Six Israeli civilians murdered, four of them Jews and two of them Arabs. Five others wounded, some severely. The terrorists blew a hole in the Karni crossing terminal, ran through it firing guns and throwing grenades, and then engaged in a gun and mortar battle designed to thwart the evacuation and rescue efforts. One of them was killed in the exchange of gunfire. The other two blew themselves up.
What are these crossing terminals used for?
Crossings are used daily by Palestinians to move from one area to another as well as to carry into Palestinian areas foods, medicines, and other necessary supplies.
These are, of course, the same crossings at which Israel is continually being asked to relieve congestion and ease security to promote the comfortable and efficient passage of those workers, medicines and supplies. And Israel has repeatedly done so, often with results like these.
Why are they so often targeted? Because the crossings represent mutual attempts by Israelis and palestinians to cooperate, to get along. The terrorists can't tolerate that. As an added bonus, the consequential closing of the crossings after these attacks provide grist for the "evil Israeli oppressors" spin mill.
The Aksa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack, as did Hamas and the umbrella Popular Resistance Committee. Fatah hailed "a martyrdom operation" at Karni, which is the main crossing point for goods transported to and from Gaza.
The Aksa Martyrs Brigades now wish to be known, by the way, as the Arafat Martyrs Brigades. And Abu Mazen's Fatah hails this as "a martyrdom operation." Yes, I know I'm repeating myself. So what does Abbas himself have to say about it?
"This attack, as well as Israel's military incursions which killed nine Palestinians this week, do not advance the peace process," Army Radio quoted Abbas, who spoke to journalists in Ramallah Friday.
I believe that in media double-speak, that's likely to be called a "condemnation." Sounds more like a justification to me.
