"Outcry Erupts Over Reports That Israel Used Phosphorus Arms on Gazans"
A16, Thursday 1/22/09
By Ethan Bronner
The slogan of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign should be adopted for this article, which served no other purpose than inserting into public discussion whether or not Israel committed war crimes in its use of white phosphorous.
Too many issues remain unclear. The Israeli investigation into the matter has yet to be concluded. The politically-motivated investigations hoped for by NGOs have yet to begin. The statements of Amnesty International, as well as Palestinian officials and others have yet to be verified.
Did this still developing story warrant a half-page article? If Israeli use of the substance is deemed consistent with international law, will that story warrant a half-page follow-up?
While the article served to convey more Palestinian anger at Israel – “they should feel the pain we felt” – it served a larger purpose: let the conversation about Israeli war crimes begin.
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