It is ethically abhorrent and politically impossible for Israel to operate on the assumption that all the hostages are dead. As I said before, Hamas is evil, not stupid. They know the hostages are extremely valuable as both leverage and human shields. For that same reason, it would be extremely stupid for them to kill the hostages, which will be easily determined once the IDF completes its search of all the tunnels.
As is my habit, I often do “on the other hand” analysis: if they were stupid and evil enough to show the whole world their incomparable savagery, why wouldn’t they do it with the hostages, if all else fails? Ie: if they see that Israel is closing in and they have no escape.
“It is ethically abhorrent and politically impossible for Israel to operate on the assumption that all the hostages are dead. As I said before, Hamas is evil, not stupid. They know the hostages are extremely valuable as both leverage and human shields. For that same reason, it would be extremely stupid for them to kill the hostages, which will be easily determined once the IDF completes its search of all the tunnels.”
I agree, somewhat, in principle.
However, Israel can not and should not cease operations or pull punches or endanger their people based on the possibility that Hamas has positioned hostages as human shields.
Also, (IMO) if Hamas was really smart.. They would move ALL high value hostages and the bulk of hostages out of the area (Iran/ Syria) to ensure their safety. Give them the opportunity to provide proof of life and leverage for as long as possible.
“It is ethically abhorrent and politically impossible for Israel to operate on the assumption that all the hostages are dead. “
I agree, but...
Zyklon B would be effective and ironically appropriate.