Converation thread

Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the region, maybe the world. The reality is that if the IDF wants to invade the strip they'll have to soften up hamas's defensive positions which fully utilize the densely populated area and the surrounding structures. We already know hamas's tunnel network spreads all across the Gaza strip with various entrances lining the way. Their war infrastructure isn't sitting out in the open with a big red target in full view of the IDF. If I recall, Israel wanted to go in weeks earlier but at the behest of western diplomats, waite…  Read mored for hostage negotiations to progress and humanitarian reasons. Of course, hamas only released four hostages and have not released foreign nationals either. These militia groups in the middle east, they play dirty. They will use civilians as shields to protect themselves and if that doesn't work use the deaths of civilians as a propaganda tool to gather sympathy. Unfortunately, due to this widespread naivety among younger and more left-wing individuals, this strategy is working. Civilians dying in war sucks, anyone with half a brain will agree with this statement however the ugly truth is that civilian deaths can't always be avoided and in the context of conflict in the middle east, trying to obtain zero civilian casualties is essentially impossible. Israel has a right to defend itself and SHOULD continue to exist. They are the only nation that has any kind of functioning democracy and even with Netanyahu's recent political shenanigans before the October 7th attack has essentially shot his future political career in the foot. I believe Israel has the highest democracy index in the whole middle east. The only way this ends is an independent Palestinian state with hamas deposed and the end of Israel's settlement policy.