4 ms·

The fact that Israel is stronger doesn't seem especially relevant. We're not talking about a couple kids fighting during recess. The weaker side isn't automatic

by slibhb 3y ago

The fact that Israel is stronger doesn't seem especially relevant. We're not talking about a couple kids fighting during recess. The weaker side isn't automatically right and the stronger side can't be expected to moderate its response when we're talking about the murder of ~1000 civilians. It's also absurd to think Israel should chill out and let the US handle its defense. As if an occasional murder-raid and constant rocket fire is just something Israel should tolerate because, if the Arabs actually invade again, the US will bail them out. That aside, Israel should do more to avoid civilian casualties. And it should treat captives better than this story indicates.

wolverine876 3y ago
> the stronger side can't be expected to moderate its response when we're talking about the murder of ~1000 civilians. A fundamental principle of the Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC) is distinguishing military and civilian targets, and minimizing harm to the latter. That applies to all sides in every war. [0] In warfare, generally all sides are outraged, filled with hatred and revenge. They wouldn't be killing each other otherwise. That is not an exceptional situation, it's the norm; that's what the LOAC was written for. 1200 civilian deaths, though absolutely horrible, unforunately also is well within the norm for warfare. 100,000+ have died in places and times, including at US hands. Obviously Hamas didn't follow that principle (they seem to have intentionally violated it). I can't say how well Israel is doing it, but it's an essential issue. Saying 'we're angry' or 'our people were killed' is not exceptional in warfare and does not create exceptions. [0] https://www.justsecurity.org/89489/expert-guidance-law-of-armed-conflict-in-the-israel-hamas-war/ https://www.justsecurity.org/89489/expert-guidance-law-of-ar...
- iddan 3y ago
  The Israeli army is making a huge of effort to reduce harm to civilians. Including notifying in advance before striking buildings and giving proper time for evacuation of civilians from Northern Gaza. In many cases, Hamas forces Gazan people to stay in the danger zone despite IDFs warnings for people to die in their holy war. It is super hard to act morally when your enemy is using their own people as human shields

by slibhb 3y ago

wolverine876 3y ago

> the stronger side can't be expected to moderate its response when we're talking about the murder of ~1000 civilians. A fundamental principle of the Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC) is distinguishing military and civilian targets, and minimizing harm to the latter. That applies to all sides in every war. [0] In warfare, generally all sides are outraged, filled with hatred and revenge. They wouldn't be killing each other otherwise. That is not an exceptional situation, it's the norm; that's what the LOAC was written for. 1200 civilian deaths, though absolutely horrible, unforunately also is well within the norm for warfare. 100,000+ have died in places and times, including at US hands. Obviously Hamas didn't follow that principle (they seem to have intentionally violated it). I can't say how well Israel is doing it, but it's an essential issue. Saying 'we're angry' or 'our people were killed' is not exceptional in warfare and does not create exceptions. [0] https://www.justsecurity.org/89489/expert-guidance-law-of-armed-conflict-in-the-israel-hamas-war/ https://www.justsecurity.org/89489/expert-guidance-law-of-ar...

iddan 3y ago
The Israeli army is making a huge of effort to reduce harm to civilians. Including notifying in advance before striking buildings and giving proper time for evacuation of civilians from Northern Gaza. In many cases, Hamas forces Gazan people to stay in the danger zone despite IDFs warnings for people to die in their holy war. It is super hard to act morally when your enemy is using their own people as human shields