This week, in the middle of the Israel-Hamas conflict, an explosion was reported at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza city. This was initially reported, all around the world as an Israeli missile strike causing 500 deaths, Many got the impression that the hospital had been destroyed or severely damaged. The hospital is run by the… Continue reading On the balance of probabilities: Evaluating evidence and making your mind up about disputed claims
Tag: Hamas
Is war a crime?
Scott McKnight writes: “Why do more Christians not recognize what war experts know, namely, that “we fight war crimes but have forgotten the crime of war”?” https://scotmcknight.substack.com/p/sponges-and-war-immoral-word-choices?r=1nrx1&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post I must admit I’m not too sure who these “war experts” are or what it is that makes someone a “war expert.” However, I am not convinced by… Continue reading Is war a crime?
On staying in lane (again)
When the COVID pandemic struck, lots of us had opinions and views. At the time, I remember some discussion about the importance of “staying in lane.” I think I contributed to that discussion. The point was simple and good. We were facing a global pandemic, a serious medical crisis and there were politicians, clergy and… Continue reading On staying in lane (again)
Can we describe Hamas’ atrocities as demonic or is that dehumanising?
My friend, Jon Bergdahl often uses social media to campaign against antisemitism. This week, he made these comments about the Hamas’ attacks in Israel and how they are being reported on and responded to. This drew the following response. Is Dean right? Was Jon’s language dehumanising? It is also worth noting in this context, especially… Continue reading Can we describe Hamas’ atrocities as demonic or is that dehumanising?
The BBC, Hamas, Terrorism and impartiality
One concern raised over the last few days about the way that the Israel-Hamas conflict has been reported is that broadcast media have at times appeared equivocal in the handling of things. This, perhaps out of a desire to be impartial has given the appearance at times that guests have been invited onto news programmes… Continue reading The BBC, Hamas, Terrorism and impartiality
Boycotts, Blockades and Sieges
Israel has announced over the past few days that electricity and other supplies to the Gaza Strip are being cut off. This alongside warnings for non-Hamas civilians to move away from where Has operatives hide out. I believe the cutting off of essential supplies to be wrong. It will be harmful to many Palestinians who… Continue reading Boycotts, Blockades and Sieges
Israel, Hamas and antisemitism
The CST, or Community Security Trust is a charity that was set up to help protect Jewish communities from antisemitism. Yesterday they shared this warning on social media. Sadly, it is true and events over the past couple of days have demonstrated this. Here are some of the ways in which we’ve seen antisemitism at… Continue reading Israel, Hamas and antisemitism
The Truth about Hamas
In the last few days I’ve written about the need to respond to events in the Middle East in an informed manner. To speak on Middle East issues must include the responsibility to challenge Israel for unjust, oppressive and illegal behaviour including ongoing occupation of territory, failure to care properly for the human rights of… Continue reading The Truth about Hamas
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