The New York Times: The way Hamas fights in Gaza is the reason for the ongoing suffering of Palestinians. A comprehensive investigation was published today by NYT highlighting Hamas's guerrilla tactics and use of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, leading to ongoing fighting, destruction, and displacement. Based on combat videos analysis and interviews with Hamas fighters and IDF soldiers, the report shows systematic exploitation of civilians and infrastructure for military purposes, effectively blaming Hamas for the continued conflict. Hamas uses an extensive tunnel system, to surprise the IDF, to transport fighters and weapons without Israeli detection. They hide militants, tunnel entrances, and weapons in residential homes, medical facilities, UN offices, and mosques, blurring any line between civilians and combatants. Hamas fighters often wear civilian clothes and use family homes as traps. Hamas also employs civilians, including children, as lookouts and informers, marking strategic houses with signs like red cloths or graffiti. These tactics, which violate international law, aim to prolong the conflict and increase international pressure on Israel, despite harming Palestinian civilians in mass numbers. Israeli military officials state these tactics complicate combat and explain the extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. Senior Hamas members argue that this criticism diverts attention from Israeli actions. Despite heavy civilian casualties, Hamas's strategy has achieved some goals, such as damaging Israel's reputation and bringing the Palestinian issue back to global attention. The investigation suggests that Hamas's war doctrine has allowed its leaders to survive, with some of its senior commanders still active, despite significant losses.
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