War Criminals

Supporting Gush Shalom against war crimes. A letter from Allen L. Jasson

I agree with the comments issued by Gush Shalom:

” Gush Shalom claims that the unit’s commander and the pilot must haveknown that the bomb to be used to kill Shehadeh – without a trial – would also besure to kill a large number of innocent people in the area. These officers had a duty to refuse to carry out what was manifestly an illegal order, the peace movement argues. “

Further, I find great offence in the comments of IAF Commander Major General DanHalutz.regarding the controversial July 23 air strike on a crowded Gaza neighborhoodthat killed.16 civilians including nine children, and injured more than 100 others in thecourse of murdering.Hamas military leader Salah Shehadeh, as recently published inHa’aretz.

Halutz said ” The decision making process was correct, balanced, and careful.The problem was with the information, the information changed. I reject all thecriticism about this operation, before, during and after. ” He referred to theoperation as ” militarily and morally ” proper. He said that it is legitimate to strike ata terrorist even if innocent bystanders will be hurt. ” I have no doubt about it, ” hesaid. ” Against a man who committed or is positively known to have the planningin hand for ‘mega-terror,’ my answer is categorically yes. How many people? Idon’t know. “

All of this.declares this.action as the worst kind of war crime;.premeditated, conductedin full awareness of the probable outcome (large numbers of civillian deaths andinjuries) and clearly, without remorse after the event. The perpetrators should bebrought to justice. They are not soldiers, they are criminals.

Yours Sincerely,

Allen L. Jasson (Melbourne, Australia)