This is about as in-depth as the coverage of Israel you'll get from the press.
Because, you know, little facts like whether or not a terrorist group committed a war crime are apparently not relevant to the news story.
(For an example of Hamas using a UN School as a rocket-launching platform, please see the video here. We covered it way back when, as well, but Jim remembered it first, so off you go. [Ed.:—Temporarily embedding video for AoS readers. Please give Jim H. of Gateway fame a visit!])
Update: You know, one fact which does not escape me is that all of the men carrying bodies in this picture appear to be the right age and physical shape to be Hamas militants.
Not that the press generally knows how to identify militants or anything.
Update 2: Carl in Jerusalem is suspecting that this will become the "Qana" of 2009. Of course, as Carl points out, much of what happened at Qana has proven to be a fraud, so one wouldn't be surprised to find the same hold true of today's events.
It is patently obvious that Hamas has been directing Gaza residents to hide out in the UN schools, as the last few days of wire coverage illustrates—and terrorist groups don't usually offer such advice for free.
UPDATE: The Israeli consulate in New York is reporting via Twitter (how cool is that?) that the initial investigation suggests that mortars were fired from school grounds by Hamas militants, which is obviously what Israel was aiming for.
Additionally, the investigation has revealed that there was potentially a large secondary explosion at the scene, indicating that there was a significant amount of weaponry stored on site as well.
I ask again: WHERE IS THE WORLD-WIDE CONDEMNATION OF HAMAS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS???
Update: Another Hamas human rights violation: The IDF has discovered that another school in the Gaza Strip was being used for weapons storage.
One wonders when our independent news agencies will decide to start to questioning the Hamas party line in this present conflict.
See-Also:
AOS, Michelle Malkin, LGF, The Jawa Report, A Blog For All, Jules Crittenden, Hot Air.
Comments:
#1 Ace of Spades HQ 06-Jan-2009
The number cited is 40, but this war, like so many before, is Pallywood production. A "heightened reality" of magic and fantasy. Although there is a good chance that this was a pure mistake -- such happen in war --...
#2 bryan broyles 06-Jan-2009
You know, your blog reads much like the main stream press, in that it doesn't even suggest that their might be another side to the story. Israel might be doing something wrong, but you'd never know it by reading this, any more than that Hamas might be wrong by reading the sources you criticize. Ironic, huh?
#3 Larry_in_PHX 06-Jan-2009
I am no expert, but it seems like there has been some photoshopping to the lower leg with the dirty shoe. Any thoughts? http://www.daylife.com/photo/09Jt4KI1Co2Hd
#4 Brian C. Ledbetter 06-Jan-2009
Bryan,
If you want to know what the [i]terrorists[/i] say Israel is doing, you have AP, BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, NBC, ABC, CBS, etc. NONE of these agencies are presenting ISRAEL'S side of the story.
I prefer to do the latter, and since this is [i]my[/i] website, that's the editorial direction we go in. If you prefer being fed terrorist talking points, you're welcome to stick with the above. (You're also free to stick around here and spout off Hamas talking points here, too. I won't censor anything you say, with the usual exceptions for obscenity and the like.)
Regards,
Brian
If you want to know what the [i]terrorists[/i] say Israel is doing, you have AP, BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, NBC, ABC, CBS, etc. NONE of these agencies are presenting ISRAEL'S side of the story.
I prefer to do the latter, and since this is [i]my[/i] website, that's the editorial direction we go in. If you prefer being fed terrorist talking points, you're welcome to stick with the above. (You're also free to stick around here and spout off Hamas talking points here, too. I won't censor anything you say, with the usual exceptions for obscenity and the like.)
Regards,
Brian
#5 Brian C. Ledbetter 06-Jan-2009
Larry,
Thanks for sending that photo—I've zoomed in on the area in question and messed around with the contrast, and it looks like it's normal. The contrast in the photo is terrible, but if you boost it, it looks like a normal pants leg, dusty, against a dusty background; the white stripe being some sort of decorative design on the side of the pant leg. The shadows seem about "right," too—nothing really sticks out as being an obvious forgery to me from where I'm sitting.
