A confidential memo from the Dutch Defense Attache at the embassy in Tel Aviv warned the government that the Israeli army “intends to deliberately cause enormous destruction to infrastructure and civilian centers” in the Gaza Strip, which explains the “high number of deaths” among Palestinian civilians. The memo describes Israel’s actions as “disproportionate force” and a “violation of international treaties and the laws of war,” NRC reports.

The Dutch minister of Defense is furious about the leaking of a memo that confirms israel does not have a plan in Gaza and is trying to maximize civilian casualties.

  • sab@kbin.social
    106·
    2 years ago

    Yes and no. It’s fairly certain the Dutch embassy would object strongly to OPs summary. The difference between targeting civilian infrastructure with no regard for civilian lives is very different from actively targeting civilians, even though both are deplorable.

    It’s important not to simplify these things. By exaggerating and wrongfully quoting people you open up for a pedantic debate about differences in nuance, distracting from what is really important: They are targeting civilian infrastructure, not giving a shit how many civilians they murder in the process.

    • SleepyWheel@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      82·
      2 years ago

      It’s more than not giving a shit. Killing civilians is a feature not a bug, it helps Israel’s war aims in several ways and is entirely intended.

      • sab@kbin.social
        46·
        2 years ago

        That’s your words, not the Dutch. Doesn’t mean you’re wrong; that’s a different debate entirely.

        • SleepyWheel@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          71·
          2 years ago

          Israel “intends to deliberately cause massive destruction to infrastructure and civilian centers” while taking large numbers of civilian casualties for granted. That violates the laws of war, the memo states.

          I guess you’re arguing the memo only accuses them of intending to destroy “civilian centres”, not civilians. But "“taking large numbers of civilian casualties for granted” is part of the intent. Israel is the arsonist who knows there are children sleeping in the house.

          My view is that the Dutch are, in diplomatic language, saying that.

          • sab@kbin.social
            23·
            2 years ago

            Personally I think warping people’s word for no good reason other than to simplify things to better fit your own interpretation of reality is a pretty shit take, but each to their own I guess.