under the age of 10?"
Watchtower: "A girl about 10, she's behind the embankment, scared to death."
A few minutes later, Iman is shot from one of the army posts
Watchtower: "I think that one of the positions took her out."Captain R: "I and another soldier ... are going in a little nearer, forward, to confirm the kill ... Receive a situation report. We fired and killed her ... I also confirmed the kill. Over."
Capt R then "clarifies" why he killed Iman:
"This is commander. Anything that's mobile, that moves in the zone, even if it's a three-year-old, needs to be killed. Over." [Source]
Iman was shot 17 times as she walked near an Israeli army post near Rafah refugee camp in Gaza a year ago.
The army officer who emptied the entire magazine of his automatic rifle into the wounded child was acquitted on all charges by the military court this week.
This is Israeli justice.
I don`t think it`s safe “nor rational” to put Israel & justice in the same line! Or should I say “same life” !!!!!
thx 4 this post.
H.
This is too terrible for words..
I appreciate you highlighting the often tragic events when two peoples struggle for dominance or even annihilation one over another. I got the impression that this was a current event which is happening today. After reading the linked article, it is not and was written in The Guardian, Wednesday 16 November 2005. A tragedy? Yes, absolutely. Have tragedies occurred on both sides of this conflict? Absolutely! It in know way diminishes this tragedy but I would hope that Israeli and Palestinian “Rules of Engagement” are modified to prevent further such tragedies. Only they know, we can write all day about it and still not know for sure. I guess what I am saying is why dig this tragedy up again? Pray for her, her family and for this incessant conflict to be resolved once and for all.
You are indeed correct, Ted, on many points; the article reappeared in the aftermath of the transcript (“This article was amended on 1 September 2010, to make explicit that the opening watchtower conversation is between three participants.”). Amen to your final point, though.
God.