Despite the tragic loss of many innocent lives during the war, accusations of genocide seem to lack a factual and logical basis, appearing instead to be a form of political warfare.
Intent
There was no deliberate intent to target civilians. In fact, efforts to avoid civilian casualties have been more rigorous than any other country has ever implemented.
Facts
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, as of August 15, 2024, the reported death toll stands at 40,005 Palestinians
According to the IDF Spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, stated that the military has killed more than 17,000 terror operatives in Gaza since the war began.
Both numbers could be considered as a good approximation however are subject to scrutiny and debate (see below)
This results in a civilian-to-combatant ratio of about 1.35
Comparison with civilian casualty ratios from other wars:
Chechen wars ratio: 4.3
Iraq War ratio: 3.5
Mosul battle ratio: ~1
Comparing with Mosul battle the circumstances in Gaza are much more challenging:
- ISIS did not have widespread civilian support in Mosul.
- ISIS did not have time to construct an extensive underground tunnel network beneath civilian areas, schools, and mosques.
- Most of Mosul’s population could be evacuated, while Gaza’s population has nowhere to go, and no country—be it Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, or others—has been willing to accept or assist them in leaving the war zone.
War objectives and their justification:
- Distraction of Hamas military capabilities and it’s control over Gaza
- Release of hostages
Would you have prioritized avoiding civilian casualties over defeating Nazi Germany or ISIS? Given the constant threat and horrors of Hamas’ October 7th attack, would you treat it differently than Nazi Germany or ISIS?
Criticism of the reported numbers:
How AP analyzed Gaza Health Ministry’s death toll data
Gaza Fatality Data Has Become Completely Unreliable
US said to believe Israel killed just 20-30% of Hamas terrorists in Gaza fighting
Additional resources:
Israeli civilian harm mitigation in Gaza gold standard or fools gold