(A higher resolution photo would be more instructive, but unless anyone finds one of those, this is the best I've got.)
Regards,
Brian
Thanks for sending that photo—I've zoomed in on the area in question and messed around with the contrast, and it looks like it's normal. The contrast in the photo is terrible, but if you boost it, it looks like a normal pants leg, dusty, against a dusty background; the white stripe being some sort of decorative design on the side of the pant leg. The shadows seem about "right," too—nothing really sticks out as being an obvious forgery to me from where I'm sitting.
(A higher resolution photo would be more instructive, but unless anyone finds one of those, this is the best I've got.)
Regards,
Brian
#6 Larry_in_PHX 06-Jan-2009
Wow Brian, you good - and fast too.
After seeing the higher resolution version, I haven't played with the contrast or anything else yet, but given your position and expertise, I believe you are right.
Thanks!
After seeing the higher resolution version, I haven't played with the contrast or anything else yet, but given your position and expertise, I believe you are right.
Thanks!
#7 bryan broyles 06-Jan-2009
Well, I don't recall having spouted Hamas talking points, but you certainly illustrate my point well.
This is your blog, and I'm not criticizing the content, but rather pointing out that adding another single sided view doesn't balance things out, really. You're committing the same sin you're complaining about.
Your blog, your content, but you lessen your ability to change opinions when you are yourself so clearly unwilling to acknowledge the fact that neither side in this conflict is free of fault.
This is your blog, and I'm not criticizing the content, but rather pointing out that adding another single sided view doesn't balance things out, really. You're committing the same sin you're complaining about.
Your blog, your content, but you lessen your ability to change opinions when you are yourself so clearly unwilling to acknowledge the fact that neither side in this conflict is free of fault.
#8 Brian C. Ledbetter 06-Jan-2009
The only side of this conflict that is [i]truly[/i] at fault here is the one that uses its CIVILIAN POPULATION AS HUMAN SHIELDS.
There really isn't much more to say about it than that.
Regards,
Brian
There really isn't much more to say about it than that.
Regards,
Brian
#9 bryan broyles 06-Jan-2009
Got it. No need to engage in discussion, there's only one side. Oddly, I came here because this was nominated as a photoblog. I can find no evidence of that, and the politics aren't interesting if they can't be discussed, so I'll bother you no more.
#10 Brian C. Ledbetter 06-Jan-2009
Bryan,
This blog primarily focuses on discussing photojournalism, including the biases and circumstances of the trade. I also speak to any other events that I think are significant, even if they're not directly related to photography. (For my personal photoblog-like feed, see flickr. I can promise that it will be far more sleep-inducing than this.)
I do enjoy hearing other points of view, including yours, but let's be perfectly clear: [i]Snapped Shot[/i] is not a "news" site. This is an editorial site, and the opinions listed here are [i]mine[/i].
Feel free to jump in and start disagreeing with anything you read here—You won't be the only person to do so. This just seems to be a much more interactive format than if I were to just sit here and read the news to you like a dry evening broadcast.
Hope to continue seeing you around,
Regards,
Brian
This blog primarily focuses on discussing photojournalism, including the biases and circumstances of the trade. I also speak to any other events that I think are significant, even if they're not directly related to photography. (For my personal photoblog-like feed, see flickr. I can promise that it will be far more sleep-inducing than this.)
I do enjoy hearing other points of view, including yours, but let's be perfectly clear: [i]Snapped Shot[/i] is not a "news" site. This is an editorial site, and the opinions listed here are [i]mine[/i].
Feel free to jump in and start disagreeing with anything you read here—You won't be the only person to do so. This just seems to be a much more interactive format than if I were to just sit here and read the news to you like a dry evening broadcast.
Hope to continue seeing you around,
Regards,
Brian
#11 bryan broyles 06-Jan-2009
Don't worry, I didn't feel badly treated. I've been around the net too long to not recognize civil disagreement, which this is. Civility is rare enough that it stands out.
