A new report from the British Medical Journal, The Lancet, has revealed a staggering 186,000 casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The report has sparked disbelief and outrage among international observers, but it has also brought to light the severe and widespread destruction inflicted on the region.

In an interview, an expert acknowledged the report’s credibility, stating, “I have nothing to dispute on those numbers. I can’t personally vouch for them, but given the level of destruction in Gaza and the lack of refuge for the population, such a high number is not just possible but probable.”

The expert compared the situation to historical wartime atrocities, emphasizing the indifference of the global community to the plight of the Palestinians. “Could you imagine if Russia bombed Kyiv and killed 186,000 civilians? The world would be up in arms. Yet, in Gaza, this systemic destruction goes largely unchallenged.”

The Israeli military’s actions have been likened to the Allied bombings of Dresden during World War II, where civilian casualties were justified as collateral damage necessary to demoralize the enemy. However, historical analyses have shown that such strategies often strengthen the resolve of the affected populations. “The Israelis are seeing the same thing. 186,000 dead Palestinian civilians, and Hamas is stronger, recruiting more people. Bombing doesn’t defeat people; it only strengthens their will.”

The desensitization to violence and death in Gaza has reached alarming levels. “We’ve seen the horrific photographs—children with severe injuries, countless civilian casualties. But after months of exposure, people become immune. This number, which should shock everyone, is met with apathy.”

A controversial aspect of the conflict is the recent revelation by Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, about the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) invoking the Hannibal Directive on October 7th. This directive reportedly led to the killing of Israelis to prevent their capture by Hamas. The expert commented, “The majority of civilians killed on October 7th were due to irresponsible Israeli actions, not Hamas terrorism. The IDF’s response aimed to prevent hostages from being taken, resulting in a tragic loss of civilian life.”

This revelation has serious implications for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration. The expert elaborated, “Netanyahu’s position is precarious. He’s seeking political support from the United States, hoping to wrap himself in the American flag to bolster his standing at home. His visit to the U.S. is a desperate gamble to secure guarantees of continued support.”

The expert highlighted the failure of Israeli intelligence and leadership, drawing parallels with historical oversights. “Just as Israel underestimated the Egyptian attack on Yom Kippur in 1973, they failed to anticipate the October 7th raid by Hamas, despite clear intelligence warnings. This colossal failure has led to a tragic loss of life and a significant strategic blunder.”

Moreover, the report criticized the reliance on artificial intelligence for decision-making, which replaced the human element essential for accurate intelligence assessment. “The Israelis created an AI algorithm to process data and predict outcomes, but this system lacks the critical thinking and challenge provided by human analysts. This led to a gross underestimation of the threat posed by Hamas.”

The expert also condemned the political manipulation of intelligence, comparing it to the run-up to the Iraq War. “Intelligence was cherry-picked to create a narrative that supported political objectives, rather than reflecting reality. This corruption in the intelligence system has dangerous consequences.”

In conclusion, the expert warned of the potential for further conflict and instability. “Netanyahu’s attempt to secure U.S. backing is a bid to maintain power amid domestic and international turmoil. However, escalating the conflict, particularly with Hezbollah, would be a disastrous move. The Israeli military cannot defeat Hezbollah, and further aggression could draw the U.S. into a ground war in Lebanon.”

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a significant humanitarian crisis unfolding. The international community’s response will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the population and working towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

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By Wilson B. James

South African Political Analyst & Author