Inexplicable Impartiality - the BBC

The BBC has confounded the British public, politicians and Aid Organisations by choosing not to screen an appeal in aid of Gaza, saying it would compromise the impartiality of the BBC and they expressed some doubt that aid could be delivered effectively. During the Israeli military offensive, Israeli government spokeswoman Livni said there is, 'no humanitarian crisis in Gaza', and by invading Gaza, the humanitarian situation was, 'kept exactly as it should be'.

Other channels are broadcasting the appeal on behalf of the DEC. The DEC is an umbrella organisation in the U.K. for aid agencies such as Oxfam and Islamic Relief and Save the Children.

Health minister Ben Bradshaw said the decision by the BBC was, 'inexplicable' and the Stop The War organised a march in protest of the decision attended by at least 5 thousand people at Trafalgar Square, London. The British government is donating £25m to the relief fund.

Aljazeera which has reporters stationed inside Gaza reports that some aid has started to reach into Gaza, however the crisis has left 100 000 displaced from their home and 50 000 people still living in temporary shelters, there is a lot that needs to be done.

I wonder, if the BBC is worried about impartiality, why not screen the appeal and let people make up their own minds about the existence of the humanitarian crisis? - This would be more impartial than not presenting the appeal at all.

Source: Yahoo News website accessed 25/1/09 http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090124/tuk-protest-march-over-bbc-gaza-move-45dbed5.htm, Aljazeera news website accessed 25/1/09 http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/01/2009123194844488755.html

U.N. Ban Ki-Moon demands investigation - Why?

Ban Ki-Moon, the U.N. Secretary General states that a third U.N. aid centre was sheltering victims was shelled just 2 days after he met with Israeli leaders when was reassured the UN buildings would be safe, and would not be targeted. Ban Ki Moon demands a thorough investigation.

For more see http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/01/20091177657498163.html

Ceasefire Coming

There is likely to be a ceasefire affirmed today by Israeli politicians as Israel is 'close to achieving it's aims' and has signed a MOU (memorandum of understanding) with America before changing presidents that was politically very significant and is good for their national security. It has also shown off its military might which warns neighbour states not to attack on Israel as they will attack back hard.

However at what price long term has this 'success' come?

Source: Aljazeera News Hour (broadcast by Triangle T.V.)

Livni & Rice - Friends

Today there was a press conference where Israel and U.S. decided to be 'friends' and they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect. Condaleeza Rice says how much she and President Bush enjoyed working with Livni whom thanked her 'friend and colleague Conda' for her help in the 'important work' that has been done for peace for Israel, the region and the 'people of the world'.

Eh? I'm not sure what important work has been done but it looks like it's ended in a war (am I missing something)?

Well, it seems like President Bush had some important 'friendships' to make certain before he steps down. It's really clear that American politicians were not acting as peacemakers in a neutral, fair or just manner.

Meanwhile Arab nation politicians also had a press conference and condemned aggression by Israel.

Isreali Politicians Can be Tried for War Crimes

U.N. Secretary General expresses his 'Condemnation and Outrage' at the attacks of Israeli on the UN Compounds. He says, 'the bombardment is Unbearable'.

The UN are vocalising that by ignoring the UN Security Council Resolution that bind Israel as it is a member state they have shown pure disrespect for International Law. In this way, Israeli politician can be tried for war crimes.

Although the Security Council Resolution has been adopted it has not been Implemented and Israel has been given 'special treatment' and acted with 'impunity'.

The defence minister and Israeli Spokes person whom are both going to run for President in Israel want to end the war but the Current Prime Minister wants to intensify it.

U.N. officials ask 'WHY' as Israeli military attacks U.N. Relief HQ

Israeli army is bombing the UN Relief Headquarters. UN workers say the aid supplies in a warehouse have been set alight. The U.N. gave the Israeli military the details of all the UN compounds however they are now being attacked. The Israeli military say they, 'saw militants nearby'. The UN officials say, 'there were no militants. We did not see any militants. If there were militants nearby 'WHY Werent We Informed?"

Families are running from building to building... whole apartment blocks are collapsing killing entire families. Nearly 1100 people in Gaza have passed away, there are not enough ambulances, there are no beds left in the hospitals treating so many in critical care.

As I am writing this, the UN buildings are still burning.........

They have also attacked the Red Crescent buildings (relief agency there). What is going ON?

Source: Aljazeera News Hour (U.K.)

Playing with White Phosphorous

"We saw a flash in the sky yesterday evening then it started falling and sparks were falling near us. Some of them came in our house and our ma tress started burning".

Indeed, on camera (Aljazeera is the only International News Agency with journalists resident inside Gaza) we can see lumps of stuff burning on the road. There are children, naively playing with it, using wooden sticks. Of course, they are not aware of the toxicity of the white phosphorous or the harm it will cause should it get on their skin.

Israeli military do not confirm use of white phosphorous, 'we do not use any substance that is outlawed under international convention' and 'I do not know the details of the munitions used'. The military spokes person for Israel military says, 'the only answer I can give, is that we cannot specify what munitions we are using'. Instead, she asked the interviewer, 'why don't you deal with the crimes committed by Hamas'.

Could this be an attempt to deflect the question and blame the other side??? She is not willing to answer the question!!! Israel military will not allow an international investigation into the matter.

N.B. White phosphorous cannot be controlled once released, it produces burning clouds of smoke up to 800m high - it is an indiscriminate weapon and is therefore banned for use in a civilian area during war.

Source: Aljazeera News Hour (TV) 12/1/08

See also

"Peacemaking is a Long Term Endeavour with a Great Deal of Disappointment"

The latest from Aljazeera News .....

Protests against the violence in Gaza are taking place all over the world, in London protests are being staged non-stop 24-7, children are marching in protest in the West Bank, and in Paris, where violence has marred the march of 30 000 people against the Israeli military effort. Check out Yahoo News http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090111/twl-israel-presses-on-with-gaza-war-as-d-3cd7efd.html

Whilst there have been 850 deaths so far, there comes reports of the suspected use of white phosphorous in civilian areas that causes severe burning to the skin. Israeli military threatens to escalate the conflict whilst 600 rockets have been fired from Gaza since military action began, some penetrating deeper than ever into Israel.

Journalists are locked-out of Gaza, with the only international journalists are those whom were resident inside Gaza before the military action are now targeted by Israeli troops. This is contributing to the international concern regarding what is happening inside Gaza.

"Peacemaking is a Long Term Endeavour, however there are small moments of incredible moments of extreme happiness and satisfaction". Sources: Aljazeera AJ One on One (TV) 11/1/2009