InfoAnda - Israel vows to back soldiers accused of war crimes

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Hamas says committed to mutual truce with Israel | | 25 December 2010
No joke: Funny People falls flat at box office | Entertainment | | 3 August 2009
Rebels hit army headquarters in Damascus | | 5 September 2012

Kids breaks new ground for lesbians on film | | 4 December 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Israel vows to back soldiers accused of war crimes

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Israel vows to back soldiers accused of war crimes By JOSEF FEDERMAN,Associated Press Writer AP - 2 hours 13 minutes ago JERUSALEM - Special legal teams will defend Israeli soldiers against potential war crimes charges stemming from civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip, the prime minister said Sunday, promising the country would "fully back" those who fought in the three-week offensive. The move reflected growing concerns by Israel that officers could be subject to international prosecution, despite the army's claims that Hamas militants caused the civilian casualties by staging attacks from residential areas. ""The state of Israel will fully back those who acted on its behalf," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said. "The soldiers and commanders who were sent on missions in Gaza must know that they are safe from various tribunals." Speaking at the weekly meeting of his Cabinet, Olmert said Israel's justice minister would lead a team of senior officials to coordinate the legal defense of anyone involved in the offensive. Israel launched its 22-day offensive to try to halt Hamas rocket fire on southern Israel. The assault killed 1,285 Palestinians, more than half of them civilians, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights counted. Thirteen Israelis, including three civilians, were also killed during the fighting, Israel said. At talks Sunday in Cairo aimed at solidifying the truce, Hamas official Ayman Taha said the Islamic group offered a one-year truce to Israel, including the reopening of border crossings to allow vital supplies into Gaza. He said Israel offered an 18-month truce, which Hamas rejected. Israeli officials refused to comment. A low-level delegation from Hamas' rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' West Bank-based government, was also in Cairo for talks, but was not expected to meet with the Hamas envoys. Israel and Hamas are bitter enemies and do not talk to each other, relying instead on Egyptian mediation. In addition to the civilian death toll, Israel has faced international criticism for its use of white phosphorous, and for shelling attacks that struck United Nations schools and installations that were serving as shelters. Israeli, Palestinian and international human rights groups have said they are seeking to build a case that Israel violated the laws of war. The groups are focusing on suspicions that Israel used disproportionate force and failed to protect civilians. They also have criticized Hamas for using civilians as human shields and firing rockets at civilian targets in Israel. Israeli officials have said they took great efforts to avoid civilian casualties, and accused Hamas of deliberately using mosques, schools and residential neighborhoods for cover. Olmert angrily accused the "international legal arena" of "moral acrobatics" by ignoring years of Palestinian rocket salvos aimed at Israeli civilians. "The state of Israel did everything in order to avoid hitting civilians. I do not know of any military that is more moral, fair and sensitive to civilians' lives," Olmert said. In another precaution, Israel's military censor already has barred publication of the names or pictures of battlefield officers from the offensive. Israeli leaders have faced similar concerns in the past. In 2001, then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was sued in Belgium over his alleged role in a 1982 massacre in Lebanon's Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. He was never convicted. In 2005, a London court issued an arrest warrant for a retired Israeli general for his role in the bulldozing of houses in a Gaza refugee camp. The general ducked arrest by staying on his plane at London's Heathrow airport and flying back to Israel. Another top official, Cabinet Minister Avi Dichter, turned down an invitation to Britain out of concern that he could be arrested for his role in the 2002 assassination of a senior Hamas militant in Gaza. The Israeli offensive ended with a temporary cease-fire last week, and international mediators are trying to work out a longer-term arrangement. Israel wants guarantees that Hamas will stop firing rockets and be prevented from smuggling weapons into Gaza from neighboring Egypt. Israeli