Israeli soldier jailed for refusing to serve in Gaza

Irish Sun Monday 12th January, 2009

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.