Thread by @HardcoreHistory

Palestinian leadership has once again made a decision that will IN NO WAY improve the lives of their people. There is NO POSITIVE outcome for them here (except to personally bolster their chances to stay in power). They have hurt their cause(s) and increased the suffering in Gaza

There are lots of grievances Palestinians could cite that deserve attention. Actions like those of this week close the ears of many who might be willing to listen/help. This plays into the hands of hardliners on both sides. Pity the civilians (on both sides) are victimized.

You deliberately target civilians (not even under the fig leaf of "collateral damage") and you reap the whirlwind. Lets understand that Hamas might want that. But their people have a right to expect better. The actions this week by Hamas have been nothing short of disgusting.

The idea that targeting/attacking innocents BY DESIGN is "defense" is a joke. It's wrong when anyone does it (and nation states do this too) but what we have seen this week is why nothing gets better in the region. Hamas may benefit from this in a sick way, but Palestinians won't

The reaction by Israel now will be exactly what ANY NATION ON EARTH would do in like circumstances (and Hamas knows this). When you look at what this leads to in reaction go tell your people then "well at least we killed some of them too". It's sick. And counterproductive.

Hopefully Palestinians get a chance to throw you (Hamas) on the dustbin of history soon, before you damage those whom you are charged with protecting anymore than you already have. Hamas doesn't want peace. They'd be out of business if it ever happened. But PEOPLE deserve better.

And let's hope the Israelis who are currently hostages get home to their loved ones soon. It's UNIMAGINABLE what their families must be feeling. The damage this event has done will not be overcome in my lifetime. It's monumentally counterproductive. The cycle of pain continues.