Updated: Israeli ambassador 'regrets' shooting of Bianca Zammit
Adds Graffitti reaction to ambassadfor's comments
The non-resident Israeli Ambassador to Malta, Gideon Meir, in the first Israeli comments on the shooting of a Maltese woman in Gaza on Saturday, said today that he regretted the shooting on Saturday of Maltese national Bianca Zammit by Israeli Forces.
He also regretted, however, that innocent civilians such as Ms Zammit were being used by the Palestinians and by the International Solidarity Movement, for political purposes to enhance their case.
Malta filed an official protest after Ms Zammit, 28, was shot in the leg while filming a Palestinian protest against the Israeli forces in Gaza. She was discharged from a Palestinian hospital yesterday and is expected to make a full recovery.
Mr Meir is currently in Malta on a visit scheduled before the incident.
The ambassador said he hoped that the incident would not harm relations between the two countries.
The National Youth Council this morning also expressed solidarity with Ms Zammit and her family.
The council said Ms Zammit was a fine example of committed youths who were prepared to make sacrifices in favour of human rights and a better quality of life.
AMBASSADOR'S COMMENTS 'AN INSULT'
Moviment Graffitti said that the comments by the Israeli ambassador were insulting.
“The comments of the Israeli ambassador stating that Bianca Zammit was being ‘used’ for political purposes are simply an insult, both to Bianca, and to all those, including many Jews, who like her are dedicated to the cause of human rights in Palestine," Graffitti said.
"International solidarity activists in Palestine are not being used by anyone. They are simply trying to defend the fundamental human rights of people who have been forcibly evicted from their lands and who are living under constant terror. Gideon Meir also failed to explain how Israeli soldiers were shooting with so much ease on unarmed civilians in a peaceful protest. Unfortunately, this is just one of the many examples where Israeli soldiers have demonstrated this kind of behaviour, which often resulted in much more tragic consequences. He also fails to explain how farmers had been arbitrarily evicted from Palestinian land by the Israeli state, which was the reason for the peaceful protest during which Bianca was shot. “
The movement said the Maltese government should never accept such comments which added insult to injury. The government, it said, should protest more forcefully to the Israeli authorities .
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Charles Micallef
Apr 29th 2010, 09:27
Totally support and echo Joe Grima's words.
Who is occuping whose land and keep building housing estates on occupied land?
The American President, Israel's closest ally and financial supporter cannot make the Israelis see sense, and all because of their deep rooted arrogance. Trodding on the weak and homeless seems to be their trademark .!! !! !!
Raymond Sammut
Apr 29th 2010, 01:58
At no point throughout the interview shown here does Gideon Meir allege that Bianca Zammit was being "used" by Hamas. What he has said is what's generally accepted, namely, that the International Solidarity Movement support the cause of Hamas. The latter seems to be the only point of contention.
What seems to have occurred here is that the Israel Army cleared a stretch of land, some 300 metres wide, along the Gaza-Israel border to establish a buffer zone. Unfortunately, this has included farmland which Gazan farmers need for their produce.
I can see no sense in protests directed at the Israel Army. These young men are only doing their job which --most likely-- they do not like all that much, but it's something they have to do. When they see people in the buffer zone they get jittery, and things can go tragically wrong.
The buffer zone has been set up for a reason. Both Hamas and Israel know exactly what this reason is. Protests have to be directed at Hamas in Gaza City and at Israel in Tel Aviv. Both have to put aside attitudes that lead to killings and destruction, and sort out this mess.
Samir Abou-Hussein
Apr 29th 2010, 01:47
Such embassador used to use unpolite statments when dealing with polite people. All Palestnian Solidarity groups from all the world including great Bianca Zammit, they doing this couragous work by their own choice and with full commitment to the human rights which this embassadir does not like any body to do that! Palestinians are the victims of such double faced way of dealing by the zionist! they try to show that they are civilized while in reality they perform all unhumantarian criminal organised terroristic acts every second in Palestine. They try their best to hide the reality! they are destroying every pattern of life, not only killing the innocent people! they are destroying the plants and kiling the animals! Bianca tried t document these facts by a camera and that is why they shooted her!
