[jfman]

If not looking weak - essentially political posturing - is a price paid in Palestinian blood that will have inevitable consequences around the world.

For clarity I didn’t say that the region deny Israel’s rights to exist (some inevitably do, many do not) - my point was related to its security alone. And I’ve not claimed Israel can’t take steps in genuine self defence.

The pretence that Hamas are the de-facto Palestinian state might soothe the consciences of those that are pro-Israel but for everyone else it rings absolutely hollow as a justification for the civilian death toll and destruction of civilian communities and infrastructure.

Hamas were widely criticised for tactics straight out the Middle Ages, Israel won’t look much better if it’s only the technology that distinguishes them from the conflicts of the 19th and early 20th centuries.