Yes, you read that right. A UN rep has actually dared to criticize the mujahedin, and draw attention to their reprehensible tactics, although of course he also parroted the “disproportionate” line against Israel, without noting the self-contradiction in which he was entangling himself: if Hizballah launches its actions from civilian areas, how is Israel’s response in civilian areas disproportionate? “UN humanitarian chief accuses Hezbollah of “cowardly blending” among civilians,” from AP, with thanks to Sr. Soph:
LARNACA, Cyprus – The UN humanitarian chief accused Hezbollah of “cowardly blending” among Lebanese civilians and causing the deaths of hundreds during two weeks of cross-border violence with Israel.
The militant group has built bunkers and tunnels near the Israeli border to shelter weapons and fighters, and its members easily blend in among civilians.
Jan Egeland spoke with reporters at the Larnaca airport in Cyprus late Monday after a visit to Lebanon on his mission to coordinate an international aid effort. On Sunday he had toured the rubble of Beirut’s southern suburbs, a once-teeming Shiite district where Hezbollah had its headquarters.
During that visit he condemned the killing and wounding of civilians by both sides, and called Israel’s offensive “disproportionate” and “a violation of international humanitarian law.”
On Monday he had strong words for Hezbollah, which crossed into Israel and captured two Israeli soldiers on July 12, triggering fierce fighting from both sides.
“Consistently, from the Hezbollah heartland, my message was that Hezbollah must stop this cowardly blending … among women and children,” he said. “I heard they were proud because they lost very few fighters and that it was the civilians bearing the brunt of this. I don’t think anyone should be proud of having many more children and women dead than armed men.”
“We need a cessation of hostilities because this is a war where civilians are paying the price,” said Egeland, before flying to Israel.