But, i also don't want to be that guy, who is always on the other side. I'll wander back in and look around. Thanks for the invite and best of luck.
But, i also don't want to be that guy, who is always on the other side. I'll wander back in and look around. Thanks for the invite and best of luck.
#12 Brian C. Ledbetter 06-Jan-2009
Bryan,
You won't ever be the [i]only[/i] guy that's on the other side—Noz usually stops by once or twice a week to take issue with everything we say around here, and he usually makes for an interesting time about it.
I won't always get a chance to dialogue directly in the comments (I've got to work for a living; plus, the more time I spend in the comments section here, the less time I get to spend researching and writing the actual [i]content![/i] :) ), but I always enjoy reading them, and don't mind in the least if you use it as your own personal sounding board.
Anyway, I hope to continue seeing you around—And don't hesitate to e-mail me if there's anything I can do for you!
Regards,
Brian
You won't ever be the [i]only[/i] guy that's on the other side—Noz usually stops by once or twice a week to take issue with everything we say around here, and he usually makes for an interesting time about it.
I won't always get a chance to dialogue directly in the comments (I've got to work for a living; plus, the more time I spend in the comments section here, the less time I get to spend researching and writing the actual [i]content![/i] :) ), but I always enjoy reading them, and don't mind in the least if you use it as your own personal sounding board.
Anyway, I hope to continue seeing you around—And don't hesitate to e-mail me if there's anything I can do for you!
Regards,
Brian
#13 Larry_in_PHX 06-Jan-2009
You just have to KNOW there is trickery going on out there in the photos...
How about this?
http://www.mererhetoric.com/archives/11275339.html
How about this?
http://www.mererhetoric.com/archives/11275339.html
#14 Brian C. Ledbetter 06-Jan-2009
Larry,
I'm inclined to believe that the photo's genuine—The only odd thing about it is that the photographer/originating wire service is missing from the bottom of the picture. FARS is usually pretty consistent about putting that information in the lower left-hand corner.
The original FARS photograph is here. For comparison, here are some other shots of the same exact scene: Reuters, AFP, AFP 2.
Will look into it further as I get a chance. I'm not saying that it's impossible that FARS modified the image; only that it doesn't look that way.
Regards,
Brian
I'm inclined to believe that the photo's genuine—The only odd thing about it is that the photographer/originating wire service is missing from the bottom of the picture. FARS is usually pretty consistent about putting that information in the lower left-hand corner.
The original FARS photograph is here. For comparison, here are some other shots of the same exact scene: Reuters, AFP, AFP 2.
Will look into it further as I get a chance. I'm not saying that it's impossible that FARS modified the image; only that it doesn't look that way.
Regards,
Brian
#15 J.C. Bojack 06-Jan-2009
I have to take Israels side...it really pisses me off that the media is ready to condemn Israel for defending themselves...however, not a word is said against hamas who launched rockets and killed Israeli civilians. When hamas launched their attacks, doesn't seem like they were concerned about the welfare of children in Israel...and to top it off, they're using U.N. schools to launch their rockets and store their weapons. God help the good ol' US of A if we turn against Israel which I believe Obama will do. May God grant Israel victory!
#16 Bob 06-Jan-2009
Hmmm..Me thinks that those many who are huddling in fear as a few young men fire mortars might consider gathering up the courage to gang up on the perpetrators and make a galant effort to stop the insanity from within. Refusing to be a victim of bullies has stopped many a conflict.
#17 william 07-Jan-2009
Its pretty obvious if you get a major explosion after the initial attack that the school was being used as a weapons arsonal warehouse What better place than a UN school using kids as a human shield, exactly what the Israeli's were saying you still have a bunch of idiots that have blinders on and cant admit the facts such as the CNN's of the world Were all forgetting that to Hamas life is meaningless thats what terrorism stands for
#18 Larry_in_PHX 07-Jan-2009
Doesn't it seem like the debris is too large?
#19 Michael 07-Jan-2009
The uS are pussys for not intervening...they are too worried about offending the Jews who run the fn country..
