> it’s criminal to target innocent civilians <
I doubt if the Mossad was deliberately targeting innocent civilians. Nevertheless, it’s a tough call morally.
Let me present a hypothetical. A known serial killer has just been spotted by a police officer. The killer takes just one shot at the cop, and misses.
Does the cop fire back, knowing he too might miss and hit someone in a nearby crowd? Or does the cop simply take cover and radio for help, knowing that the serial killer might well escape in the meantime?
Like I said, it’s a tough call.
That's not a hypothetical. In New York City, the cops will fire at a fare beater, shooting innocent bystanders and even shooting one of their own cops. Just because they do it, it doesn't make it right. From two days ago:
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nypd-shooting-brooklyn-subway-stop/5797716/
"The officers, which [Chief of Department Jeffrey] Maddrey confirmed were the only ones to shoot, also struck two bystanders and one of the two cops. A female victim was grazed and a male was struck in the head. The injured officer was hit underneath his armpit, just missing the bulletproof vest, Maddrey explained."
Your scenario is not comparable because the officer spotted a known suspect. In this case, the targeters just detonated bombs they figured suspects might be holding, not caring who might be holding them and who might be nearby.