SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 2
Downloaden Sie, um offline zu lesen
UK Commander Challenges Goldstone Report


GENEVA, October 16, 2009 -- Today's emergency UN Human Rights Council debate on
the Goldstone Report predictably saw a line-up of the world's worst abusers condemn
democratic Israel for human rights violations. In a heated lynch mob atmosphere, Kuwait
slammed Israel for “intentional killing, intentional destruction of civilian objects,
intentional scorched-earth policy,” saying Israel “embodied the Agatha Christie novel,
'Escaped with Murder'.” Pakistan said the “horrors of Israeli occupation continue to haunt
the international community’s conscience.” The Arab League said, “We must condemn
Israel and force Israel to accept international legitimacy." Ahmadinejad’s Iran said “the
atrocities committed against Palestinians during the aggressions on Gaza should be taken
seriously” and followed up by the international community “to put an end to absolute
impunity and defiance of the law.”

What the world's assembled representatives did not expect, however, was the speech that
followed (see text below), organized by UN Watch. We invited as our speaker a man who
repeatedly put his life on the line to defend the democratic world from the murderous
Saddam Hussein, Al Qaeda, and the Taleban. The moment he began his first sentence, the
room fell silent. Judge Goldstone, author of the distorted report that prompted today's
one-sided condemnation of Israel but not Hamas, had refused to hear Col. Kemp's
testimony during his "fact-finding" hearings. But UN Watch made sure today that this
hero's voice would be heard -- at the U.N., and around the world

                                UN Watch Oral Statement
                           Delivered by Colonel Richard Kemp
                                UN Human Rights Council
                          12th Special Session, 16 October 2009
                               Debate on Goldstone Report

Thank you, Mr. President.

I am the former commander of the British forces in Afghanistan. I served with NATO
and the United Nations; commanded troops in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Macedonia;
and participated in the Gulf War. I spent considerable time in Iraq since the 2003
invasion, and worked on international terrorism for the UK Government’s Joint
Intelligence Committee.

Mr. President, based on my knowledge and experience, I can say this: During Operation
Cast Lead, the Israeli Defence Forces did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a
combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.

Israel did so while facing an enemy that deliberately positioned its military capability
behind the human shield of the civilian population.
Hamas, like Hizballah, are expert at driving the media agenda. Both will always have
people ready to give interviews condemning Israeli forces for war crimes. They are adept
at staging and distorting incidents.

The IDF faces a challenge that we British do not have to face to the same extent. It is the
automatic, Pavlovian presumption by many in the international media, and international
human rights groups, that the IDF are in the wrong, that they are abusing human rights.

The truth is that the IDF took extraordinary measures to give Gaza civilians notice of
targeted areas, dropping over 2 million leaflets, and making over 100,000 phone calls.
Many missions that could have taken out Hamas military capability were aborted to
prevent civilian casualties. During the conflict, the IDF allowed huge amounts of
humanitarian aid into Gaza. To deliver aid virtually into your enemy's hands is, to the
military tactician, normally quite unthinkable. But the IDF took on those risks.

Despite all of this, of course innocent civilians were killed. War is chaos and full of
mistakes. There have been mistakes by the British, American and other forces in
Afghanistan and in Iraq, many of which can be put down to human error. But mistakes
are not war crimes.

More than anything, the civilian casualties were a consequence of Hamas’ way of
fighting. Hamas deliberately tried to sacrifice their own civilians.

Mr. President, Israel had no choice apart from defending its people, to stop Hamas from
attacking them with rockets.

And I say this again: the IDF did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat
zone than any other army in the history of warfare.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Was ist angesagt?

