The conflict in Gaza has been grabbing TV headlines for what seems like an eternity now. The images have been heartrending and very disturbing. The way the conflict has affected children and women has been especially troubling to watch. There have been images of children blinded by bombs that, I would imagine, were intended for Hamas terrorists. I don't think any adjectives would suffice to describe the awful tragedy that has befallen the civilians of Gaza. Schools and hospitals have been bombed and UN aid workers have been killed (I would think unintentionally but the damage has been done).

Questions have been asked about Israel's use of force - whether it was proportionate or highly disproportionate. There are no easy straightforward answers. It is difficult to view this subject dispassionately, without taking sides.

The origin of the present conflict can be attributed to the incessant firing of rockets into Israel by the Hamas. I would think the Hamas knew the consequences of their action and what the Israeli response would be. In that sense, it can be argued that the Hamas put the Palestinian civilians' lives at risk. Certainly, one does get the impression that the Hamas doesn't value their fellow citizens' lives. They do use mosques to store weapons and hide in civilian buildings. These certainly are actions that endanger Palestinian lives and reckless by any stretch of the imagination. The Hamas certainly is no social organization and certainly needs to be fought and its ability to carry out rocket attacks diminished. I do feel that the Palestinians sometimes are their own worst enemies. Their leaders and groups like the Hamas let them down quite tragically, like in this instance.

While Hamas is a terrorist group and no one can support their actions, the Israelis haven't conducted themselves with any responsibility. Their actions have been over-the-top and highly irresponsible in some cases. There has to be a distinction between a country and a terrorist group and their respective actions need to make that distinction. However, the way Israel has acted, has disappointed and distressed many who understand their point of view and who have sympathized with them in the past.

Certainly, protecting Israeli citizens' lives is the responsibility of the Israeli Government and no one denies them that right. They were right in going after the Hamas. But, one would have to ask, why did Israel chose to take actions that hurt the Palestinian civilians more than the Hamas. Why make it difficult for UN aid workers to provide relief to the civilians of Gaza? Why bomb schools, even if a terrorist chose to hide around the premises? Such actions dent Israel's credibility, which today is at an all-time low.

The stated goal of Israel in this conflict is to rid Gaza of the rocket-launching sites that are used by Hamas. Well, Israel might succeed in taking them out. But, can't they come up once again?? If they can, would the loss of around 1000 Palestinian lives have been worth this war? I think not!!!