#20 Ernie M 07-Jan-2009
Spoken like a true Jew lovin' republican peice of trash J.C.! The so called good ole U S of A is as guilty as Isreal for taking their side for years, and supplying them with money and weapons. We were supposed to be mediators in this conflict,not take sides. And without our might behind them, and letting them get away with their crimes against humanity, Isreal would've been wiped off the face of the Earth many years ago! Keep spouting your Fox News anti Obama crap you empty headed moron. Maybe you can join George W. in Texas and service the closet queer! Have a nice day!
#21 07-Jan-2009
After managing to avoid belching my breakfast at some of the above comments, here are my responses:
"Israeli Shelling Kills 40 (?) In UN School
The number cited is 40, but this war, like so many before, is Pallywood production. A "heightened reality" of magic and fantasy. Although there is a good chance that this was a pure mistake -- such happen in war --..."
really? pure mistake? did u know that the GPS coordinates for 23 schools in gaza were provided to israel by the UN? but forget that. let's speak logically (if u can...): with all the technical capabilities available in the world that the israel military undoubtedly has access to, do you REALLY think that such a "mistake" would occur? out of the 40 dead, did u know that only TWO were confirmed militants? u think they didn't know that there were families with children in the area? they DID know, but they didn't care.
JC: "I have to take Israels side...it really pisses me off that the media is ready to condemn Israel for defending themselves...however, not a word is said against hamas who launched rockets and killed Israeli civilians. When hamas launched their attacks, doesn't seem like they were concerned about the welfare of children in Israel...and to top it off, they're using U.N. schools to launch their rockets and store their weapons. God help the good ol' US of A if we turn against Israel which I believe Obama will do. May God grant Israel victory! "
your ignorance is beyond human understanding. you accuse people of looking at one side of the coin and say that they refer to pro-hamas new broadcasts. there are as many news agencies that portray hamas as the true terrorists as there are agencies that condemn israel for its horrific acts. therefore i ask YOU to stop looking at one side of the coin.
i am not a supporter of hamas. yes they do use innocent people as human shields with complete knowledge that israel's military won't hold back on striking those targets. to them, sacrificing innocent lives is fine when the ultimate goal is to make israel look like a monster.
the other side of the coin? i really don't believe that israel enjoys killing children and innocent people. when they hit the school, i do believe that they were aiming for hamas militants. however, they knew that those innocent people were there. and they knew that chances are, the ratio of dead hamas militants to dead innocents would be 1:20. but they didn't care because, just like hamas, they feel the sacrifice is worth the higher cause.
can't you all see that both hamas and israel are monsters? maybe the solution isn't to scold israel for killing the innocent. maybe the solution isn't to wipeout / disarm hamas. maybe the true solution kills both monsters with one stone.
"Israeli Shelling Kills 40 (?) In UN School
The number cited is 40, but this war, like so many before, is Pallywood production. A "heightened reality" of magic and fantasy. Although there is a good chance that this was a pure mistake -- such happen in war --..."
really? pure mistake? did u know that the GPS coordinates for 23 schools in gaza were provided to israel by the UN? but forget that. let's speak logically (if u can...): with all the technical capabilities available in the world that the israel military undoubtedly has access to, do you REALLY think that such a "mistake" would occur? out of the 40 dead, did u know that only TWO were confirmed militants? u think they didn't know that there were families with children in the area? they DID know, but they didn't care.
JC: "I have to take Israels side...it really pisses me off that the media is ready to condemn Israel for defending themselves...however, not a word is said against hamas who launched rockets and killed Israeli civilians. When hamas launched their attacks, doesn't seem like they were concerned about the welfare of children in Israel...and to top it off, they're using U.N. schools to launch their rockets and store their weapons. God help the good ol' US of A if we turn against Israel which I believe Obama will do. May God grant Israel victory! "
your ignorance is beyond human understanding. you accuse people of looking at one side of the coin and say that they refer to pro-hamas new broadcasts. there are as many news agencies that portray hamas as the true terrorists as there are agencies that condemn israel for its horrific acts. therefore i ask YOU to stop looking at one side of the coin.
