Fisk attacks 'war crimes' in Gaza as he accepts honour at Trinity
Wednesday January 07 2009
ONE of the world's most celebrated foreign correspondents last night labelled the Israeli assault on a UN school in the Gaza Strip yesterday a "war crime".
Speaking to students at Trinity College Dublin, Robert Fisk said the Israeli assault on the al-Fakhur school in the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip -- which killed at least 30 civilians including children -- is nothing less than an atrocity.
The Independent Newspapers' Middle East correspondent and author was speaking after being awarded the university's Historical Society Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse.
Dr Fisk said there was no justification for the attack on the school, the second Israeli attack on a UN-run school in a day. Earlier yesterday, at least three Palestinians were killed when a school was bombarded in the Shati refugee camp, according to UN observers.
"I think what happened was a war crime," he told the packed lecture hall. "And if war crimes are being committed we should call it a war crime."
The deaths of more than 600 Palestinians since the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip began 11 days ago is a "grotesque" response to the deaths of three Israeli citizens and one soldier who have been killed by rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, he said.
"This is not disproportionate, this is grotesque," he said.
Asked if he sees any solution to the current crisis, Dr Fisk said he doubts there will ever be a peaceful outcome.
"At the moment, I see no hope. I see a crush of editors and politicians doing their best to shut us up," he said.
Dr Fisk, who has been reporting on the Middle East for more than 30 years, is one of the TCD's most renowned alumnists. The award is presented to those deemed by the Historical Society to have made significant contributions to debate and public discourse. Past recipients include authors Bram Stoker and Salman Rushdie, Wolfe Tone, Isaac Butt and Bertie Ahern.
- Allison Bray
