Posted on 05/03/2003 5:32:06 PM PDT by Chipata
May. 4, 2003
IDF: Initial evidence indicates British journalist shot by terrorists
By JOEL LEYDEN
James Miller, a British freelance journalist working in Gaza, was most likely shot in the back by Palestinian terrorists, an IDF spokesperson told the Jerusalem Post.
The IDF stated that soldiers were patrolling the area of the army's Termit outpost, located near Rafiah, and had uncovered an arms-smuggling tunnel near the Egyptian border.
When the soldiers approached the tunnel Palestinian terrorists opened fire at them, the IDF said. The army claimed the fire included two anti-tank missiles. None of the soldiers were hurt as they returned fire at the gunmen.
The IDF points to two areas which indicate that Miller was shot in the back by Palestinians. The Associated Press TV captured an on-going gun battle between the IDF and Palestinian terrorists in Rafiah. The film clearly illustrates a dark night scene with Miller exiting from one Palestinian house and walking towards another which had a weapons smuggling tunnel in it.
Miller was part of a crew of three people which had a woman carrying a white flag. Miller was not walking in the direction of IDF troops and IDF gunfire.
An IDF doctor who was on the scene shortly after Miller was shot stated that the bullet entered into Miller's rear left shoulder.
The AP film also captured the sound of laughter coming from a Palestinian in a nearby building immediately after the shooting.
The army is awaiting further confirmation that Miller was shot dead by Palestinian gunfire as his body has been sent to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for further examination.
The IDF questioned Miller's judgement in that he was walking right into the middle of an on-going gun battle.
The IDF also stated that Miller was not in possession of a valid Government Press Card at the time of the shooting and as such the IDF had less control over his safety. The Spokesperson added that they would never had allowed Miller to enter a closed military zone and be exposed to hostile gunfire.
The IDF stated that it is a tragedy when any civilian is killed or wounded but added a warning saying that the entry of photographers into combat zones during exchanges of gunfire endangers both the troops and the photographers.
The Spokesperson stated that IDF troops on the scene risked their lives to come to the aid of Miller, who was lying in the line of hostile gunfire. The IDF immediately dispatched a medical helicopter to the area in an attempt to save the Miller's life.
James Miller, was a prize-winning documentary maker who had worked for CNN, the BBC, Britain's Channel 4 and the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
No doubt Phil V imagines he was a Zionist agent.
"questioned Miller's judgement" is a polite way of putting it. That was crazy. Palestinians would jump at the opportunity to shoot a journalist during a gun fight, trusting that the IDF would be blamed.
I think that I'm on to something here. Palli sniper!
The cluster of head and neck shots suggest deliberate placement which in turn tends to rule out the "shiny camera lens" theory because in order to place the shots in such a tight grouping one would at the same time be able to distinguish camera from weapon. Palli snipers are doing this. The IDF would never deliberately snuff the presses.
29 posted on 05/02/2003 8:19 PM PDT by Phil V.
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Looky here!!!
Twenty four hours ago I was onto loop holes in the goofy shiny camera lens theory.
Wha'd I say??? . . . Pali sniper!!! see????
WHO'S DA MAN!!!!!
Another liberal dies covering the oppression of the pitiable Palestinians?
Where's Fisk/Frisk (sp)? There's a reporter that will take a bullet in the back from terrorists and say "thank you sir, may I have more sir?". He's a real man, a he-man, a real Pali apologist who will defend their terrorism while blowing blood bubbles from his dying lips.
I sense progress here. If this is a gentle admission that Israel is indeed encumbered with "shortcomings" then I see just a faint glimmer of hope.
The shortcomings of the Palestinian side are many, monumental, deeply insinuated in the Palestinian leadership and well documented, publicized and accepted within this forum as well as on the national stage.
But up to this point, at least, the suggestion that Israeli shortcomings EVEN EXIST is pounced upon and rapidly extinguished (for the most part) by gratuitous charges of anti-Semitism.
Believe it or not, I am a huge fan of Dr. Laura . . . even though I find myself cringing at times over her ABSOLUTE black/white portrayal of the Middle East Gordian knot.
At times a spouse within a trouble marriage is directed to take the marriage to counseling. As the conversation progresses it is revealed that one half of the marriage asserts and believes ABSOLUTELY that the problems plaguing the marriage lie only within the other half. Dr. Laura sees a red flag at this point in the conversation. She points out that the half of the marriage most adamant against introspection is the half most in need of introspection.
That you seem to be admitting that Israel is plagued with shortcomings (as is Palestine) is good news.
One of my father's most profound pieces of wisdom to me was, "Look near before you look far".
The facts will be the facts. Let the investigation proceed. I surmise that I am more open to the possibility of an outcome of Palestinian murder than your side is to an outcome of IDF "negligence".
Autopsy of British cameraman shows he was killed by IDF fire
OOPS!!!!
What's for supper?
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