i am not a supporter of hamas. yes they do use innocent people as human shields with complete knowledge that israel's military won't hold back on striking those targets. to them, sacrificing innocent lives is fine when the ultimate goal is to make israel look like a monster.
the other side of the coin? i really don't believe that israel enjoys killing children and innocent people. when they hit the school, i do believe that they were aiming for hamas militants. however, they knew that those innocent people were there. and they knew that chances are, the ratio of dead hamas militants to dead innocents would be 1:20. but they didn't care because, just like hamas, they feel the sacrifice is worth the higher cause.
can't you all see that both hamas and israel are monsters? maybe the solution isn't to scold israel for killing the innocent. maybe the solution isn't to wipeout / disarm hamas. maybe the true solution kills both monsters with one stone.
#22 joie 07-Jan-2009
what is the matter with everybody, have you joined the mobs of idiots? Both sides are wrong before and after. Stop and get everybody body of governments and or individually to arrest the people who start to bring harm to people. If you cannot do it with all your strength give me the power and the money , I promise you the ones who do this will cease to exsist. Everybody deserves the gift of life anybody who jeapordises that in any way needs dealing with with a crowd of folks. Get it togerther control self control and understanding . one ;cannot exsist peaceabally without knowing the difference between right and wrong thats right you two over there with your little ass selfish , suicidal and inconsiderate selfs stop your shit and i;ll bet you punk ass little dunces of science and intelligence more children will live. whats wrong with you O I love my mama and my wife , her son even her ex husband do you really have any love for anybody give up stop stop you are an idiot . Or else do it do it all to the max you piece of shit you piece of shit you sorry piece of shit , not that we are any better but if you would just stop and use your brilliant minds for the good for the good of your brothers like me like me for instance we can survive this unmanagable world that is coming about . Listen you who is about to do what a little piece of shit is asking of you to do and empty promises of hope and bliss, are you that fuckin stupid come on would you in your right mind even remotely come up with something this sinister would God even need your sorry no good asses to do his handy work you are just being used by your father, the one of destruction and pain. So wise up . Do you really think the God of everything needs you to help Get a life dont take anymore blood for your own i hope smart enough asses to do the Right thing wait upon the God of your fathers He is coming don't be fooled give don t take. I know in my heart that you will fail Somehow i forvgive you but if I can and we will do the best we can to stop your sorry ass asses.
#23 captainfish 07-Jan-2009
Wow, Brian knows how to push some buttons.
I would like to add this:
Hamas - an internationally recognized terrorist organization.
Israel - an internationally recognized true state.
Hamas - tries to outright kill civilians
Israel - tries to outright MISS civilians
Hamas - never abides by any recognized law or agreements
Israel - suffers laws and agreements despite constant attacks from other parties
Hamas - existence based on extermination of Israel. To agree to stop attacking goes against their very existence and purpose.
Israel - Protects all of its citizens including arabs and non-Jews. Existence based on seeking freedom and peace. Thus has abided by the Egyptian Peace Accords for decades.
Media - Loves terrorists. Hates western style governments.
If you all can not understand that, then you must also hate freedom. Go spend some time over in Hamas and see how long you can maintain your values. See how long it takes before you are shot for not being Hamas.
I would like to add this:
Hamas - an internationally recognized terrorist organization.
Israel - an internationally recognized true state.
Hamas - tries to outright kill civilians
Israel - tries to outright MISS civilians
Hamas - never abides by any recognized law or agreements
Israel - suffers laws and agreements despite constant attacks from other parties
Hamas - existence based on extermination of Israel. To agree to stop attacking goes against their very existence and purpose.
Israel - Protects all of its citizens including arabs and non-Jews. Existence based on seeking freedom and peace. Thus has abided by the Egyptian Peace Accords for decades.
Media - Loves terrorists. Hates western style governments.
If you all can not understand that, then you must also hate freedom. Go spend some time over in Hamas and see how long you can maintain your values. See how long it takes before you are shot for not being Hamas.
