Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesperson for the Israeli military, defended the actions taken in pursuit of their objectives amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Hagari emphasized that the extensive damage and destruction caused were a result of Hamas' strategic placement of military capabilities within civilian areas, leaving no alternative but to target those locations.
One specific instance highlighted by Hagari was the town beneath Rafah, where Hamas had embedded itself within the population, using them as shields. Failure to address these threats would only lead to further military confrontations, according to Hagari.
The Israeli military has maintained strict control over access to Gaza, limiting the information that can be shared with the public. Despite these restrictions, Hagari acknowledged that the footage and updates provided offer a glimpse into the situation on the ground, albeit a narrow one.
While the destruction and loss of life are undeniable, Hagari's statements underscore the complex challenges faced by the Israeli military in dealing with a foe that operates within civilian areas. The ongoing conflict continues to raise concerns about the safety and well-being of the civilian population caught in the crossfire.