New Info On Reuters Vehicle Strike

Reuters is calling for an investigation into allegations that Israel intentionally targeted an SUV occupied by members of their organization. See updates and info via Hot Air, Poweline and lgf. However, the item below doesn't seem to have made much news.

Also, 21-year-old Tareq Hilles was also killed when an Israeli combat helicopter fired a missile at the area he was in, during the Israeli incursion into the neighborhood.

According to the sources, both of them (includes Hilles, not Reuters personnel) were identified as affiliated with Izzeldine Al Qassam Brigades, the militant arm of Hamas movement. The Brigades confirmed their affiliation in separate leaflets, and said they were killed by Israeli forces while fending off the massive incursion east of Gaza.

So, a military operation was on the way. One missile strike killed a known militant, another hit an SUV. For Reuters to suggest their presence in a battle space is reason enough for combatants not to fire, I'd suggest they fail to understand their role.

The net result of their position would result in Reuters and other press vehicles functioning as a form of human shield for known and identifiable enemy combatants. Nothing in the tradition of the press during war time supports that point of view.

(Edited to clarity multiple missiles fired during the operation)

Comments

[Heli Pilot]

I saw this 'News' as it was breaking on TV live. When the video of the vehicle finally came in - surprisingly moments after the crew arrived at the hospital - several things struck me as odd as I took advantage of DVR freeze frame.

#1 - of course the triangle hole looked silly

#2 - and I have not seen still photos of this posted anywhere yet: the interior contained many plastic items & panels, none of which appeared to be melted or even blackened.

#3 - how do these people get these vehicles from point a to point b for a photo op, in such a hurry, if they have been hit by a missle? Do they send out tow trucks? Did this vehicle drive to the hospital after it was hit by two missles? How is it that this vehicle was available in the middle of the night for a photo and video op, within an hour of being struck?

[indga]

Reuters. Human shields.