Sorry for a derail, although it is political. I am incandescent with rage.
I put the news on, and thought I would take a look at CNN. They interviewed a retired General, Wes Grant. Good, thought I, the US military (and other high-up military men from other countries) often have sensible things to say.
Well, he began sensibly enough. He explained how the Israeli forces would be preparing to attack. I even found out that the US military, when setting off on their invasion, go from the "line of departure," whereas the British military go from the "start line."
Hamas knew what they were unleashing when they implemented Phase I of their plan, to wreak havoc from within and without on Israel. They were expecting retaliation from Israel, even, you could say, provoking it.
So far, so good, and I agree with his analysis up to this point. But then we part company...
Apparently Hamas' planned Phase II is to fight the Israelis from the tunnels and other Hamas places in Gaza. Not only that, but they want the civilian population to remain, in order to protect them as human shields. Also, they are apparently manipulating the media to get the world on their side.
He seemed oblivious to the fact that Israel, in their Phase I response, have already bombed the tunnels and houses and buildings of all sorts in Gaza to smithereens. He seemed oblivious to the fact that Palestinians are ordinary people, who want nothing more than for their children to grow up happy. He seemed oblivious to the fact that Israel had cut off food, water, medicine, and other things needed to stay alive in Gaza. He seemed oblivious to the fact that Israel had told everyone to get out or else, and that the only so-called safe route out was being bombed by the Israelis. He seemed oblivious to the fact that the last thing Palestinians have on their minds at the moment is what Hamas wants them to do! All they want is to get out of there, with their lives.
Or perhaps I have got the wrong idea, because I've been manipulated
So I have come on here to rant 