Indeed, that's generally part of the definition of "terrorism". It's deplored because it puts those civilians at risk. Had these guys put on uniforms and tromp

Indeed, that's generally part of the definition of "terrorism". It's deplored because it puts those civilians at risk. Had these guys put on uniforms and tromped out to a battlefield, they'd be dead already. They instead chose a tactic that surrounds them with their own civilians, in the hopes of deterring attacks against them. And that works, to a point. But their opponent is unlikely to tolerate it forever, and will eventually strike even knowing that it will cause civilian damages as well. A just evaluation of the situation would divide blame on both sides, but world opinion is rarely just.