This embassador did not mention who gave orders to these solidiers to shoot unarmed innocent people? are these criminal will be brought to the court? is there will be a fair court case for such criminals? I think the answer to these questions will be better than just giving a vague regret! God bless you Bianca and all human right supporters from all the world.
J S Borg
Apr 28th 2010, 22:10
When I listened to the Izraeli ambassador apologizing I said to myself, "Oh this person is so charitable, peaceful and enemy loving, i am sure that he is an undeclared saint"
Joe Zammit
Apr 28th 2010, 21:12
My daughter has nothing to do with Hamas. She went there just to help poor Palestinians lead a decent life and have normal rights that people normally enjoy. She is against any type of violence. Violence is never her solution.
Why, for instance, Palestinians cannot import even the basic things that they need for their daily life? Why is it that I can enter all countries except Gaza? Why can't my wife and I go to look after our daughter now when she is suffering from a fresh deep wound?
These are questions that have nothing to do with either Hamas or terrorism.
Miguel Micallef
Apr 29th 2010, 12:21
Because religion causes century-long wars and the earlier the world abandons religion and all hate brought by it the earlier we will all be able to live in peace.
Andrew Farrugia
Apr 29th 2010, 19:46
Unfortunately, the truth seems to be biggest loser in this sorry incident. The facts are:
a. nothing goes on in Gaza without the knowledge and approval of Hamas;
b. Graffitti members and International Solidarity Movement activists are ideologically driven and are antagonistic towards Israel (to put it mildly);
c. it is very curious that these activists never seem to organise any protest against human rights violations in matters concerning women's rights in Muslim countries, against suicide bombers killing young people, women and children in caffes, bars, and discos.
Martin Cassar
Apr 29th 2010, 22:24
@ Andrew Farrugia
Where are you getting your information from please? What you are saying is incorrect.
Prisoners usually occupy 95 % of the total prison area, while the left 5% of the total area of the prison controlled by prison managements and guards. Can we say prisoners are free?
Israel controls the 5% area that allows basic necessaries for Gazans, water .electricity drainage, fuel, food supply ….. Etc.
Same conditions apply on all parts of villages where Palestinians live. If you think that peoples that not of Hamas are better off, please think again. President Mahmoud Abbas does not have an authority over himself. To get out of the west bank he MUST get permission from Israeli’s police.
Actually Israel has been committing war crimes and using state of the art war machines for decades but they fail to break Palestinian’s will. No occupation last forever and people’s will never be defeated as long as occupation exist and we have peoples like Ms. Zammit.
By the way here the problem is OCCUPATION not religion. Is this hard to comprehend?
Warm welcome back awaiting Ms. Zammit
Sarah Carabott
Apr 30th 2010, 17:13
Dear Mr Zammit,
The reason is simple... the Palestinians have provoked the situation many times with all their terroristic activities, bombs, rockets and assassinations.... What do you expect Israel to do? Sit and enjoy the show??
Remember that Hamas has declared many times that it will not stop before it has killed every last child of Israel. They want the whole Israeli state to disappear and perish. Hamas like to call it an "Israeli occupation" when in reality it was just a return to their God-Given homeland.
So there can never be a peaceful solution with the Palestinians. The only solution - (short of killing them all) - is to fence them off and keep them at arms length and starve them from anything that could be manufactured into weapons and bombs. It is sad but there can't be another solution so long as the Palestinians persist in their policy of exterminating Israel.
I'm sorry for your daughter's leg. But your daughter had no business walking into the line of fire!! What was she thinking??
Martin Cassar
Apr 30th 2010, 21:00
@ . Sarah Carabott
You keyed in:
'Hamas like to call it an "Israeli occupation" when in reality it was just a return to their God-Given homeland.'
What’s going on?
I am seeing a swap of misleading incorrect information and fabrication of historical facts.
Quote: ‘The Holy land which G-D promised Israel.’ –
Unquote:
Where you got this from please? Who wrote the contract? Was there a notary? Shall I take it ‘Secular and democratic Israel’ is waging a holy war?
