Israel has history of uneven prisoner swap deals, page 1

www.washingtonpost.com...


Israel also has an uneven history in the death toll of the conflict....In Gaza 2009

www.guardian.co.uk...

In Lebanon 2006

news.bbc.co.uk...

The second Intifada 2000-2005

news.bbc.co.uk...

Deaths of civilians are a tragedy on all sides. But who are the ones really suffering in this never-ending Arab-Israeli conflict?




[edit on 23-11-2009 by Peruvianmonk]

reply to post by mrmonsoon

---

Yes great input there. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that not all the Palastinians being held by Israel are 'Bloodthristy' terrorists. Israel is well known for holding people without trial, including children for months over quite minor infractions.

With regards to the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap, there have been rumours circulating that a deal was going to be made this week. Both Hamas and the Israeli govt have downplayed this.

I agree with MM that swapping hundreds of prisoners (many of whom have been convicted for taking part in civilian massacres) for one soldier seems counterproductive in the long run, as it will encourage more kidnappings. But the Israelis are loyal to their own, so I don't know what will happen.

Incidentally a Hamas-linked "charity" based in Gaza are now reported to be offering $1.4 million USD reward for any IDF soldier kidnapped: Source.

I don't think it's fair to compare Israeli civilian casualties to Palestinian ones, since when Israelis kill Palestinians it is pretty much always by accident while going after bad guys. When Palestinian terrorists kill Israelis, its because they intend to kill civilians. No moral equivalence there.

[edit to fix link]

[edit on 24-11-2009 by mattpryor]

reply to post by mattpryor

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As always....

The voice of intelligence, logic and reason.

I am humbled my my ranting and your complete lack there of.

reply to post by mrmonsoon

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My heart goes out to the politicians that have to make this call. It's a horrible dilemma to be placed in.

On the one hand, Hamas will undoubtedly kill Shalit if no deal seems to be forthcoming. On the other, the prisoner swap will have dire consequences for Israeli security and will set a very dangerous precedent. And God knows what his family are going through. Basically, whatever they do is wrong.

The frustrating thing is they know exactly where he's being held - Syria - but Hamas have rigged the place with explosives so they can detonate it if the Israelis attempt a rescue.

Also worth remembering the hundreds of Hezbollah prisoners that Israel swapped for a few soldiers (2007?), who were returned to Israel as corpses. Still a very painful memory for many and must be on the minds of the decision makers.

reply to post by mattpryor

---

No of course, Israel has never killed civilians intentionally. Come on man, they are as much in the wrong as suicide bombers, who haven't stuck for 5 years by the way. Do i really have to point out the many examples of intentional terror inflicted on Israels enemies?

Jenin 2002

www.jenininquiry.org...

Gaza 2009

news.bbc.co.uk...

Lebanon 1982 Sabra-Shatila Massaceres

www.countercurrents.org...

The years after WW2 and leading up to 1948 The Creation of Israel

www.soundofegypt.com...

If anyone's interested in the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap, there's a good / thoughtful blog post about the debate here.

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