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[quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous]Hamas WANTS dead children to further their sick propaganda plot.  Again, this is what designated terrorist organizations do.[/quote]

This is total BS. Almost all those killed by Hamas have been soldiers. The vast majority of those killed by Israel have been civilians. If Hamas wants dead Palestinian children, why is Israel providing so many? Does Israel routinely help Hamas? Hamas wants fighter jets and tanks. Will Israel supply those too?
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You realize that's because the soldiers are being killed in combat, while the rockets that hamas is firing indiscriminately in to Israel are being shot down by Iron Dome.  I seem to recall a highschool classmate of mine who was blown up on a beach in Tel Aviv by a terrorist bomb - while her fried went to get ice cream.  Do you really, truly believe that hamas isn't targeting civilians? they're just not very good at it. you're obviously entitled to your opinions, and clearly this is your own personal soapbox, but think carefully about the ripple effect of the things that you are saying. I don't agree with a lot of what Israel does, and i think the settlements are an absolute disgrace, but try walking a mile in someone else's shoes before you cast stones.[/quote]

I know that I am wasting my time now -- and yes possibly risking my livelihood -- because the idea that Hamas is indiscriminately firing rockets at Israeli civilians is so ingrained in the thinking of most Americans that it will be impossible to change. But, Hamas itself claims to be aiming at military targets. The rockets have no guidance system, so it may not matter at what they think they are aiming. But, Hamas generally announces a military target when it announces the launches -- those targets just don't get reported in the US media. Three Israeli civilians have been killed by either rocket or mortar fire. One of those was killed while volunteering at a military base. I think if Hamas truly was targeting civilians, more would have been killed. Also, see this report:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/soldiers-not-civilians-are-tunnel-infiltration-goals-says-senior-intelligence-source/

"Hamas operatives aim primarily to abduct soldiers and not to penetrate into civilian communities along the border with Gaza, a senior intelligence source said Monday."

Indeed, Hamas used a tunnel last night to attempt to capture a soldier, ignoring a near by kibbutz. (Those who are familiar with my previous posts will know that I am reluctant to accept stories coming from single anonymous sources such as the one to which I linked. So, take it with a grain of salt and use your own discretion).

I'm sorry about your high school classmate. One of my university classmates was killed when a suicide bomber blew up the UN building in Iraq at the beginning of the US invasion. A former housemate was slightly wounded when some Palestinians shot up a street in Jerusalem. I am not naive about terrorists who intentionally target civilians. But, while it is difficult to believe, it appears that Hamas has evolved somewhat and is now concentrating on military targets. One hopes that this conflict does not result in a regression.
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Two points.

I'm actually a little surprised about how aggressive a stance you are taking - of course you're entitled to your opinions - but whether you realize it or not, when you engage in the kind of dialogue you're engaging in, you are providing fodder for anti-semites. It's just a fact. My guess is that you've already lost readers and contributors. That's obviously your call.

Second point -- we can argue until the cows come home about whether Hamas is targeting civilians, but when I hear from people who have travelled through Israel (as a civilian) over the last few weeks and they tell me stories about air raid sirens and shelters, I'm inclined to believe civilians are targeted. And negligent behavior in the form of firing rockets with no guidance is just as bad as specific intent.  [/quote]

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