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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIsrael using flechette shells in Gaza
The Israeli military is using flechette shells, which spray out thousands of tiny and potentially lethal metal darts, in its military operation in Gaza.
Six flechette shells were fired towards the village of Khuzaa, east of Khan Younis, on 17 July, according to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. Nahla Khalil Najjar, 37, suffered injuries to her chest, it said. PCHR provided a picture of flechettes taken by a fieldworker last week.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) did not deny using the shells in the conflict. "As a rule, the IDF only employs weapons that have been determined lawful under international law, and in a manner which fully conforms with the laws of armed conflict," a spokesperson said in response to a request for specific comment on the deployment of flechettes.
B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights organisation, describes a flechette shell as "an anti-personnel weapon that is generally fired from a tank. The shell explodes in the air and releases thousands of metal darts 37.5mm in length, which disperse in a conical arch 300 metres long and about 90 metres wide".
The munitions are not prohibited under international humanitarian law, but according to B'Tselem, "other rules of humanitarian law render their use in the Gaza Strip illegal. One of the most fundamental principles is the obligation to distinguish between those who are involved and those who are not involved in the fighting, and to avoid to the extent possible injury to those who are not involved. Deriving from this principle is the prohibition of the use of an imprecise weapon which is likely to result in civilian injuries."
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/20/israel-using-flechette-shells-in-gaza
Electric Monk
(13,869 posts)jmowreader
(50,580 posts)If anyone wants to know why every Arab nation's constitution has called for the destruction of Israel...
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)than any other nation. Israel has every right to turn Arab civilians into voodoo dolls, because Israel.
Fred Sanders
(23,946 posts)not get the message?
peacebird
(14,195 posts)It is indiscriminate, hitting anyone - civilian and soldier or combatant. Israels claims it tries not to harm civilians and 'regrets' when they are killed but is using THIS?
I believe Israel has gone beyond the pale. Their actions are unforgivable.
Fred Sanders
(23,946 posts)Ichingcarpenter
(36,988 posts)Its a hell of a pinpoint operation John Kerry
Fred Sanders
(23,946 posts)libodem
(19,288 posts)So willing to .let go and let God. The just need a few fletchetts to prove 'He' Is on their side.
They can keep their old Testament male God. Should have called him Thor or Zeus instead of that name that can't be written or spoken.
4now
(1,596 posts)but they are doing it with our blessing.
Erich Bloodaxe BSN
(14,733 posts)BillZBubb
(10,650 posts)anyone killed or maimed by these weapons deserved it. After all, Israel ordered them to leave.
In a just world, Netanyahu would have an international warrant issued on him for war crimes.
TRoN33
(769 posts)It's considered as semi cluster bomb without exploding ordinances, he said this one should be illegal.
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)eom
defacto7
(13,485 posts)It's all anti-humanity. Slaughter of the innocent is uncivilized no matter what ideology demands it.
johnnyreb
(915 posts)geomon666
(7,512 posts)Is there any fucking doubt left they are targeting anyone/everyone indiscriminately?
Renew Deal
(81,895 posts)And are they legal? Why would they be used in an urban/civilian environment?
N_E_1 for Tennis
(9,794 posts)that has the potential to maim or kill anyone, be used in the same sentence as the word humanitarian?
Orrex
(63,261 posts)I was worried that their ongoing murder of hunrdeds of civilians might compromise Israel's integrity. Thank goodness that they're killing those civilians with legally lethal weapons. I'd hate to think that they're murdering hundreds of civilians illegally.
malaise
(269,260 posts)the great USA?