Yesterday, after I posted the IDF Happy video, Israellycool contributor Brian of London wondered whether we would received flak for posting it the same day the 4 Gazan kids were killed.
Honestly, I had not thought about it; I posted the happy video because it was cute and seemed like a much needed morale booster. But it behooves me to comment on yesterday’s tragic incident.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of these young lives. I am sorry they were killed. As is the Israeli government, IDF and my fellow Israelis.
But that is an expression of our humanity. Our sorrow over the loss of any innocent life, whether Israeli or palestinian.
That is not an apology.
We need not apologize for targeting rocket launchers in that area. Which just happened to be right near the Al Deira hotel, where journalists covering the conflict are staying (yes, that Al Deira).
And I am sure it is also no coincidence that kids were playing on the beach, right near the site of the rocket launchers and journalists – like this guy – staying at the Al Deira and ready to report on the ensuing carnage.
I mean, think about it for more than a few seconds.
Rockets are being launched at Israel from right near the beach. As a Gazan, you know Israel has been responding by targeting these sites. Why would you allow your children to be playing there?
This is either negligence or – and I shudder to think of this possibility – deliberately placing your children in harm’s way to help the PR cause.
We have been under constant rocket attack from Gaza. Yet despite the great Summer weather, we have not entertained hanging out at the beach at this time.
It also bears mentioning that pending the results of the IDF investigation, we do not yet know how these kids were killed. And we know from a previous tragic incident on Gaza beach, that all is not always what it seems.
So yes, this is a horrible tragedy. A horrible loss of life.
But those responsible for it are Hamas, who are using Gazans as human shields, and the parents of these children who should never have allowed them to be playing out in the open near a rocket launching site.
