Gaza has been burnt to the ground

[Martin Eden]

22. Hamas had to know how Netanyahu would respond.

It was a desperate gambit by a ruthless terrorist organization. They likely anticipated the slaughter in Gaza would turn much of world opinion against Israel. My guess is the timing of the Oct 7 attack was meant to derail diplomatic accords between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and also to start a regional war that would rally Muslim nations to the Palestinian cause.

Specilation on my part, but I'm convinced Hamas had to know civilians in Gaza would pay a very heavy price.

I support demonstrations against the massive bombing campaign conducted by the Netanyahu government. Nothing justifies the ongoing slaughter of 33,000+ people, so many women and children.

But the protesters should also condemn Hamas, for they are also responsible for what has happened.