Kofi Annan speaks seems to be disconnected from reality

Kofi Annan to London-based newspaper Al-Hayat (reported in Jerusalem Post on 14 June 2006):

"The Israeli claim that the (Gaza) beach blast was caused by an explosive charge at the site sounds strange to me. I don't believe it is plausible that the Palestinians planted charges in a place where civilians often spend their time."

Really? Does Mr Annan really not believe Palestinians would plant explosive charges in places where civilians often spend their time? Would someone please ask the UN Secretary General how he can stay on in his job if he is unaware of the innumerable explosive charges the Palestinians have placed on Israeli buses, in Israeli schools, restaurants, bus stops, shopping malls? Or does Mr Annan subscribe to the Palestinian view that all Israelis, even two-year-olds, are part of the “Zionist war machine” and therefore not civilians?

This is the most outrageously insensitive statement that the UN Secretary General has ever made. His replacement is long overdue.