The IDF has hit out at the new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report that suggested Israel committed war crimes during May’s 11-day conflict with Gaza Strip-based terrorist groups. The Israeli military criticized the 6,500-word document for ignoring Hamas’ violations of international law and including claims that have already been proved false.
The HRW report published on Tuesday is primarily focused on four Israeli airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. However, an analysis of the claims by HonestReporting has revealed that Human Rights Watch rehashed many allegations made by other unnamed NGOs while ignoring the hand US-designated terror group Hamas had in Gazan deaths.
“We regret that HRW chooses to recycle claims already disproved instead of condemning the blatant violations of international law by Hamas and other terror organizations, such as carrying out military operations from civilian areas including mosques, schools and hospitals, and firing indiscriminately at the Israeli civilian population,” the IDF said.
The Israeli army also published a graphic showing a rocket that hit Beit Hanoun on May 10 was likely fired by Hamas from within the Gaza Strip. In contrast, the HRW report unequivocally stated that the explosion was a result of “an Israeli-guided missile.”
“Hamas deliberately embeds its military assets in densely populated civilian areas, endangering Gazan civilians in order to cover its unlawful terror activities that put civilians directly in harms way,” the IDF added. “At the same time, the IDF takes all feasible precautions to avoid harming civilians during its operational activities.”
The board chair of Ben & Jerry’s has publicly stated that she is not an antisemite following the brand’s announcement that it will end sales in “Occupied Palestinian territory.” Anuradha Mittal took to Twitter to defend the boycott of Jewish communities located in the West Bank:
“The vile hate that has been thrown at me does not intimidate me. Pls work for peace – not hatred!” https://t.co/ySzioevIr6
— Anuradha Mittal (@Mittaloak) July 27, 2021
Ben & Jerry’s decision conflicted with a statement from its parent company Unilever, which insisted it remained fully committed to sales in the Jewish state. The move by the Vermont-based ice cream company ignited a firestorm of criticism, with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett denouncing the “antisemitic” act and urging governors in states with anti-boycott laws on their books to take legal action against Ben & Jerry’s.
The European Union has said it is “appalled” at the deaths of two Gazans who were killed by Hamas security forces. Brussels joined growing calls to investigate the killings that occurred during two separate incidents in the Strip.
Hassan Abu Zayed, 23, was shot as he drove through a checkpoint on Sunday, while Imad Tawil, 27, was beaten by members of the terrorist group who raided the al-Nuseirat refugee camp. A Hamas spokesman defended the actions, claiming Zayed did not respond to warnings to stop his car.
“A full, independent and transparent investigation should be carried out immediately so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice,” the EU envoy to the Palestinians tweeted.
Palestinian human rights groups have also called for a probe into the deaths.
Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that they will join forces to create a ground-based laser defense system for Israel.
“Israel’s defense challenges underscored the vital importance of increasing Israel’s capability to address rocket attacks,” said Tim Cahill, Lockheed Martin senior vice president of global business development. “We are honored to work with the Israeli government and industry to address this critical security need that will support Israel’s national security,” he added.
Israel’s Defense Ministry has also been developing laser technology systems that can target a variety of threats. In June, it revealed that it had used a laser system mounted on a civilian aircraft to neutralize drones.
The ministry said Israel is among the first countries to successfully test such cutting-edge airborne laser technology.
An Iranian judoka paid tribute to Israel after winning the silver medal in the men’s 81-kilogram division at the Tokyo Olympics. Saeid Mollaei currently represents Mongolia, after having defected from the Islamic Republic two years ago.
Mollaei left Iran in response to an order he was given to lose his semi-finals match at the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo, so as to avoid facing Israel’s Sagi Muki in the next round.
“Thank you to Israel for the good energy. This medal is dedicated also to Israel,” Mollaei said during an interview with an Israeli sports channel. “I hope the Israelis are happy with this win.” He also thanked Israel in Hebrew, adding: “Todah.”
Israeli judoka Muki described Mollaei’s Olympic journey as “inspiring,” telling reporters: “He’s a very close friend of mine, and I’m so happy that he succeeded in achieving his dream. He deserves it.”
Two Olympians have so far abandoned the Games to avoid facing an Israeli competitor. Algeria’s Fetih Nourine and Sudan’s Mohamed Abdalrassol refused to face Tohar Butbul in the men’s 73-kilogram judo division.
Recommended Reading
- Hezbollah’s Defiance and the United Nations’ Duty (Aaron Jacob, Times of Israel)
- Iran Must Be Banned From Olympics (Emily Schrader, Jerusalem Post)
- The Palestinian War on Israel Is a War on Truth (James Sinkinson, Jewish News Syndicate)
- Harvard Astronomer Revolutionizes Search for Alien Life With New Project (Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post)
- Shield of David Program Battles Antisemitism Through Krav MAGA, Education (Mindy Rubenstein, Jewish News Syndicate and Israel Hayom)
