Metsfanmax wrote:http://freebeacon.com/national-security/hamas-orders-civilians-to-die-in-israeli-airstrikes/
Hamas’ Interior Ministry has ordered residents of the Gaza Strip to remain in their houses if they are about to be bombed by the Israelis, a move that effectively turns citizens into human shields and is intentionally meant to boost the casualty rate, according to a copy of the order published by Hamas.
Israel warns Gaza residents of air strikes before they take place so innocent civilians have time to flee and seek shelter.
The latest Hamas order that citizens ignore Israel’s warnings and stay put is a clear effort by the terror group to increase the death count and apply pressure on Israel to cease its military campaign meant to end Hamas’s attacks.
Interesting article; thanks for sharing.
Now, let's put on our thinking caps.
The conclusion that Hamas wants Palestinian civilians to die because Hamas told them to stay inside their homes is not warranted until further information is gathered:
1. What's the chance of dying from an Israeli airstrike nearby one's home v. dying from the flying debris whilst running outside? How about the chance of being trampled to death by other panicky Palestinians?
2. How much time does one have to evacuate an area when one gets a text message? If it's an hour, then Hamas can simply move their stuff out of harm's way before the airstrike comes. If it's less, then more civilians die in the streets from the airstrike and the flying debris.
3. Do the Israelis mention exactly what area is being hit? Are we talking about one city block or will the strike occur somewhere in the neighborhood?
(Again, the more accurate the information, the better the chance that Hamas has to evade it, so why would the Israelis help Hamas?)
4. How reliable is cell phone and internet service in an area that's being bombarded?
5. Do the Israelis use jamming technologies to prevent Hamas from intercepting Israeli air commands and from effectively communicating with other Hamas units? Does this technology hamper the chances of the Palestinian civilians receiving the evacuation notices?
6. In short, how many messages are actually received on time?? If it's windy, the paper notices could fly into other neighborhoods, which then evacuate into areas being bombarded. Who cares if the Israeli governments sends evacuation notices because good intentions are pointless if good outcomes aren't attained (this is a major point which the author fails to ponder).
7. What about the credible commitment problem? If the Chinese sent you a text message that they're gonna airstrike your neighborhood, would you believe them? Why would Palestinians believe a government which has embargoed them, thereby drastically increasing the prices of basic commodities? Why believe a government which has killed people you know and has caused you great misery for decades? (Seriously.)
8. Do the Israelis actually hit the targets which they've told to evacuate? (or is the evacuation notice given over such a large area that the Israelis can hide behind 'plausible deniability'?) How honest are governments to their enemies/the people which they're subjugating?
9. What about the irresponsibility of the Israeli prohibition on reinforced concrete? Buildings are more resilient from natural disasters and bombings when built with such materials. The Isrealis have (un)intentionally caused greater civilian deaths with their prohibition. Again, why would any Palestinian believe their text messages?