To understand this thorny issue we should first ask, is it about religion or occupation?
Was Hitter was a Palestinian, Muslim or an Arab?
Was the Palestinian’s territory was inhabitant when the Jews that escaped the Holocaust were expelled from Europe?
Answering these question may lead to better understanding.
Thank you. Bless
Sarah Carabott
May 1st 2010, 00:33
@Martin Cassar
You could do everybody a big favour by quoting accurately. Try using Copy/Paste next time!
God himself drafted the contract (yes a contract!) and Moses was the Notary Public and you can find 3 BILLION COPIES of the agreement in the Bible! This has nothing to do with with religion nor occupation. It is plain HISTORY!
Where do you think the Israeli's came from? From cabbages in the North Pole? Judea was their homeland and their land was illegally squatted by the opportunistic Palestinians right after the Roman-forced Diaspora in 70AD. The Jews faced abuse and pogroms for centuries until they got their act together and returned to their homeland in 1948.
So you see... It's the Palestinians who are the real occupiers. It NEVER was their land. They misappropriated land they did not own and now they want to dictate terms! Now they think that it is ok to blow up schools and busses. Very cheeky I'd say!
Martin Cassar
May 1st 2010, 18:41
@ . Sarah Carabott
Thank you very much for your advice. This time I tried my best to copy and paste accurate information in order to find any info about god-Jew contract. I couldn’t get a copy from this contract from MEPA I am afraid, so I had to check in the Bible.
In the Bible I came across: 1 Samuel 15:3
‘Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'’
This is exactly what Israel has been doing for six decades. In my opinion, both Israel and their god should should be arrested and go for international court and trialed for war crimes and holding seeds of terrorism .
I disassociate my self completely from such god.
Thank you. Bless
Stephen Florian
Apr 28th 2010, 21:00
Live by the sword and die by the sword. Stop being so trigger happy and change your military efforts in geniuine dialogue, Real peace would be beneficial to Israel as well. How wise is it to make one's neighbours one's worst enemies...? If you indeed are G-D's chosen people, then how can you behave in such a way...?
Kenneth Cassar
Apr 29th 2010, 07:14
"If you indeed are G-D's chosen people, then how can you behave in such a way...?"
Perhaps that's why they behave that way...because they honestly believe that. Read the Old Testament (their Bible)...you'll find justifications for much worse than that.
Wilfred L Camilleri
Apr 28th 2010, 20:20
Many are jumping on the band wagon and accusing Israel as being the bad guy and the Palestinians as the good guys. The fact is there are very few good guys in this conflict. Ms. Zammit must have known that getting involved in such protests could lead to violence. If Ms. Zammit wanted to help, it would be better for her to get involved in an organization that's trying to get the two sides together for discussion. Choosing one side or the other is an exercise in futility. This conflict will not be resolved by such meaningless one-sided protests.
Charles Sammut (NY USA)
Apr 28th 2010, 19:33
I think Miss Zammit is lucky that she did not become another Rachel Cory. Israel is not going anywhere and the quicker the Palestinians accept that realization the sooner they will have thier own state. Arafat had an opportunity but he blew it. I guess the Palestinians are not aware of the saying "If you can't beat them,join them".
j n ebejer
Apr 28th 2010, 19:09
I would truly try to get more information on the claim of use of foreign peace workers by Hamas as claimed in comments here before commenting furthur, because what results one aspires to get by protesting against a border watch tower in a dangerous area?
Shurely the wearing of the kefyia has some sort of meaning other than loving both Israelis and palestinians or impartial dedication to truth and justice.
But then, all said, the shooting of unarmed persons -whatever the reasons- is is not a sign of total disrespect for human dignity, a show of loss of one's own before all of the civilised community?
M. Cachia
Apr 28th 2010, 18:39
To all those who replied to my previous post, i will quote something that the victim's father posted below:
"When the soldiers came, all ran away and Bianca innocently remained there filming"
...the word innocently in my opinion is rubbish! Please enlighten me on how a 28 year old in a buffer zone of what can be considered a war-zone, can be believed to be innocent. Gimme a break!
