Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday gave one of his most direct condemnations of the civilian death toll in Gaza and said more needs to be done to “minimize harm to Palestinian civilians.”
Although Blinken commended Israel for its announcement of daily military pauses in areas of Northern Gaza and two evacuation corridors, he said that “there is more that can and should be done to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians.”
The top US diplomat has subtly shifted his messaging in the days since he departed the Middle East earlier this week to more directly voice condemnation of the civilian toll in Gaza and the US’ expectations for the Israeli government. However, he still has not condemned the Israeli government offensive and has continually voiced support for its right to defend itself.
10k deaths of which 60% are women and children is not reduced collateral though lol. That’s my point. Its not carpet bomb genocide, but they have no regard for civilian (or hostage) life.
You can still aim unguided bombs very accurately, especially if you’re just targeting large structures and don’t have to worry about surface to airs or another air force. I’m pretty sure the IDF already has and is doing so.
The only reason we know they’re using guided munitions is because many of the videos of the airstrikes show an incoming AGM with a very prominent flare showing.
My dumb point is that if they’re not targeting moving targets, no point in ordering guided munitions. A regular Mk bomb will hit a building just fine the same way.
Just because that number is big doesn’t mean it isn’t reduced; if they used the tactics you floated, indiscriminate attacks with big, dumb bombs, it would undoubtedly be higher. Doing so would be cheaper and take less effort and coordination than the lengths they currently go to.
I suspect the high casualties are due to Hamas hiding among civilians and in/under civilian structures (citation above.) The available alternatives which would reduce collateral damage are, 1) Israel lets Hamas operate with impunity because of these human shields, or 2) IDF goes in to depose Hamas without air support and suffers massive casualties. Either of these strengthen Hamas at the expense of Israel and leaves them less safe. Non starters, considering that for them this operation is reportedly about safety.
For leveling buildings I suspect you’re right, I think the major issue is that Hamas targets surround themselves with civilians and I imagine in many of these circumstances better targeting could reduce collateral casualties. For example, the Hamas commanders in the tunnel network under the refugee camp that got Israel a lot of international criticism when they bombed it, (twice.) Perhaps more precision could have reduced civilian deaths there.
At very least this demonstrates that they are willing to spend resources to minimize civilian casualties, how it will play out I can’t say.