Hamas strike on Israel - mod warning in OP updated 19/10/23

What hasn't happened here in Ireland? Suspected People not being checked for weapons / explosives? For sure it has happened, remember Northern Ireland? People were checked on the street's women doing their shopping, cars stopped, and the drivers and passengers searched as well as the vehicle, and as for the one's arrested and taken to the police stations or military barracks. Being strip searched was only the beginning. Do you think that even in the present day, people arrested are not searched? You can be damn sure that they are searched, to make sure that they cannot harm anyone, including themselves.

Palestine, which this thread is about, is a long way from Ireland, and the differences between the two Countries is about as wide as its possible to get, in almost every respect yu can think of.

I don't know if there have been any changes recently, but historically, the international laws of warfare have been very clear: any facility used by a belligerent is a legitimate military target and if one side chooses to use human shields, they and they alone are responsible for any civilian losses.

That was the German Empire's defense for sinking the RMS Lusitania in 1915 - that the ship was a legitimate target being not only British flagged but also - allegedly - containing prohibited military materiel, not listed on its manifest. I don't know if that was true and frankly I have my doubts, but the law was clear. So AFAIK, as long as the civilians are not the targets, it's legal. Unless da Joos are being held to some ridiculous standard that no-one else in history has been.

And that's what seems to be happening. Hamas/Gaza have made it clear that they want Israel to be completely destroyed and its people imperilled if not all killed. And yet some people seem to think that Israel has some kind of duty to co-exist with Hamas, who has been terrorising their people since Israel made the mistake of leaving the Gaza strip in 2005.

Now you're moving the goalposts. Its very funny reading.

Your selective outrage is also very visible. Of all the atrocities in this war I see why you choose to be offended by rape more than murder as Israel is more guilty of that.

No-one is stopping you mentioning the horrific policy of of rape of women by Hamas as many times as you like. I have no problem with you mentioning it by the minute if that's what assuages you. Fill your boots.

But in any reasonable discussion, both sides of an argument get to say their piece (hopefully in a dignified, truthful and respectful manner)

No-one is stopping anyone calling out the IDF using human shields, raping of Palestinian children, burning Palestinian families alive in their home or the Jewish settlers who steal Palestinian land.

So there’s no evidence. It doesn’t happen in Ireland. No proof, other than what you say happens “plenty”.

so basically what you said what BS and to justify the picture the IDF too. Says. It. All.

That's a truly incredible outlook.

Might I ask why you why you think its a truly incredible outlook?

"as stated by you"

Try to follow the thread.You are attributing statements to me that seem to have been made by someone else....

(see someone even "thanked" you)

Yes, your post is disingenuous. Read it back to yourself.

And for the record, you were asked to provide a source for the statement you made that it is Hamas' policy to rape. You didn't. The questioner did provide Hamas' policy that is absent of rape plus statements that US soldiers raped Vietnamese women, absent a US policy on rape...

If you want to have an adult conversation, go and put on your big boy pants first.

And for the record, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt - yes, the BBC article did make my blood boil. So no need for me to reflect on anything. I would sincerely hope the killing of 7000+ Palestinian children maker your blood boil. Perhaps the Palestinian babies, decomposing in the hospital ICU makes your blood boil?

My blood boils when I see man's inhumanity to man - it is irrelevant who does it. Yes, what Hamas did and does is abhorrent, yes, what the IDF did and is are doing is abhorrent. But it has to stop.

Every hour in Gaza:

• 15 people are killed - 6 are children
• 35 people are injured
• 42 bombs are dropped*
• 12 buildings are destroyed