Western media vs eastern media
Western media vs eastern mediaWestern media vs eastern media
Western media vs eastern mediaVINEETH NARAYAN V
 
African genocide ppt
African genocide pptAfrican genocide ppt
African genocide pptaheathcock
 
Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...
Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...
Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...ArabCitizenMedia
 
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-Palestinian ConflictIsraeli-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-Palestinian Conflictalbaaa22
 
Genocide powerpoint
Genocide powerpointGenocide powerpoint
Genocide powerpointjools_e
 
Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)
Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)
Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)MrsHeller
 
Issue in Judaism -Holocaust
Issue in Judaism -HolocaustIssue in Judaism -Holocaust
Issue in Judaism -HolocaustMycz Doña
 
Israel palestine issue
Israel palestine issueIsrael palestine issue
Israel palestine issueAsifMumtaz7
 
My lectures on suez canal crisis lecture ten
My lectures on suez canal crisis lecture tenMy lectures on suez canal crisis lecture ten
My lectures on suez canal crisis lecture tenDr. Afroz Alam
 
8 Stages of Genocide
8 Stages of Genocide8 Stages of Genocide
8 Stages of Genocidediana.koscik
 
The rwandan genocide
The rwandan genocideThe rwandan genocide
The rwandan genocidebrettpatychuk
 
Suez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MG
Suez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MGSuez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MG
Suez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MGMatthew Gibson
 
Attempts at peace: Arab-Israeli Conflict
Attempts at peace: Arab-Israeli ConflictAttempts at peace: Arab-Israeli Conflict
Attempts at peace: Arab-Israeli ConflictGreg Sill
 
The Syrian Refugee Catastrophe
The Syrian Refugee CatastropheThe Syrian Refugee Catastrophe
The Syrian Refugee Catastrophesarabiany
 
The Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of Israel
The Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of IsraelThe Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of Israel
The Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of Israelislamicjerusalem
 
11. the holocaust
11. the holocaust11. the holocaust
11. the holocaustMissMottram
 

Was ist angesagt? (20)

Bush Shoe
Bush  ShoeBush  Shoe
Bush Shoe
 
Western media vs eastern media
Western media vs eastern mediaWestern media vs eastern media
Western media vs eastern media
 
African genocide ppt
African genocide pptAfrican genocide ppt
African genocide ppt
 
Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...
Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...
Narrating war in 140 characters: “Protective Edge” as covered by Western main...
 
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-Palestinian ConflictIsraeli-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
 
Genocide powerpoint
Genocide powerpointGenocide powerpoint
Genocide powerpoint
 
The 6 Days War 1967
The 6 Days War 1967The 6 Days War 1967
The 6 Days War 1967
 
Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)
Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)
Genocide (Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda)
 
Issue in Judaism -Holocaust
Issue in Judaism -HolocaustIssue in Judaism -Holocaust
Issue in Judaism -Holocaust
 
The suez crisis 1956
The suez crisis 1956The suez crisis 1956
The suez crisis 1956
 
Israel palestine issue
Israel palestine issueIsrael palestine issue
Israel palestine issue
 
My lectures on suez canal crisis lecture ten
My lectures on suez canal crisis lecture tenMy lectures on suez canal crisis lecture ten
My lectures on suez canal crisis lecture ten
 
8 Stages of Genocide
8 Stages of Genocide8 Stages of Genocide
8 Stages of Genocide
 
The rwandan genocide
The rwandan genocideThe rwandan genocide
The rwandan genocide
 
Suez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MG
Suez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MGSuez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MG
Suez Crisis 1956 Research Presentation MG
 
Attempts at peace: Arab-Israeli Conflict
Attempts at peace: Arab-Israeli ConflictAttempts at peace: Arab-Israeli Conflict
Attempts at peace: Arab-Israeli Conflict
 
W. Bush Foreign Policy
W. Bush Foreign PolicyW. Bush Foreign Policy
W. Bush Foreign Policy
 
The Syrian Refugee Catastrophe
The Syrian Refugee CatastropheThe Syrian Refugee Catastrophe
The Syrian Refugee Catastrophe
 
The Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of Israel
The Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of IsraelThe Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of Israel
The Role of Zionist Movement Towards the Creation of the State of Israel
 
