IDF troops are responding with riot dispersal means and fire, and are operating according to standard operating procedures
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) May 14, 2018
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The particular standard operating procedures (SOPs) being referred to by the Israeli Defense Forces have resulted in the killing today of more than 50 Palestinian protesters (including eight children), and the injuring of more than 2,400.
The military action was in response to Palestinian protests that erupted today along the Gaza border as the U.S. opened its new embassy in Jerusalem. The deaths and injuries came mostly from gunfire by Israeli forces as Palestinians amassed at the border in far greater numbers than in other recent demonstrations.
Admittedly, demonstrators have resorted to violence — throwing stones, rolling burning tires, and lofting “incendiary kites” to ignite Israeli fields on the other side of the fence.
But human rights groups have faulted Israel for answering rudimentary weapons with live ammunition. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein wrote the following tweet:
“Shocking killing of dozens, injury of hundreds by Israeli live fire in #Gaza must stop now. The right to life must be respected. Those responsible for outrageous human rights violations must be held to account. The int’l community needs to ensure justice for victims” – #Zeid. pic.twitter.com/hBb7825Sp8
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) May 14, 2018
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And the International Committee of the Red Cross reported that with 400 people being treated at one hospital in Gaza alone, the “health system is on the verge of a collapse.”
During the first demonstration on March 30, Israeli soldiers killed more than 20 protesters. Video footage showed several people being shot as they ran away. Since the protests began, more than 100 Palestinians have been killed and more than 11,000 injured; no Israelis have been killed or injured as a result of the protests.
I’ll never understand violence, particularly when it involves the killing of another human.
And for the Israeli military to defend their actions by saying they were just following “standard operating procedures” is disgraceful and disheartening. Your SOP involves responding to rocks with bullets? Your SOP includes killing children?
I think your SOPs need to be tossed and a new set written, ones that are a bit more humane.
And while the Israelis are busy doing that, perhaps the Palestinians could take some lessons from Gandhi about civil disobedience as part of their SOP.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and for peace in the Middle East.
Borden's Blather 
It’s appalling. And it did not have to be.
I have always been confused by intractability of middle east conflicts. My husband explains how we ever got to this point — the unforgivable killing of children. over a stupid BUILDING. Heartbreaking. Maddening. Immoral.
“POTUS is proudly tweeting how he “accomplished” what others couldn’t. And he has dispatched a genuine anti-Semite to the scene of the crime as our country’s theological emissary to bless the event. Meanwhile, Palestinian kids by the dozens will die today lashing out at another perceived outrage. Just in case any moderate Palestinian holds out hope the US can still be an honest broker, the White House made clear it is unreasonable to ask Israel for restraint in addressing the protests because Hamas is solely responsible. The Trump approach to Mideast peace vis a vis the Palestinians is just say thank you or else.” (https://www.thedystopiareport.com/2018/05/14/bad-move/)
It’s more than just a “Bad Move” — it is a breath-taking mistake. Sadly in an administration full of so many mistakes it hardly gets attention…lost among insults to John McCain, shakedowns of major corporations by potus’ personal lawyer.
How long must this madness and minority rule go on before we become America again?? The days of thoughtful solutions and Camp David accords.
We have outrage fatigue, but in this case people.are.dying.because.of.it.
😦 sigh.
YES. Please, Israel, rethink you SOPs. You’ve lost your way.
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well said, and thank you for sharing the link to the dystopia report, I had never heard of it, but I liked the post that you shared and hope to read some more of them. let’s just hope that the world survives until we have new leadership in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
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