Guest commentary in Aug. 23 issue

Published: August 25, 2014

By Michael Gray

I have always respected your editorial practices. You attempt to balance divergent opinions and avoid discussions that devolve into irrational screeds.

Thus I am particularly disappointed that you would reprint the commentary first published by The Southern Cross, “Peace may be possible with one-state solution”. The commentary therein is little more than propaganda and it is beneath the standards of your publication.

The article describes the IDF actions in Gaza as “merciless scorched-earth destruction”. Through the use of inflammatory language the author attempts to create a visual image at odds with the IDF practice of targeted counter-attacks that are designed to eliminate Hamas’ ability to wage war on Israeli non-combatants. With the selective use of statistics the author would have us believe the IDF is guilty of a “war crime”. Such a serious charge should never be leveled on circumstantial evidence.

To put a finer point on it: when non-combatants are believed to be in the vicinity of a target the Israelis broadcast their intent and urge civilians to leave. Hamas stores weapons in schools, fires rockets from civilian homes and threatens to execute those who would leave areas ahead of an Israeli counter-attack. Just who is guilty of the alleged war crime?

The commentary represents everything the Catholic intellectual tradition is not: emotional, irrational, manipulative, counter-factual. I trust you will choose future guest commentary more prudentially.