Why Is It So Hard in Gaza?
An old colleague wrote to me on LinkedIn referring me to an oped by Thomas Friedman. He presents the following persistent dilemma: Why is it so challenging for Israel to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, just 40 miles from Tel Aviv, when it can execute precise military strikes in Iran, 1,200 miles away?
It is a question on many people’s mind and here are my thoughts.
This question sparks heated debate, many using it as proof of Israel’s deliberate starvation or even genocide. I believe the evidence points to Hamas’s calculated tactics—not Israeli intent—as the root cause, showing the situation is not genocidal.
Israel’s operations against Iran and Hezbollah demonstrate remarkable precision. Israel successfully targeted 10 senior Iranian military officials and 16 nuclear scientists in their homes and offices, with minimal civilian casualties. These offensives rely on exceptional intelligence and advanced technology, showcasing Israel’s ability to strike pinpoint targets far from its borders.
In contrast, the war with Hamas, triggered by their October 7 attack, forced Israel into a defensive conflict on Hamas’s terms. Hamas has built an estimated 400–500 miles of tunnels* beneath Gaza, often hidden under hospitals, schools, and homes, where they store weapons and hold hostages.
Some critics, like Friedman, suggest Israel’s government is intentionally withholding aid to appease extremist factions. Despite not voting for this government, I find these accusations repugnant and don’t accept that the IDF operates this way.
The IDF has delivered nearly 2 million tons of aid* to Gaza—statistically enough to meet humanitarian needs—but Hamas disrupts distribution, hoarding supplies to prolong suffering for propaganda, profit, and control. Their history of encouraging martyrdom, suicide bombings, and orchestrating the October 7 attack reveals a disregard for civilian lives, including their own people.
Hamas’s strategy exploits the IDF’s commitment to minimizing civilian casualties, a restraint acknowledged by NATO*.
Unlike the carpet bombing or atomic strikes used in World War II by UK/US forces, the IDF avoids indiscriminate attacks, opting for targeted operations. This requires displacing civilians to avoid harm, creating logistical nightmares as Gaza’s economy collapses. Tunnels—like this one just discovered by chance nearly two years into the conflict—make it the challenge it is.
The contrast between Israel’s precision in Iran and its struggles in Gaza doesn’t indicate genocidal intent, but Hamas’s sophisticated and ruthless tactics. Civilian deaths, while tragic, remain low compared to historical genocides*, reflecting the IDF’s duty of care amid the chaos of war.
Extremist views within Israel are abhorrent, but they don’t drive the IDF. The core issue is Hamas’s manipulation, not Israel’s actions.
Truly, I pray this ends for all.
*see links to posts documents on LinkedIn posts I have written:
NATO Report: https://lnkd.in/dm6vCsHz
Map of the Tunnels: https://lnkd.in/dUEAgp3e
Aid: https://lnkd.in/dqKfwmnT
Genocide graph: https://lnkd.in/dTv8ZKDE