So let the Palestinians and Israelis fight their own battles and if our government really believes that one of the sides deserves support etc then our representatives will raise it at EU/United Nations level, just like they are doing with the illegal immigration issue.
Christian Sciberras
Apr 29th 2010, 09:11
Well said!
It is absolute hypocrisy for much needed Maltese resources to be spent on foreign major countries.
We're talking about Israel for heaven's sake! I'm sure they can carry their own weight, both parties.
joseph cachia
Apr 28th 2010, 16:25
Mr JOE ZAMMIT
Please Mr ZAMMIT, you and your family have nothing to thank this person for.
He use the word regret just because he is in MALTA.
He while serving in israeli army did shot many an innocent civilian and would have shot
your HERO COURAGEOUS daughter to kill if he was still serving
J. Cachia B'Bugia
Wilfred L Camilleri
Apr 28th 2010, 20:22
And I suppose the civilians in Israel killed by Palestinian terrorists are not people as well and don't deserve to live in peace?
Joe Grima
Apr 28th 2010, 13:28
It is my considered opinion that this Israeli Ambassador has caused harm to Maltese-Isreali relations. The sooner he learns that the Maltese are not the idiots he thinks they are the better for him. He has managed to dismantle all the good work that his predecessor, Ehud Gol, did during his three-year tenure as Ambassador to Malta. We did not always agree with the postions loudly taken by Ehud Gol but he earned our respect even though ,sometimes,, his arguments in favour of indefensible Israeli positions were quite outlandish. It takes more than just lineage and family connections to make a good, respected Ambassador.
The Malteese peopel are behind =Bianca Zammit, a peaceful, apolitical protestor for palestinain rights.
joseph cachia
Apr 28th 2010, 13:15
Thank GOD for sending us the like of M. Cachia, who accuse the PALESTINIANS to be terrosist.
Of course, they came from all over europe, to steel and occupy PALESTINE, they murdered the
inhabitants and today with america help they bombard and murder more and more inhabitants.
Hope one day someone invade his home and dare to aceept himself as the terrorist, but not the murdering invader.
J. Cachia B' Bugia
Martin Cassar
Apr 28th 2010, 13:04
I will refrain to get into details. I would also 'accept' that history began at 1948 and additionally Hitler was a Palestinian and Muslim.
An ambassador must represent a country. A country must have borders. Could his Excellency tell me what are the borders of the country he represents please?
Could his Excellency be kind enough and elaborate what is the Palestinian case please?
Joe Genovese
Apr 28th 2010, 12:27
Unfailingly Israel's justification for military intervention hinges on private residences being used by Hamas as 'bases' to launch their rockets from.
The recent siege of Gaza and the razing to the ground of a sizeable swathe of a Southern Lebanese town bordering on Israel the year before are hard to forget.
In this incident the charge being levelled is that innocents like Bianca and her comrades in the ISM, are deviously urged by Hamas to 'trespass' unwittingly those areas designated by Israel as exclusion zones.
Another version of launching rockets from private homes. Another version of using human shields.
This tactic seems to be rife among Arab military planners. Remember Saddam Hussein parking warplanes in Ur during the Gulf War?
Bianca undoubtedly is driven by the noblest of ideals.
In such incidents truth is usually the first casualty. Tell us Bianca, were you and your Non-Arab comrades aware that that area was off-limits?
We depend on you to give the lie to Israel or to Hamas.
The World depends on you.
But before you answer, look over your shoulder so that you are free to do so.
wally vella-zarb
Apr 28th 2010, 16:57
"Tell us Bianca, were you and your Non-Arab comrades aware that that area was off-limits? "
Mr Genovese, do you know what you are talking about? The protest itself was because that land, PALESTINIAN farmland. was unilaterally and illegally declared by Israel as a no-go area!
mr said
Apr 28th 2010, 11:41
I don't see her go up to American or British soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan, because they will shoot her DEAD, with no warning.
victor vella
Apr 28th 2010, 11:04
The Palestinians are using foriegners to further thier cause by being martyrs, the foreigners are putting thier life at risk . The plaestinians are trying to cause diplomatic problems between Israel and other Nations.There are 2 solutions to this problem, a) The same fuss is raised by other nations when a Palestinian life is lost, or Nations who's nationals put thier life at risk by walking into war zones simply do not place diplomatic protests with Israel when an incisend happens.
