Israel Matzav

Hamas could have had a field hospital too

Former IDF southern commander Yom Tov Samia reminds us that Hamas could have had a field hospital just like the one the IDF deployed in Haiti during and at the end of Operation Cast Lead. Hamas turned it down. Two weeks later, Israel closed it because there were no patients.

First, let's remember some facts before criticizing the relief mission for the victims in Haiti. Israel and the Israel Defense Forces gave Gazans the option to be treated at a field hospital near the Erez crossing (both during Operation Cast Lead and afterward). Who prevented this? That's right, Hamas. The IDF transferred hundreds of thousands of tons of food and medical aid to Gaza even while Qassam rockets and Grad missiles were falling on schools and the hospital in Ashkelon. Hamas intercepted these deliveries. The reason that more missiles and explosives - rather than food and medicine - are smuggled through tunnels connecting Gaza and Egypt is, once again, Hamas. The group is also preventing the import of critical building materials to refurbish damaged infrastructure, oddly claiming that this is not one of its priorities.

This is all intended to perpetuate the ruin in Gaza. Also, Hamas prefers to invest in rearmament rather than civilian infrastructure.

Indeed.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:09 AM