Israel’s Military Campaign in Gaza Among “Deadliest and Most Destructive”
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has been marked by unprecedented levels of destruction and civilian casualties, according to experts who say it ranks among the deadliest in history.
“In just over two months, the offensive has wreaked more destruction than the razing of Syria’s Aleppo between 2012 and 2016, Ukraine’s Mariupol, or, proportionally, the Allied bombing of Germany in World War II. It has killed more civilians than the U.S.-led coalition did in its three-year campaign against the Islamic State group,” reports the Associated Press.
The Israeli military has been using a range of bombs and artillery in Gaza, with experts confirming that the vast majority of bombs dropped on the besieged enclave are U.S.-made. This includes 2,000-pound “bunker-busters” that have caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties in densely populated areas.
Despite the mounting death toll, the Israeli military remains committed to pressing ahead with its campaign, citing a desire to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities following a cross-border attack that triggered the war.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for continuing to supply arms to Israel, with President Joe Biden publicly acknowledging the loss of international legitimacy due to what he called “indiscriminate bombing.”
Satellite data analysis has revealed that over two-thirds of all structures in northern Gaza have been destroyed, with similar levels of destruction in the southern area of Khan Younis. Schools, hospitals, mosques, and stores are among the thousands of buildings that have been damaged.
Comparisons to historical bombing campaigns, including the Allied bombings of Germany during World War II, highlight the unprecedented scale of destruction in Gaza. The intensity and duration of the Israeli military campaign have also drawn parallels to past assaults in Iraq and other conflict zones.
The exact types of bombs being used by the Israeli military have raised concerns among weapons experts and rights groups. The Israeli military has not disclosed specifics but has maintained that every strike is cleared by legal advisers.
There is ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the Israeli military’s strategy, with some questioning the rationale behind the intense bombardment in heavily populated areas. The Israeli government has underscored its goal to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and free remaining hostages held by the militant group.
The level of destruction in Gaza underscores the urgency of international efforts to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded amid the conflict. As the campaign continues, the toll on civilians remains a critical concern that demands immediate attention and action from the global community.