'We will repeat October 7 again and again' - Hamas official

[Jedi Guy]

105. "So you're in favor of bombing civilian housing? Unbelievable."

That's twice now you've tried to put words in my mouth. I can't help but wonder why you're doing that, but regardless of your reasons, I'd ask that you stop, please.

What I said was that from the perspective of an IDF commander, airstrikes ahead of a ground incursion is preferable to a ground incursion alone. That's the tactically sound thing to do to avoid putting your troops at undue risk. IDF commanders' first duty is to the citizens of Israel, including the troops they command.

Secondly, a ground incursion would involve potentially days or more to reach locations deeper inside Gaza, if Hamas puts up a lot of resistance. So rocket launch sites can continue to operate, killing Israelis, until troops reach and destroy them. Or IDF can just destroy the launch sites from the air without having to fight their way to them inch by inch.

As for how IDF approaches the tunnels, keep in mind that there are only two things in the tunnels they might care about: hostages and intelligence about other Hamas assets. That's it. If they don't have reason to believe one or the other is down there, why send in troops and put them at risk? Collapse the tunnels and move on.

I'm not in favor of anyone being bombed. I'd prefer to live in a world where such things didn't happen and weren't necessary.

I also recognize that by placing their assets in civilian areas, Hamas leaves Israel no choice in the matter and makes it necessary. They either strike those assets and potentially kill civilians, or hold back and allow those assets to potentially kill Israeli civilians.

It's Sophie's choice. There is no good option. I'm not sure what else there is to say here.