11. the holocaust
11. the holocaust11. the holocaust
11. the holocaust
 

Ähnlich wie UK Commander Challenges Goldstone Report

The Death Of Franz Ferdinand
The Death Of Franz FerdinandThe Death Of Franz Ferdinand
The Death Of Franz FerdinandTina Stevenson
 
404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...
404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...
404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...yvzct
 
Action against-nato-war-crimes
Action against-nato-war-crimesAction against-nato-war-crimes
Action against-nato-war-crimesProtect_SriLanka
 
ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...
ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...
ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...Julia Solem
 
Human Rights violations
Human Rights violations Human Rights violations
Human Rights violations Anusha J
 
Military Should Pay For War Crimes In The United States
Military Should Pay For War Crimes In The United StatesMilitary Should Pay For War Crimes In The United States
Military Should Pay For War Crimes In The United StatesErin Perez
 
Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...
Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...
Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...yvzct
 
Article 13 Of The Geneva Convention And Protocol
Article 13 Of The Geneva Convention And ProtocolArticle 13 Of The Geneva Convention And Protocol
Article 13 Of The Geneva Convention And ProtocolJessica Rinehart
 
A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...
A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...
A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...Juliet Davis
 
Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal
Abu Ghraib Prison ScandalAbu Ghraib Prison Scandal
Abu Ghraib Prison ScandalMelissa Moore
 
To What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime Actions
To What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime ActionsTo What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime Actions
To What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime ActionsKristen Stacey
 
Stephen graham urbicide on the west bank
Stephen graham urbicide on the west bankStephen graham urbicide on the west bank
Stephen graham urbicide on the west bankStephen Graham
 
International Relations Quiz- Prelims
International Relations Quiz- PrelimsInternational Relations Quiz- Prelims
International Relations Quiz- PrelimsAshoka Quiz Society
 
Legitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza Border
Legitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza BorderLegitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza Border
Legitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza BorderAndy (Avraham) Blumenthal
 

Ähnlich wie UK Commander Challenges Goldstone Report (20)

The Death Of Franz Ferdinand
The Death Of Franz FerdinandThe Death Of Franz Ferdinand
The Death Of Franz Ferdinand
 
The War On Crime
The War On CrimeThe War On Crime
The War On Crime
 
Korean War Crimes
Korean War CrimesKorean War Crimes
Korean War Crimes
 
404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...
404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...
404 Fully Sourced Calls and Actions for the ethnic cleansing, genocide and de...
 
Action against-nato-war-crimes
Action against-nato-war-crimesAction against-nato-war-crimes
Action against-nato-war-crimes
 
ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...
ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...
ISM Stands For International Solidarity Movement Essay...
 
Human Rights violations
Human Rights violations Human Rights violations
Human Rights violations
 
Military Should Pay For War Crimes In The United States
Military Should Pay For War Crimes In The United StatesMilitary Should Pay For War Crimes In The United States
Military Should Pay For War Crimes In The United States
 
Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...
Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...
Dehumanising or Genocidal Statements and Actions made against Palestinians (2...
 
Article 13 Of The Geneva Convention And Protocol
Article 13 Of The Geneva Convention And ProtocolArticle 13 Of The Geneva Convention And Protocol
Article 13 Of The Geneva Convention And Protocol
 
Alia Salam
Alia SalamAlia Salam
Alia Salam
 
A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...
A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...
A Question Left Unanswered - The Causes and Consequences of the Great Powers’...
 
Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal
Abu Ghraib Prison ScandalAbu Ghraib Prison Scandal
Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal
 
Zionist
Zionist Zionist
Zionist
 
To What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime Actions
To What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime ActionsTo What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime Actions
To What Extent Should We Be Responsible For Wartime Actions
 
Stephen graham urbicide on the west bank
Stephen graham urbicide on the west bankStephen graham urbicide on the west bank
Stephen graham urbicide on the west bank
 
International Relations Quiz- Prelims
International Relations Quiz- PrelimsInternational Relations Quiz- Prelims
International Relations Quiz- Prelims
 