C. Farrugia
Apr 28th 2010, 10:46
Ms Zammit knew she was endangering herself. She put herself in the line of fire.
Joe Zammit
Apr 28th 2010, 10:41
My family and I publicly thank the Israeli ambassador for regretting the incident in which Bianca innocently has found herself. We thank also all those who have somehow expressed solidarity with our daughter, wished her quick recovery and encouraged her in her mission.
We love both the Israelis and Palestinians and eagerly wish a lasting peace between them for the spiritual and material benefit of both.
Bianca has told us that she was not expecting any Israeli soldier to shoot, and in case they shot, they would shoot in the air to scare as they had done in the past. The protesters were farmers who were prevented to go in their own fields to work. In their hands they had only some Palestinian flags while Bianca had a camera.
When the soldiers came, all ran away and Bianca innocently remained there filming the fleeing farmers. Suddenly, she felt the shot, dropped the camera, fell on the ground and shouted for help.
Absolutely, there was no reason for shooting.
wally vella-zarb
Apr 28th 2010, 16:51
Mr Zammit, allow me to ask you, do you agree with the Israeli ambassador's preposterous claim that Bianca was being 'used' by Hammas? I have always regarded her actions and those of others who, like Bianca, put their lives at risk in an selfless effort to help the Palestinian People, with great admiration. I sincerely wish that there were more people of so generous a disposition.
Tony Gatt
Apr 28th 2010, 18:09
Some years ago a young Englishman was shot dead in similar circumstances. The Israelis cried crocodile tears then, too
Martin Cassar
Apr 28th 2010, 18:33
Mr. Zammit,
Once again I admire both you and your daughter for her sterling mission. I wish her safe return.
When the founder of the Zionist immigration movement Mr. David Ben Gurion was approached by journalists to answer the question in connection with the prospective borders of “Israel” he answered: The borders of Israel would be drawn as far as war tanks could demolish, ravage Arab lands and as far as aerial shelling could go!
Two decades ago, same questions was asked to Mr. Sharon (currently in 5 years old Coma). He evaded the answer about Israel’s borders and twisted the answer and said: the good Palestinian is the Dead Palestinian!
What would you expect from a country founded by terrorism?
Yes, simply I see Israel as armed gang of robbers currently living in pantostants called settlement, with the support of the UK and USA they were illegally and forcefully permitted to settle on the Palestinian people’s territory and this ugly accident in history is prime condition for what Bush's call terrorism and went on illegal wars that didn't achieve a thing but left us more insecure and at the edge of bankruptcy.
Robert Borg
Apr 28th 2010, 10:36
I am sorry for Ms Zammit... but she was there on her own merit. She knew that she was going into a conflict zone. The Maltese nation should not get into this conflict. I think it is very cheeky of Ms. Zammit to drag Malta into it.
T Pace
Apr 28th 2010, 10:34
Who does the ambassador think that he is kidding when he says that he regrets the shooting of unarmed civilians?
It is worthwhile to point out that he stated that "he also regretted that innocent civilians such as Ms Zammit were being used by the Palestinians ...."
Hence by implication he has NO REGRETS for Palestinian civilians.
The sterling work being carried out by non-Palestinians ensures that the world's attention is drawn to the actual state of events from a non-Palestinian source. Perhaps Ms Zammit was targeted as she had been identified as a non-Palestinian.
M. Cachia
Apr 28th 2010, 10:26
I am with the Israeli ambassador on this.
I disagree with ANY form of violence, but Ms Zammit put herself unnecessarily in the line of fire.
BUT, since we're free to do whatever we like, she had every right to go into a buffer zone in Gaza to protest.
