AI in Gaza Bombing: Israel's Civilian Casualty Concerns

Dec 12, 2023 ·

In December of 2019, the Israeli military launched a massive wave of airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing 34 people and injuring more than 200 others. The attack was part of what has been described as a “mass assassination factory” in Gaza, with the Israeli military carrying out numerous raids since then targeting the homes and offices of alleged Hamas leaders in an attempt to disrupt their operations. The actions taken by the Israeli military were condemned by many countries and human rights groups, who argued that such strikes are a violation of international law and potentially constitute war crimes.

The recent flare-up in violence between Israel and Gaza underscores the increasingly fraught situation in the region, which has been further compounded by the blockade imposed on the strip by the Israeli government. This blockade, which has been in place since 2007, has had devastating consequences for the Gazan population, including widespread shortages in food, fuel, and medical supplies, as well as increased poverty and unemployment. The situation has also led to a dramatic decline in living standards and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The escalation in violence has been seen as part of a larger strategy by the Israeli government to weaken Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, while at the same time attempting to break the will of the Palestinians in Gaza to resist. This has included the use of targeted assassinations, air strikes, ground incursions, and other forms of collective punishment. Moreover, it has been suggested that the aim of these attacks is not simply to target militants, but rather to terrorize the entire population in order to discourage them from supporting resistance against Israel.

The situation in Gaza is further complicated by the fact that the area is heavily populated with civilians, many of whom have been caught up in the crossfire between the Israeli military and Hamas. As a result, there has been a sharp increase in civilian casualties, with the number of deaths from the recent airstrikes alone thought to be higher than any other single incident since the 2014 war. This, combined with reports of extensive destruction of property due to the bombings, has prompted calls for an immediate ceasefire from both sides in order to prevent further civilian suffering.

In conclusion, the recent bout of violence between Israel and Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the longstanding tensions between the two sides, and the devastating consequences for the civilian population caught in the crossfire. The current situation is untenable, and it is critical that both sides adhere to international laws governing conflict and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of civilians. Only then can a lasting peace be achieved in the region.