officials have said they are prepared to resume the offensive if rocket attacks start up again. Israel also has demanded the release of an Israeli soldier held by Hamas for more than two years as part of a long-term truce. Israeli Cabinet minister Shaul Mofaz suggested that Israel would assassinate Hamas leaders if the soldier, Sgt. Gilad Schalit, is not released. "I want to tell the leaders of Hamas, don't misunderstand us," Mofaz said. "Until Schalit goes free, none of you will be able to walk freely on the streets of Gaza." It was not clear whether Mofaz, a former armed forces chief, was voicing official policy or giving his personal opinion. After the comments, Palestinians fled from a dozen government buildings. Hamas officials called for calm, and midlevel officials were back on the job, distributing aid to victims whose homes were destroyed or damaged. Still, top Hamas leaders remained out of sight, as they have since Israel launched the offensive last month. Arab mediators have been trying to get Hamas and Abbas' Fatah to reconcile as part of the cease-fire. The sides have been at odds since Hamas wrested control of Gaza from Fatah in June 2007. Complicating the efforts, a top Hamas official said Abbas' government must end its peace talks and security coordination with Israel if it wants to reconcile. The leader, Osama Hamdan, also vowed that Hamas will continue to bring in arms to the Gaza Strip. Hamdan is Hamas' representative in Lebanon and is close to the group's supreme leader in Syria, Khaled Mashaal. Saeb Erekat, an aide to Abbas, said reconciliation talks should resume without conditions. "The important thing is to finish the division and have a government of national unity to carry on the reconstruction of Gaza," he said. ___ Associated Press Writers Ibrahim Barzak and Alfred de Montesquiou in Gaza City; Dalia Nammari in Ramallah, West Bank, and Amy Teibel in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World Paul Smith takes his cue from English schoolboyAP - 1 hour 27 minutes ago Dior Homme does fashion-forward black suitAP - 1 hour 30 minutes ago Berlusconi criticized over rape commentsAP - 1 hour 33 minutes ago Avalanche kills 10 in Turkey: reportAFP - 1 hour 38 minutes ago About the AP project 'Homefront Hamlet'AP - 1 hour 40 minutes ago Most Popular – World Viewed Child matador kills six bulls in Mexico 'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson Ring of fire: Indian Ocean to see solar eclipse Hudson 'miracle' pilot gets hero's homecoming World crisis deepens as downturn bites in Asia View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Monday, 26 January 2009
Israel vows to back soldiers accused of war crimes
Israel promises troops legal backing over Gaza war | International |
Pope gesture to traditionalists outrages Jews | International |
Europe's new atom-smasher chief signals caution after breakdown
Iraqi prime minister lectures against sectarianism
Steelmaker Corus to cut thousands of jobs: BBC
Iran tests air-to-air missile
Biden warns of higher US death toll Afghanistan
Thousands pay tribute to Belgian daycare victims | International |
Modernizer leads contest to head Russian church | International |
U.N. confirms deaths in Darfur bombing raid | International |
India steps up security ahead of Republic Day
Indonesia bans 'Hindu' yoga for Muslims
Sri Lanka says it captured last rebel stronghold
Chavez says US must make first move for diplomacy
Football Coach Indicted In Players Heat Stroke Death
Drunk Commodities Trader Arrested After Setting Elevator On Fire At World Trade Center
Mall Cop stays on top for second week | Entertainment |
'Mall Cop' patrols top of North American box office
'Paul Blart: Mall Cop' grabs top box office spot
Scots mark 250 years since national poet Burns's birth
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Mall Cop" stays on top for second week
'Slumdog' composer Rahman is the toast of India
Intoxicated Commodities Trader Sets Elevator On Fire At World Trade Center
First Lady Not Happy With Toy Company Selling 'Sasha' And 'Malia' Dolls
Jewish Agency official slams bishop rehabilitation
Congo warlord stands trial in child soldier case | International |
France, Spain pick up the pieces after storm kills 24
In Gaza campaign, Israelis see a temporary success
Aid for poor urged ahead of U.N. food summit | International |
Global warming could unleash ocean 'dead zones': study
Bolivians back constitution, give Indians more power | International |
Israeli court orders Gaza open to foreign media
Global warming could unleash ocean 'dead zones': study
Sri Lanka: Army has seized last rebel stronghold
Asashoryu dazzles fans in comeback win
Afghanistan survive tense finish to beat Hong Kong
Nepal's Maoist PM bans dowry system in bid for support
New Zealand services sector perks up in Dec.
