While it's true that Israel has the right to defend itself from attacks by armed groups like Hamas, that right does not grant blanket justification for massive, disproportionate use of force resulting in large-scale civilian casualties. Defending oneself is not the same as engaging in indiscriminate or disproportionate retaliation, particularly when entire neighbourhoods are being flattened, hospitals are being hit, and civilians including children and women are dying by the thousands.
Claiming moral superiority over Putin’s war in Ukraine doesn’t hold much weight when civilian infrastructure is bombed and humanitarian conditions become catastrophic. The scale of civilian suffering in Gaza, especially when aid is restricted and escape routes are minimal, raises serious ethical and legal concerns under international humanitarian law.A bibilcal famine is happening before our eyes acknowledged relecutantly by the Israeli leadership.
Further, pointing to Hamas’s brutality does not absolve Israel of responsibility for how it conducts its military operations. Civilian casualties and collective punishment are not acceptable just because the adversary is cruel. If anything, democratic nations are expected to uphold higher standards, not fall to the level of the enemy.
As for the hostage situation it is horrific. But that tragedy should not be weaponized to justify unending escalation or mass civilian harm. The suffering of Israeli families doesn’t cancel out the suffering of Palestinian ones. Both can be acknowledged without diminishing either.
Finally, invoking geopolitics (Iran-Russia ties, jihadi ideology, etc.) distracts from the central issue: the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza today. Every conflict has complex roots, but civilians must never be made to bear the brunt of decisions made by political or militant leaders on either side.
Two former Isareli PM's have called for the war to stop and virtually called out Netanhayu as a monster as has an ex IDF General - after neraly 18 months enough is enough. Ceasfire now bring the hostages home, get substantial aid in and rebuild Gaza.
If Israel, with its world-class surveillance capabilities, had concrete evidence of Hamas stealing humanitarian aid, it would have publicized it extensively in spades. But so far, there's been nothing. No credible footage, no solid proof zilch. I’m not denying that aid diversion might happen, but the overwhelming evidence of widespread suffering, especially among ordinary Gazans and children, is too visible, too heartbreaking, and too urgent to ignore for anyone with a conscience.