I think the generals are best to discuss tactics in Gaza. I have seen some pictures of the outcome of the tactics by Israel and the correctly targeted underground tunnels. Whether that targeting killed civilians and/or militants/combatants/Hamas/Islamic Jihad can only be known by the reporting of the dead. I have yet to hear that Israel has deliberately targeted civilians. The casualties are a result of an effective campaign by the military.
I think others need to measure criticism of Israel in factual terms and not inflammatory language. Facts are needed. Israel has extensive intelligence of Gaza. That intelligence was and is used in combat to conduct bombing, shelling and ground movement of troops. I think when Israel actually presents its facts others will be surprised at the accuracy of the targets.
I realize the health care system in Gaza has collapsed. The reason for that is the fact Hamas had munitions stored in the basement of those buildings connected by tunnels.
Israel wants its citizens safe. It has a strong military presence built over decades of time. Israel’s capacity is no surprise and neither is its intelligence capacity.
If Israel is to protect its citizens in a war with terrorists then it has to wage war that is effective. The definition of effective in war can be brutal within the understanding of Hamas’ occupation of Gaza.
I have yet heard alternatives to Israel’s invasion into Gaza. Israel is not going to surrender. Hamas and Islamic Jihad needs to surrender and lay down their arms. In doing so they need to release the hostages.
The initial attack by Hamas into Israel was not just a few terrorists. There were many members of Hamas that murdered that day. Israel did not ask for this war. Hamas is the blatant aggressor.
I remind that Gaza was once governed by Israel. It was under the late Prime Minister Sharon that Israel left Gaza for the hope of peace. Israel knows how to govern Gaza. Deciding now the governance of Gaza requires a peace process and there are no current peace processes in Gaza. The militants/combatants need to surrender, release hostages, and allow the humanitarian effort to take over the activities in Gaza. It is what all the people want, yet the combatants show no interest in protecting lives of Palestinians and Israelis.
The rise of jihadists in the region supported by Iran only creates hatred and mistrust. How is any peace process going to work if these dynamics in the region continue?
You will excuse me, but, Gaza given to Palestinian extremist terrorists is a huge failure. It is a failure of the anticipated peace that resulted in putting the Palestinian people in the middle resulting in their victimization as human shields. Residential areas in Gaza and the very hospitals were governed by putting civilians at risk. That was the governance Israel faced when the war was declared. Israel had and has few options to end the endemic treat of terrorists. When is the world going to accept this failure of international policy that allowed the Palestinians to be used by terrorists as human shields?
