Don't forget Israeli bombs. (mostly unguided) that rained indiscriminately down on Gaza. Their version of going after Hamas, was to take down the entire neighborhood Hamas was hiding in.
My issue with the whole thing was 'What's the point?'
Isreal levelled areas in Lebanon and it didn't get rid of Hezbollah, it actually made them stronger..
In September last year under huge pressure from Egypt they announced elections. By most polls Hamas were going to loose, Fatah who have more moderate views and are looking for a two state solution were going to make more compromise solution.
Recent Washington Institute polls have tracked Gazans’ views on Hamas and the ceasefire with Israel, along with a wider regional decline in popularity for Hamas and Hezbollah.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
The Hard Right in Isreal dodn't want this either... They want a war to end wars and get Palestinians out of Palestine... They need them violent so they can justify there violence. Bibi doesn't object to this too much, if at all..
So before October 7th, Hamas was going and if Fatah rule, violence could be reduced especially as the focus would be on illegal settlers in the West Bank. These are the main instigators of violence in the West Bank..
Hamas's actions on Oct 7th were horrific war crimes preformed by and ordered by war criminals who didn't represent the people of Gaza.
The Right in Isreal knew what to do... They were going to attack under the guise to get rid of Hamas in full knowledge bombing Gaza would only create sympathy for Hamas all over Arab world and increase donantions and support for these War Criminals.
So is there in an increase support in Gaza? We someone is bombing you and your family, you are will support the people who are defending you. It is survival.. Hamas may have started this but you want your family to live.
Isreal fell for the Hard Right trap... They are not condemned to another generation of fighting and sending their kids to war every year.
So what should have Isreal done?
Well first investigate and identify the leaders in Hamas involved in the Oct 7th attack. Send out international arrest warrants for them.
Send Fatah and other Arabs forces into Gaza to arrest the criminals. h=Have them tried in the Hague. All above board. (If Fatah/Arbs refuse then say that the IDF will and it cause way more casualties).
After that, go into talks with Fatah about clearing out the illegal settlers and land swaps...
Acknowledge there are hardliners on both sides that don't want peace, understand that and understand that the moderates from both ISreal and Palestine are the majority and they need to be in charge...
The findings signal more difficulties for the Biden administration’s postwar vision for Gaza and raise questions about Israel’s goal of ending Hamas’ capabilities.
apnews.com
