Israel"s efforts to protect civilians in Gaza during conflict

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated significantly after the brutal massacre of Israeli citizens on October 7, attributed to the Hamas terrorist organization. This event marked the beginning of an ongoing war in the densely populated Gaza Strip, leading to severe humanitarian concerns. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have faced accusations of using excessive force, resulting in civilian casualties, which has drawn criticism from various international organizations and even some allies of Israel. Concerns have also been raised regarding the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, as the situation has become increasingly dire for the civilian population caught in the crossfire. In response to these allegations, a former NATO commander, who has extensive military experience, visited Israel with a team of military experts from six NATO countries. Their aim was to assess the IDF's operational conduct in the conflict. The commander emphasized that the military's rules of engagement in Gaza are at least as stringent as those of the British Army, suggesting that the IDF is making significant efforts to minimize civilian harm during its operations. Despite the challenges faced by the IDF, the complexities of urban warfare in densely populated areas like Gaza complicate the situation further. The presence of Hamas fighters among civilians makes it difficult to conduct military operations without risking civilian lives. This has led to a challenging environment for the IDF, which is trying to balance military objectives with the imperative to protect non-combatants. As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided, with some expressing support for Israel's right to defend itself while others call for accountability regarding civilian casualties. The situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing debates about the adequacy of humanitarian aid and the need for a resolution to the conflict.