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A pragmatic and value-based policy

21/01/2009 By Velina G. Stoianova

P.Baz/AFP/Getty Images
This article explores how Israel’s strategy of progressively suffocating the Palestinian population, which it has been implementing for decades, can be likened to the strategy employed by both sides when it comes to showing complete disrespect for international humanitarian law.

This is evident in the use of the civilian population (both in Gaza and in Sderot or Ashkelon) as a means of provocation or as shields and camouflage for the militia and rocket batteries on the part of Hamas. It can also be seen in the fact that both sides employ methods of combat that are sufficiently aggressive to blow away schools, warehouses and hospitals, whether they be local or in areas clearly demarcated and theoretically protected by international law, where humanitarian bodies have been working for years.


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Keywords

Civil society Conflict Gaza Strip and West Bank Humanitarian aid Israel Middle East

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Bio author: Velina G. Stoianova

Holds a BA in Political Science and Public Administration, with a specialisation in International Relations, from the Universidad Autónoma of Barcelona. She has done studies on the analysis and management of conflicts in the Balkans, the Near East and the Maghreb.