Gaza conflict - Israel needs to consider civilians

There are rights and wrongs on both sides in the current Gaza conflict. Israel was undoubtedly provoked, but its response has undoubtedly strengthened the hand of Hamas within the Arab world.

World opinion is being revolted not only by the slaughter of Palestinian civilians but also by the death of 14 Red Cross workers in one day this week. They were trying to help the wounded. Such events only hurt Israel’s cause.

Countries that were moving closer to recognising Israel diplomatically are now recoiling in horror at the slaughter in Gaza. History tells us that wars tend to develop a momentum of their own, and it is always much easier to start than to finish a conflict.