Almost two weeks ago, the Baltimore Sun published an editorial applauding Israel for its investigation of alleged solider misconduct in its recent offensive into Gaza.  I can’t say I disagree with that statement. CLICK HERE

What troubles me in calling out Israel and writing “The military code of the Israel Defense Forces, the best army in the region, obligates its soldiers to protect human dignity,” is that there was no comment about Hamas’ conduct. 

Yes, we all hold Israel and its democracy to a higher standard. Still, where is the Sun or any human rights organization chastising the Islamic organizations that control power in Gaza?

I recently attended an event for the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces. The speaker, an IDF officer, told us how Israeli strategy has changed since the war in Lebanon in 2006. Strong navies and air forces don’t help when one’s enemy is hiding in urban areas. This was the case in Gaza where Hamas military was set up in schools and hospitals. 

I agree and applaud that Israel is making the effort to question is conduct. The world would be a better place if the human rights organizations and Muslim leadership also worked to conduct themselves according acceptable rules of engagement.