Suffering is suffering, regardless of the cause. That said, the differences in intent and tactics between Hamas and Israel in Gaza cannot be equated morally as has been suggested by many news outlets including, at the least, NBC and CNN (I have not made a study of them all).
Rabbi Eric Yoffie’s most recent blog, which I recommend, explains why (Bizarre Criticism of Israel: “Disproportionate” Casualties – Time Magazine, July 14 – http://ericyoffie.com/).
The following article is also a must-read as it is a reminder of the toll of war on the innocent, if we needed reminding after a decade of war following 9/11 in the US, and then in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, the Congo, and God knows where else.
Report From Gaza: When My Son Screams – We don’t even seem to have a right to exist or defend ourselves. That right, according to the United States, belongs to Israel alone. By Mohammed Omer – July 15, 2014 – http://www.thenation.com/article/180656/report-gaza-when-my-son-screams#
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