War Crimes In Japan
War Crimes In JapanWar Crimes In Japan
War Crimes In Japan
 
Legitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza Border
Legitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza BorderLegitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza Border
Legitimate Use of Landmines for Israel-Gaza Border
 
Genocide Argumentative Essay
Genocide Argumentative EssayGenocide Argumentative Essay
Genocide Argumentative Essay
 

Mehr von Art 37

Copernaum
CopernaumCopernaum
CopernaumArt 37
 
Qantas repair
Qantas repairQantas repair
Qantas repairArt 37
 
Mirror in the water
Mirror in the waterMirror in the water
Mirror in the waterArt 37
 
Switzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandArt 37
 
Horse and Mulepower
Horse and MulepowerHorse and Mulepower
Horse and MulepowerArt 37
 
Rebirth of the eagle
Rebirth of the eagleRebirth of the eagle
Rebirth of the eagleArt 37
 
Marina bay, Singapore
Marina bay, SingaporeMarina bay, Singapore
Marina bay, SingaporeArt 37
 
Everyday life Prague
Everyday life PragueEveryday life Prague
Everyday life PragueArt 37
 
England
EnglandEngland
EnglandArt 37
 
Best pictures of 2010
Best pictures of 2010Best pictures of 2010
Best pictures of 2010Art 37
 
Africa
AfricaAfrica
AfricaArt 37
 
580 art - Paris 1900
580  art - Paris 1900580  art - Paris 1900
580 art - Paris 1900Art 37
 
150 year old civil war photos
150 year old civil war photos150 year old civil war photos
150 year old civil war photosArt 37
 
St Petersbourg
St PetersbourgSt Petersbourg
St PetersbourgArt 37
 
Danube cruise
Danube cruiseDanube cruise
Danube cruiseArt 37
 
Canaletto
CanalettoCanaletto
CanalettoArt 37
 
Hangar7&8
Hangar7&8Hangar7&8
Hangar7&8Art 37
 
Suntrips
SuntripsSuntrips
SuntripsArt 37
 

Mehr von Art 37 (20)

Copernaum
CopernaumCopernaum
Copernaum
 
Qantas repair
Qantas repairQantas repair
Qantas repair
 
Naval
NavalNaval
Naval
 
Mirror in the water
Mirror in the waterMirror in the water
Mirror in the water
 
Switzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Switzerland
 
Horse and Mulepower
Horse and MulepowerHorse and Mulepower
Horse and Mulepower
 
Rebirth of the eagle
Rebirth of the eagleRebirth of the eagle
Rebirth of the eagle
 
Marina bay, Singapore
Marina bay, SingaporeMarina bay, Singapore
Marina bay, Singapore
 
Hallo
HalloHallo
Hallo
 
Everyday life Prague
Everyday life PragueEveryday life Prague
Everyday life Prague
 
England
EnglandEngland
England
 
Best pictures of 2010
Best pictures of 2010Best pictures of 2010
Best pictures of 2010
 
Africa
AfricaAfrica
Africa
 
580 art - Paris 1900
580  art - Paris 1900580  art - Paris 1900
580 art - Paris 1900
 
150 year old civil war photos
150 year old civil war photos150 year old civil war photos
150 year old civil war photos
 
St Petersbourg
St PetersbourgSt Petersbourg
St Petersbourg
 
Danube cruise
Danube cruiseDanube cruise
Danube cruise
 
Canaletto
CanalettoCanaletto
Canaletto
 
Hangar7&8
Hangar7&8Hangar7&8
Hangar7&8
 
Suntrips
SuntripsSuntrips
Suntrips
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...University of Canberra
 
One India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream TamilnaduOne India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream TamilnaduDreamTamilnadu
 
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..mathiasanna557
 
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...virgfern3011
 
Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde  Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde NewsFeed1
 
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe WhitleyAnother Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe WhitleyAbdul-Hakim Shabazz
 
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicioPor estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicioAlexisTorres963861
 
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surchargesEED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surchargesEl Estrecho Digital
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (8)

Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
Light Rail in Canberra: Too much, too little, too late: Is the price worth th...
 
