6 ms·

The Rafah crossing is one of about half a dozen border crossings in Gaza. Is it really so out of the question that Israel allow civilians to seek refuge within

by tmnvix 3y ago

The Rafah crossing is one of about half a dozen border crossings in Gaza. Is it really so out of the question that Israel allow civilians to seek refuge within Israel while they wage their campaign? I am fully aware that it would be politically unpopular, but without allowing that to happen I find it hard to take Israeli politicians at their word when they claim they are doing everything to minimise civilian casualties.

edanm 3y ago
It is absolutely impossible. There is no way to tell who are civilians and who are Hamas militants - they purposeful wear civilian clothing and hide amongst civilians. If Israel were to let them through the border into Israel, there is no possible way to prevent Hamas militants from killing many many more people. (Unless you mean to create temporary refuge camps heavily armed within Israel that would still be closed borders, which doesn't seem like an improvemnt over the current situation, if you know anything about the geography of the area.)
- tmnvix 3y ago
  I would assume it could be guaranteed that they would arrive unarmed. > Unless you mean to create temporary refuge camps heavily armed within Israel that would still be closed borders, which doesn't seem like an improvemnt over the current situation You are right that they would have to remain in a confined space. Still, they wouldn't be in danger of being bombarded which would be a vast improvement. Compared with an evacuation into Egypt it would also have the advantage that people would presumably feel more confident that they would eventually be allowed to return (given that Israel would rather they returned to Gaza than remain indefinitely within Israel).
- r00fus 3y ago
  It's really interesting how the IDF claims to be doing targeted strikes and operations while at the same time there is the general "we can't tell who is civilian vs. militants". It all codes to attitude of "there is no such thing as a non-combatant Palestinian" which leads to collective punishment which is a war crime according to the Geneva convention. I can't imagine Israelis haven't thought this through - so it seems premeditated.
  - stefan_ 3y ago
    Yes, Hamas not wearing uniform or insignia, a crass war crime, is indeed premeditated. It is the utmost responsibility of every party to a war to clearly distinguish themselves from civilians.

by tmnvix 3y ago

edanm 3y ago

It is absolutely impossible. There is no way to tell who are civilians and who are Hamas militants - they purposeful wear civilian clothing and hide amongst civilians. If Israel were to let them through the border into Israel, there is no possible way to prevent Hamas militants from killing many many more people. (Unless you mean to create temporary refuge camps heavily armed within Israel that would still be closed borders, which doesn't seem like an improvemnt over the current situation, if you know anything about the geography of the area.)

tmnvix 3y ago
I would assume it could be guaranteed that they would arrive unarmed. > Unless you mean to create temporary refuge camps heavily armed within Israel that would still be closed borders, which doesn't seem like an improvemnt over the current situation You are right that they would have to remain in a confined space. Still, they wouldn't be in danger of being bombarded which would be a vast improvement. Compared with an evacuation into Egypt it would also have the advantage that people would presumably feel more confident that they would eventually be allowed to return (given that Israel would rather they returned to Gaza than remain indefinitely within Israel).
r00fus 3y ago
It's really interesting how the IDF claims to be doing targeted strikes and operations while at the same time there is the general "we can't tell who is civilian vs. militants". It all codes to attitude of "there is no such thing as a non-combatant Palestinian" which leads to collective punishment which is a war crime according to the Geneva convention. I can't imagine Israelis haven't thought this through - so it seems premeditated.
- stefan_ 3y ago
  Yes, Hamas not wearing uniform or insignia, a crass war crime, is indeed premeditated. It is the utmost responsibility of every party to a war to clearly distinguish themselves from civilians.