The the response of Israel has been wholly disproportionate - but it has every right to defend itself from those who seek its destruction. Hamas continue to fight and launch rockets indiscriminately at Israeli civilian targets.
The goal of wiping out Hamas will not solve the problem - they will be replaced by other terrorist groups, their numbers swollen by many civilians who have suffered in the conflict. Netanyahu seems to have no solution for the day after the fighting stops.
Hamas have zero prospect of victory, yet continue to fight the unwinnable. It is a measure of their contempt for those they claim to protect that they have not sued for peace - as most defeated powers would to prevent further civilian casualties.
The last 8 months has been the product of failure to resolve a known problem which has erupted many times over 75 years. Despite increasing criticism, the international community has no solution - perhaps anticipating failure due to intransigence on both sides.
I don't think Israel have lost the moral high ground - the alternative would have been a partial proportionate response with a repeat performance likely in 5-15 years. Perhaps the horror of what has unfolded will stimulate the International Community to greater efforts in the future.
Last edited by: Terry on Sun 9 Jun 24 at 00:22
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