With the media reports from the OPT it can be very hard for anyone interested in the truth of the humanitarian situation to get a unbiased overview. I think that all news channels are putting their slant on reporting, not necessarily lying but just emphasizing their interpretation. However for those of us who want an unbiased report then I suggest that the daily report from OCHA is about as close as you are going to get. http://www.ochaopt.org/# http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_sitrep_22_07_2014.pdf Since 7 to 21 July, hundreds of homes have reportedly been directly targeted by Israeli airstrikes, with an estimated 472 houses totally destroyed or severely damaged, causing civilian casualties and displacing the survivors. Thousands of housing units have also sustained damage. There are serious concerns about reports from human rights organizations regarding several incidents where civilians or civilian objects have been directly hit by Israeli airstrikes, in circumstances where there was allegedly no rocket fire or armed group activity in the close vicinity. Such cases raise concerns whether the strikes have been in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Full respect for the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack, during the conduct of hostilities, as required by international humanitarian law should be ensured. The above extract shows the concern there is that international humanitarian law is not being ensured. Further parts show that 76% of total deaths are civilian. I believe this shows that even if the Israeli forces are not targeting civilians the result is that civilians are by far the largest group dying, and every civilian death will undermine Israels credibility. I urge everyone interested to read the full report, and we can have a debate around an unbiased report.
