[R-G] Israeli soldier jailed for refusing to serve in Gaza

[Anthony Fenton]

Israeli soldier jailed for refusing to serve in Gaza
Irish Sun
Monday 12th January, 2009
http://story.irishsun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/2411cd3571b4f088/id/452811/cs/1/

An Israeli soldier has been jailed for refusing to take part in the  
army's offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The unnamed soldier refused because of the civilian deaths resulting  
from the 17-day incursion.

He has been jailed for fourteen days after being charged with, and  
convicted for, refusing to obey orders.

A number of reservists are believed to be considering not  
participating in the war after being called up in recent days.

Some have reportedly come to arrangements with their commanders,  
exempting them from combat duty.

Reservists have been sent into the Hamas-controlled territoryof Gaza  
in recent days to bolster some ten thousand troops already serving  
there. A senior general with the Israeli army wrote a message to the  
newcomers earlier this week. "Reservists had a critical role in all of  
Israel's wars and, this time as well, they demonstrated  
responsibility, loyalty and fraternity with their brothers in regular  
combat," he said.

"Together we will meet the objective that was given to us, knowing  
that Israel's security is in our hands. Israel's enemies will know  
that, at any time, the IDF is ready and willing to meet its objective  
of protecting Israel and its citizens," he wrote.

Meantime Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday demanded Hamas and  
Israel end the violence, and observe the recently passed UN resolution  
calling for a ceasefire.

"The fighting must stop. To both sides, I say, just stop now. Too many  
people have died," he said.

"We have a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and  
enduring ceasefire. This resolution must be observed," he said.