News Editor
by Malcolm Helyar
I wish to respond to Shirley Hyde’s bizarre and inaccurate comments (Beacon, July 17).
Palestine has not belonged to the Jews for 3500 years, and the Palestinians did not give it, it was taken.
Israel can be considered an apartheid state that has persecuted Palestinians badly for over 80 years.
The Israeli government states that on October 7, 695 civilians, 373 soldiers, and 71 foreigners were killed, but they do not distinguish how many were killed by whom, Hamas or by IDF counterattack, on the kibbutzim and the Supernova festival, where they used tanks and gunships.
Hamas did not use body cameras and although IDF propaganda have stated rapes occurred, they are so far unproven, or false, as many other propaganda statements have been.
Such as two widely reported allegations at kibbutz Be’eri, which have been found to be untrue, although the UN special rapporteur does consider there are reasonable grounds to believe sexual violence may have occurred in some locations.
One baby only was killed by gun fire. Huge amounts of 2000lb bombs are not precision, and bombing designated safe areas is not valuing civilian lives.
Israel disregards international law, the Geneva convention, and is committing war crimes.
The ICC and ICJ are looking to take action against them. Bombing, lack of medical aid, starvation, and continuation of atrocities, does not help their hostages.