1) Rebels declared war on Gaddafi. It's certainly their right, but it's a bit illogical to complain that the opponent shoots at them. What did they expect?
2) It is indeed unfortunate that the innocents are being killed. But then why do the rebels stay among them? Aren't the rebels, by any chance, using civilians as shields?
3) But if the rebels are surrounded, have nowhere to go and want to protect civilians, the only logical choice for them is to surrender. The fact that they are surrounded in a city is a defeat already; the complete destruction is only a matter of time (which they try to delay by inviting foreign troops.)
Maybe they’re hoping one of their leaders will say “NUTS” to a surrender demand,inspiring the world, and then Col. Creighton Abrams will lead the forward elements of 4th Armored to their rescue.There’s a better chance of that happening than NATO riding to the rescue.