BUT if she decided to go there on her own free will, then she cannot complain that she was shot at! ...and in the process drag our government into this farce.
You cannot expect to fight for Palestine and expect roses in return from the Israelis whose settlements get mortar showers and their kids get blown up by a terrorist while on their way to school.
Joe Bugeja
Apr 28th 2010, 11:13
M. Cachia What would you do if Malta was taken over by foreigners who either expel you from Malta or steal your property, kill your family and hound you all your life? Would you welcome them with roses in your hand?
Joe Scicluna
Apr 28th 2010, 12:21
Agreed, if anything we should be working for peace between the two sides rather than encouraging war.
Robert Agius
Apr 28th 2010, 12:42
Why don't you go there yourself and see what kind of conditions you have to live ins then see if will take the Israelis side. I mean you are right about 'terrorists' blowing themselves up. I mean these are people throwing stones at people with nukes. Perhaps if you have to survive under such poor conditions you would be doing the same. Its easy to point fingers but its high time people start pointing fingers at both sides.
There is also a huge problem in the future regarding water supply. A basic necessity for all Palestinians and Israels alike (and which belongs to both). Of course you might also think that Israel is will to share what is due to the Palestinians.
here are some words of wisdom for you -
'Everybody's worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there's a really easy way: stop participating in it.' Noam Chomsky
Robert Agius
Apr 28th 2010, 09:34
'He also regretted, however, that innocent civilians such as Ms Zammit were being used by the Palestinians and by the International Solidarity Movement, for political purposes to enhance their case.'
So much for
'regretted the shooting on Saturday of Maltese national Bianca Zammit by Israeli Forces.'
Who is he trying to fool. Where does all the hatred of the Palestinians stems from? Israel has no blame at all?
Perhaps that is why he states, 'enhance their case'. So maybe he agrees that there is a case after all.
ABORG
Apr 28th 2010, 09:56
i don;t think it is very wise to go into the merits of the israel- palestinian tensions ...and besides if i am not mistaken Ms Zammit was there on her own initiative and not to represent Malta...so did Malta in the first place file an official protest? to bring this litle country we have in confict?
ABORG
Apr 28th 2010, 10:22
having said that...pity such an unfortunate incident had to happen and i wish ms zammit a speedy recovery
Joe Bugeja
Apr 28th 2010, 11:14
ABORG Every country defends its own citizens even if they are the biggest criminals, let alone a peaceful protester.
Robert Agius
Apr 28th 2010, 12:11
of course its best to keep silent when one has nothing to lose. Until one becomes the downtrodden... Such thinking makes me sick.
That is not being wise, being shrewd is more appropriate.
carmen caruana
Apr 28th 2010, 08:57
Do you regret all the killing of innocent Palestinians too? FREE PALESTINE NOW!!!!
Christian Sciberras
Apr 28th 2010, 10:08
Yeah that goes in line with "PN/L RULES!!"
Tony Gatt
Apr 28th 2010, 10:17
Crocodile tears from the Israelis- what's new?!
Salvu Sciberras
Apr 28th 2010, 11:18
Christian Sciberras did you ever consider why the Israelis were expelled from so many countries throughout the world? If they were expelled from one, two, three countries you may say that they were against the Israelis, but from so many countries around the world makes you wonder doesn't it?
Joan Stuchner
Apr 28th 2010, 18:04
To Salvu: Frighteningly simple answer to your question. Early Christians blamed Jews for the crucifiction of Jesus - but not, apparently for the crucifictions of the other thousands of Jews the Romans murdered, though they are conveniently not mentioned in the Christian Bible. Why this absurb blame game? Because the early Christians wanted to distance themselves from their Jewish roots. And nowadays there's not much to be gained from blaming and persecuting Romans, is there? Even though the Roman writer Tacitus clearly and proudly admitted Roman guilt. The Romans are long gone, so there's no one to persecute.
Maybe like you, Salvu, people in Christian countries that expel the Jews don't want to think that when they are down on their knees in church they are praying to one. And yes, Jews in Muslim countries are treated poorly as well. But then, try being a Christian in Saudi Arabia.