US falls short of condemning killings
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The United States looked away and deferred judgement rather than delivering a forthright condemnation of Israel for the attack on Palestinian demonstrators that left so many children dead.
Behind the tortured syntax of diplomacy, President George Bush said he was continuing to "urge restraint" on Israel while saying it was "essential that people respect innocent life in order for us to achieve peace".
"We'll get clarification from the government," President Bush continued. "But I will continue to speak out about the need for all parties to respect innocent life in the Middle East."
The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, was equally circumspect, saying he was "profoundly concerned by reports" that more than 10 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza. He went on to say that "both sides" should "exercise restraint". Later, though, Tony Blair called the Israeli offensive in Rafah "unacceptable and wrong".
The EU was more forthright, however, saying the killing was "completely disproportionate" and that Israelis showed a "reckless disregard" for life. Brian Cowen, the Irish Foreign Minister, said on behalf of the EU: "The killing of children does not serve any legitimate cause and degrades any purpose which it purports to advance."
Meanwhile the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, said: "This is a war crime. This is genocide."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments