Bilal9
ELITE MEMBER
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- Feb 4, 2014
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Rickford stated that he was initially “exhilarated” by Hamas’s attack on Israel, in which 1,400 civilians were killed. The United States and the European Union classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.“Hamas has challenged the monopoly of violence.
And in those first few hours, even as horrific acts were being carried out, many of which we would not learn about until later, there are many Gazans of good will, many Palestinians of conscience, who abhor violence, as do you, as do I. Who abhor the targeting of civilians, as do you, as do I,” Rickford said during the rally. “Who were able to breathe, they were able to breathe for the first time in years. It was exhilarating. It was energizing.
And if they weren't exhilarated by this challenge to the monopoly of violence, by this shifting of the balance of power, then they would not be human. I was exhilarated."
He added: "What has Hamas done? Hamas has shifted the balance of power. Hamas has punctured the illusion of invincibility. That's what they have done. You don't have to be a Hamas supporter to recognize that,” Rickford said during the rally.
“Hamas has changed the terms of the debate. Israeli officials are right — nothing will be the same again.”In an interview with The Sun, Rickford clarified his remarks, but did not backpedal his choice of words.