Uma Thurman takes light look at mommy wars | Entertainment |
Shrink takes obvious swipes at Hollywood | Entertainment |
Robin Williams' Dad indulges in dimwitted gags | Entertainment |
Soderbergh's Girlfriend an emotionally cool puzzle | Entertainment |
"Shrink" takes obvious swipes at Hollywood
`Dark Knight' wins stunt prize at SAG Awards
A nerve-jangling 'Hedda Gabler' arrives on B'way
"Shrink" takes obvious swipes at Hollywood
Bangladesh Eyes 1.0 Percent Of $300 Billion Global IT Market In Five Years
Uma Thurman takes light look at mommy wars
Robin Williams' "Dad" indulges in dimwitted gags
Soderbergh's "Girlfriend" an emotionally cool puzzle
Art mogul Saatchi joins TV search for new talent
Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis to vote, but not along sectarian lines
Call for new focus on food security ahead of Madrid meeting
Head of troubled Dutch bank group ING resigns
Bicycle bomb kills five in NW Pakistan | International |
Obama to let states restrict emissions standards
Somali parliament may delay presidential election | International |
Pfizer set to acquire rival Wyeth: reports
India grapples with high maternal death rate | International |
Ancient Polynesian seafaring renaissance | International |
In Brazil's industrial hub, crisis starts to bite | International |
French power firm pulls out of Philippine deal: official
Rebels flee to jungle as Sri Lankan troops advance
Tight security in Kashmir ahead of Indian holiday
Obama faces Republican rancor as economy reels
Bicycle bomb kills five in NW Pakistan
China ushers in Year of Ox with celebration
Indonesian Muslims banned from practicing yoga
Japan in talks on whaling compromise: official
New Zealand reptile becomes dad at 111 years old
Pakistan Petroleum 6-mth net profit up 48.2 pct
Can stimulus, lower rates save Asia's economies?
Japan firm says it has discovered oil field in Gabon
Pakistani c.bank sells 13.4 bln rupees of T-bills
French power firm pulls out of Philippine deal: report
Report: Toyota's output seen down 25 percent
New Zealand credit card billings fall in Dec
Slumdog emerges as Oscar favorite after SAG win | Entertainment |
Hong Kong markets closed for Lunar New Year break
Meryl Streep wins SAG best actress award | Entertainment |
Few Lunar celebrations for jobless in China
"Slumdog" wins top SAG film prize, Penn best actor
Stars dish at SAG Awards
'SAG Awards': More than handing out a few trophies
"Slumdog" emerges as Oscar favorite after SAG win
Complete list of winners at 15th annual SAG Awards
Meryl Streep wins SAG best actress award
Hague prosecutor: Congo warlord used children to kill | International |
Rebels accuse Sudan of bombing near Darfur capital
Israel promises troops legal backing over Gaza war | International |
John Travolta's Close Friend Denies Involvement In Extortion Plot Against The Actor's Family
Corrected: Recession hits Silicon Valley as layoffs pile up
Two U.S. aircraft crash in Iraq
Iceland's ruling parties meet, future uncertain | International |
Consumer, banking giants to slash 13,000 jobs
EU agrees to take Iran group off terror list
Sri Lankan troops fight toward finale with Tigers | International |
"CSI" Actor Gerald McCullough Boxes A Knife-Wielding Thief In Subway
Two U.S. aircraft crash in Iraq, four killed | International |
China Premier's gifts to Europe come with price-tags | International |
Regional leaders meet to tackle Zimbabwe crisis | International |
Chinese hope for bullish Year of the Ox | International |
Four US soldiers killed in Iraq helicopter crash
Indonesians among the few to witness solar eclipse
Kyrgyz police investigate main opposition leader
Corrected: Recession hits Silicon Valley as layoffs pile up | Technology |
Thais, Cambodians to scale back troops at border
Spanish language returns to Philippine schools
Taiwan embraces China's gift of 2 pandas
Thailand plans to 'educate' foreigners on royal insult: official