One India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream TamilnaduOne India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
One India vs United India by Dream Tamilnadu
 
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
Right to Privacy Case Studies PDF …………..
 
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
Green Aesthetic Ripped Paper Thesis Defense Presentation_20240311_111012_0000...
 
Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde  Anantkumar Hegde
Anantkumar Hegde
 
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe WhitleyAnother Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
Another Day, Another Default Judgment Against Gabe Whitley
 
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicioPor estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
Por estos dos motivos, defensa de JOH solicita repetir juicio
 
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surchargesEED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
EED - Profits uncontained. An analysis of container shipping ETS surcharges
 

UK Commander Challenges Goldstone Report

  • 1. UK Commander Challenges Goldstone Report GENEVA, October 16, 2009 -- Today's emergency UN Human Rights Council debate on the Goldstone Report predictably saw a line-up of the world's worst abusers condemn democratic Israel for human rights violations. In a heated lynch mob atmosphere, Kuwait slammed Israel for “intentional killing, intentional destruction of civilian objects, intentional scorched-earth policy,” saying Israel “embodied the Agatha Christie novel, 'Escaped with Murder'.” Pakistan said the “horrors of Israeli occupation continue to haunt the international community’s conscience.” The Arab League said, “We must condemn Israel and force Israel to accept international legitimacy." Ahmadinejad’s Iran said “the atrocities committed against Palestinians during the aggressions on Gaza should be taken seriously” and followed up by the international community “to put an end to absolute impunity and defiance of the law.” What the world's assembled representatives did not expect, however, was the speech that followed (see text below), organized by UN Watch. We invited as our speaker a man who repeatedly put his life on the line to defend the democratic world from the murderous Saddam Hussein, Al Qaeda, and the Taleban. The moment he began his first sentence, the room fell silent. Judge Goldstone, author of the distorted report that prompted today's one-sided condemnation of Israel but not Hamas, had refused to hear Col. Kemp's testimony during his "fact-finding" hearings. But UN Watch made sure today that this hero's voice would be heard -- at the U.N., and around the world UN Watch Oral Statement Delivered by Colonel Richard Kemp UN Human Rights Council 12th Special Session, 16 October 2009 Debate on Goldstone Report Thank you, Mr. President. I am the former commander of the British forces in Afghanistan. I served with NATO and the United Nations; commanded troops in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Macedonia; and participated in the Gulf War. I spent considerable time in Iraq since the 2003 invasion, and worked on international terrorism for the UK Government’s Joint Intelligence Committee. Mr. President, based on my knowledge and experience, I can say this: During Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli Defence Forces did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare. Israel did so while facing an enemy that deliberately positioned its military capability behind the human shield of the civilian population.
  • 2. Hamas, like Hizballah, are expert at driving the media agenda. Both will always have people ready to give interviews condemning Israeli forces for war crimes. They are adept at staging and distorting incidents. The IDF faces a challenge that we British do not have to face to the same extent. It is the automatic, Pavlovian presumption by many in the international media, and international human rights groups, that the IDF are in the wrong, that they are abusing human rights. The truth is that the IDF took extraordinary measures to give Gaza civilians notice of targeted areas, dropping over 2 million leaflets, and making over 100,000 phone calls. Many missions that could have taken out Hamas military capability were aborted to prevent civilian casualties. During the conflict, the IDF allowed huge amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza. To deliver aid virtually into your enemy's hands is, to the military tactician, normally quite unthinkable. But the IDF took on those risks. Despite all of this, of course innocent civilians were killed. War is chaos and full of mistakes. There have been mistakes by the British, American and other forces in Afghanistan and in Iraq, many of which can be put down to human error. But mistakes are not war crimes. More than anything, the civilian casualties were a consequence of Hamas’ way of fighting. Hamas deliberately tried to sacrifice their own civilians. Mr. President, Israel had no choice apart from defending its people, to stop Hamas from attacking them with rockets. And I say this again: the IDF did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare. Thank you, Mr. President.