- Hamas-run government says Israeli strikes on Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza killed at least 195 Palestinians, with concerns raised by the UN that these could constitute war crimes.
- Evacuation of foreign nationals from Gaza is underway, with 320 already crossed into Egypt; about 7,500 are expected to leave within two weeks.
- The strikes targeted Hamas military leaders and infrastructure, with Israel’s campaign responding to Hamas’ cross-border attacks from Oct. 7.
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Israel and Jordan to discuss the conflict and the need to minimize civilian casualties.
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Israel never should have funded Hamas as a counter balance to the PLO: https://theintercept.com/2018/02/19/hamas-israel-palestine-conflict/
Yes indeed. In hindsight that seems obvious, but at the time it didn’t. Generally speaking divide and conquer is a good strategy against one’s opponents so I understand why they tried it. Israel’s system of incentives didn’t mean much to a radical Islamist enemy who wants to drive them into the sea at all costs. It kind of reminds me of how the US inadvertently created Al Qaeda via the Mujahadeen, which directly led to the 9/11 attacks.
PLO at the time was gaining popularity by pushing for a two state solution. That doesn’t track with “drive them into the sea” narrative of the enemy though.