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One apology too many

Yesterday Israel's tank shells killed 18 people when it struck a dwelling in Gaza - as reported here in The Independent:

"Israeli tank shells ripped through a residential neighbourhood in the northern Gaza Strip early today, killing at least 18 members of an extended family, including 10 children, as they slept, health officials said."

ABC News has reported this morning that Israel, in the face of condemnation from around the world, has apologised for the attack and will investigate the matter. Yet another investigation! Israel appears to believe it is immune from the carnage it is creating to the people of Gaza and the West Bank and the infrastructure generally. The world cannot allow this situation to continue. It must take action against Israel.

YNet News this morning reports:

"The incident in Beit Hanoun Wednesday morning, in which 18 Palestinians were killed from an IDF shelling drew many reactions, especially from left wing organizations who protested in front of the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv during the afternoon hours.

Peace activist Uri Avneri said during the protest that whoever decided to conduct this strike actually decided to murder whole families. "I don't believe this action is completely accidental," he said. According to him, "the heads of the military are in a constant state of frustration after losing the war in Lebanon and they are bent on venting their anger on someone. This is the reason for today's cruel action in Beit Hanoun."


As is if the above isn't horrific enough, The Independent also reports yesterday:

"Israel fired artillery shells containing white phosphorus in its recent conflict with Hizbollah militants in the Lebanon, according to an official investigation by the United Nations.

White phosphorus is banned under the Geneva Convention when used against civilians or in civilian areas, although Israel insists that the shells were directed against solely military targets."

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