A confidential memo from the Dutch Defense Attache at the embassy in Tel Aviv warned the government that the Israeli army “intends to deliberately cause enormous destruction to infrastructure and civilian centers” in the Gaza Strip, which explains the “high number of deaths” among Palestinian civilians. The memo describes Israel’s actions as “disproportionate force” and a “violation of international treaties and the laws of war,” NRC reports.

The Dutch minister of Defense is furious about the leaking of a memo that confirms israel does not have a plan in Gaza and is trying to maximize civilian casualties.

  • Piecemakers@lemmy.worldEnglish
    266·
    1 year ago

    Frankly, OP’s words are closer to a summary of the quotes you provided than you seem to be insinuating…

    • sab@kbin.social
      139·
      1 year ago

      Yes and no. It’s fairly certain the Dutch embassy would object strongly to OPs summary. The difference between targeting civilian infrastructure with no regard for civilian lives is very different from actively targeting civilians, even though both are deplorable.

      It’s important not to simplify these things. By exaggerating and wrongfully quoting people you open up for a pedantic debate about differences in nuance, distracting from what is really important: They are targeting civilian infrastructure, not giving a shit how many civilians they murder in the process.

      • SleepyWheel@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        103·
        1 year ago

        It’s more than not giving a shit. Killing civilians is a feature not a bug, it helps Israel’s war aims in several ways and is entirely intended.

        • sab@kbin.social
          67·
          1 year ago

          That’s your words, not the Dutch. Doesn’t mean you’re wrong; that’s a different debate entirely.

          • SleepyWheel@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
            101·
            1 year ago

            Israel “intends to deliberately cause massive destruction to infrastructure and civilian centers” while taking large numbers of civilian casualties for granted. That violates the laws of war, the memo states.

            I guess you’re arguing the memo only accuses them of intending to destroy “civilian centres”, not civilians. But "“taking large numbers of civilian casualties for granted” is part of the intent. Israel is the arsonist who knows there are children sleeping in the house.

            My view is that the Dutch are, in diplomatic language, saying that.

            • sab@kbin.social
              23·
              1 year ago

              Personally I think warping people’s word for no good reason other than to simplify things to better fit your own interpretation of reality is a pretty shit take, but each to their own I guess.

              • Piecemakers@lemmy.worldEnglish
                31·
                1 year ago

                Clarifying purposefully obfuscated phrasing is hardly “warping”, and your assumption of narrative intent on OP’s part is beneath you. How many of those politicians even remotely connected to that certified release above do you suppose even know your name, much less give two soggy shits if you exist? Don’t bootlick, and don’t pontificate. 🤷🏼‍♂️