Sri Lankan troops, rebels continue heavy battles
Japan PM rating falls as party loses regional vote
Pakistan may start cutting interest rates this year
Japan close to enacting stimulus budget
Japan stocks down ahead of earnings results
60 Minutes lands hero pilot's first TV interview | Entertainment |
Backstage comments by SAG Award winners | Entertainment |
Janet Jackson postpones Japan tour
Backstage comments by SAG Award winners
"60 Minutes" lands hero pilot's first TV interview
Man pleads guilty in Iran military parts case
Qimonda troubles to ease some DRAM market pain
Dow nixes big takeover plan for Rohm & Haas
Barclays bank shares sky-rocket after bailout fears fade
Custody Judge Allows Kelly Rutherford To Take Son To "Gossip Girl" Shooting
Iceland's PM says government collapses | International |
Caterpillar to slash 20,000 jobs
Meryl Streep Wins Best Actress At The SAG Awards
Sky joins BBC in refusing to air Gaza charity appeal
U.S. embassy in Yemen says gets threat of attack | International |
Russia plans base in Georgia rebel region: report | International |
Mugabe threat as Zimbabwe crisis summit begins
Pfizer to acquire rival Wyeth for $68 bln
Thai colonel denies abandoning migrants at sea | International |
EU official says Gaza destruction "abominable"
Britain's BBC, Sky refuse to air Gaza charity appeal | International |
Bolivia's Morales wins referendum, eyes re-election | International |
Regional leaders meet to tackle Zimbabwe crisis | International |
German Jews condemn pope move over Holocaust denier | International |
US officials: Clinton to name climate change envoy
Netanyahu maintains edge in Israel election race | International |
Economist magazine curbs distribution in Thailand
China reports 5th bird flu death this year
Turkmens remove late dictator from newspaper title
US officials: Clinton to name climate change envoy
China reports fifth bird flu death this year
Chinese state media: 18-year-old dies of bird flu
Chinese state media: Man dies from bird flu
Sprint Nextel to cut up to 8,000 jobs | Technology |
Indonesian Muslims banned from practicing yoga
Burning Tires At Cambria County PA Wholesaler Cause Five-Alarm Blaze
Thai distributor bans Economist issue with royal story
Philips posts first loss since 2003 | Technology |
Police Trying To Identify Body Found In Butler County, PA Retail Space Basement
Chinese hope for bullish Year of the Ox
California Legislators Endorse $6 Billion Spending Cuts For State Budget
Tajiks face electricity rationing in capital city
Qimonda troubles to ease some DRAM market pain | Technology |
Seemingly Random Shooting In Portland Kills 2 Teen Girls, Leaves 7 Other People Wounded
Interest In Big Cars Up Again Because Of Lower Gas Price
Illinois Begins Very First Impeachment Trial As Blagojevich Says He Considered Appointing Oprah
PA Fraternity Outing Turns Deadly; Single Car Crash Kills 2, Injures 4
Obama To Let California, Other States Set Tougher Emissions Standards
Infant Suffocation Due To Bed-Sharing On The Rise In The U.S.
Arson Cause Of Weekend Blaze That Tore Through 15 Homes In Suburban Philadelphia, PA
Senator Oprah? Blagojevich considered it | Entertainment |
Venice film festival to honor Lasseter, Pixar | Entertainment |
Denmark's King Christian IV Linked To Murder Of Famed Astronomer Tycho
Mysterious Illness Killing Off Thousands Of Bats In The Northeast
Mall Cop stays on top at box office | Entertainment |
Yusuf Islam, formerly Cat Stevens, releases song for Gaza
Venice film festival to honor Lasseter, Pixar
Pope Endorses iTunes Prayer Book, Launches Own YouTube Channel
Mystery Illness Kills Thousands Of Bats In The Northeast
Blazing Tires Destroy PA Wholesale Store, Two Other Businesses
Body Found In Basement Of PA Tattoo Parlor
International Warrant Served For Princess Anne's Chef; Man Accused Of Nipple Maiming Threats
Teenage Boy Fools Chicago Police Into Sending Him Out On Patrol
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01