Urging Israeli Restraint Against Hamas Might Enable Group’s Survival

A looming operation against Hamas’s last remaining stronghold in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah could accomplish both of Israel’s major objectives of freeing the hostages and destroying Hamas. Yet, Biden administration statements urging Israeli restraint risk undermining Israel at a critical moment while ignoring Israel’s unparalleled efforts to reduce civilian harm during combat. Calling Israeli operations “over the top” risks validating Hamas’s disinformation strategy of putting civilians at risk and blaming Israel for it.

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