September 16th 1982: The night when the “Free World” decided that Justice will not be served!

By: Ahmed M. ELNAHAS – Montopoli, September 16^th 2012.

Thirty years ago, 1700 innocent civilians were massacred while asleep.. Till today, no one was held responsible.. No one was tried, much less were condemned.. The whole world knew the truth!

Ø Crime committed by the Falangists (aka Al Katayeb)

Ø Crime instigated by the Israeli Defense Army (operation “Peace for Galilee” commanded by Grl. Ariel Sharon)

Ø Crime victims were Palestinian civilian refugees.

Ø Crime scene: Sabra & Shatila refugee camps in Beirut - Lebanon.

The Israeli plan promoted by Sharon was:

a)    to place a favourable government in Lebanon to sign peace accords with Israel,

b)   to divide Lebanon into two sectarian states (Christian Maronite state and a Muslim Sunnite one),

c)    to enable Israel the full control on the water resources of the area, and as well

d)   to eliminate the Syrian/Iranian support to Arafat’s PLO.

Here comes the international hypocrisy.. Because on August 23^rd 1982 – while Beirut is under complete Israeli siege since several months - Arafat agreed to a safe conduct for him and his fifteen thousand Palestinian guerillas to Tunisia, after long talks with the Lebanese government and the intervention of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, who acquired an “international guarantee” for a Multi-National Forces to protect the remaining civilians on Lebanese soil inside their refugee camps.

Few weeks later, the newly elected Lebanese president Bashir Gemayel (Head of the Katayeb militias) got killed in a ‘mysterious’ attack.. And on the eve of September 16^th 1982, just 48 hours after his death, the shameful retaliatory act was consumed.. The Multi-National Int’l forces received orders to clear the area, and the two major Palestinian refugee camps were brought to the ground and swept to sea, causing an official death toll of 1700 corps mostly of elder men, women and children.. Some of the few young men that were captured alive, were driven to Israeli jails; while the bulk were shot dead in what seemed to be a target practice.. What must be clearly understood here is that the Israeli logistics eased the operation.. Caterpillars, tanks, flare lights, intelligence…and so forth.

No investigation(s).. No suspect(s).. No arrest(s).. No trial(s).. No Comment(s)..

Just remember, never forget, and..

Pass On The Word.

“In a free society, some are Guilty, but all are Responsible”.

Rabbi Abraham Heschell, back in the 70s while rallying against the Vietnam War.