Malcolm Fraser on Gaza

In a recent article on Gaza Malcolm Fraser, probably no relation to the Australian PM, claimed that Israels response was disproportionate. The reasoning was that since none of the 8000 rockets caused a lot of civilian deaths that killing hundreds of children (Palestinian figures, unconfirmed) was not reasonable.

So the reasoning is that in times of war unless you side gets a lot of casualties you cannot respond in kind.

Let's look at intent. Hamas has declared since its inceptions that they will be satisfied with no less that the total annihilation of Israel, that is their intent. Israel responds by warning people to get out of the areas they are going to attack, i.e. to minimise civilian casualties. Hamas responds by bringing women and children in by the truckloads to use as shields. The difference in intent is very clear here.

Fraser argues that the rockets did not kill many civilians or children, regardless of their intent. By the same logic if I fronted up to Malcolm's place and emptied a clip from say a 9 mm pistol at him, and all the shots missed, then he would have no grounds to attack me or complain. I would be willing to wager large sums of money that in this case he would immediately abandon any 'principles' displayed in his writings and there would be an opposite reaction.

It is always easier to pretend something when it is not happening to you.

No what about all those complaints about relief shipments being blocked by Israel. There is a long friendly border with Egypt that could be used but no one is complaining that the Egyptians are not allowing the relief to get through. Seems very one sided to me.