Israeli rabbis: Thou shalt kill civilians

Four leading Israeli rabbis have sanctioned the murder of civilian population in the Gaza Strip amid the Israeli onslaught on the region. 

“When a population living near a Jewish town sends bombs at the Jewish town with the purpose of killing and destroying Jewish lives there, it is permitted, according to Jewish Law, to fire shells and bombs at the firing sites, even if they are populated by civilians,” read a ruling issued by Rabbi Yaakov Yosef, Rabbi Dov Lior, Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpe and Rabbi Meir Mazuz. 

The four added that a warning should be issued prior to any attacks; however, they reiterated that the army’s response to rocket or mortar fires may be immediate “even if there is no time for a warning.” 

UNICEF statement on situation in Gaza

NEW YORK, 29 December 2008 – UNICEF is deeply concerned about the impact of the current violence in Gaza on children. UNICEF urges all parties to the conflict to abide by their international legal obligation to ensure that children are protected and that they receive essential humanitarian supplies and support.

Over half of the population in Gaza are children, and children are particularly vulnerable in situations of armed conflict. The UN Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator (OCHA) indicates that children are among victims killed and injured as a result of the recent air strikes.

It is critical that humanitarian assistance, including food, medical supplies and equipment be allowed into Gaza to address the urgent needs of children and women.