What is just retribution? As Israel reels from the massacre of hundreds of civilians, the capture of hostages and the shattering of its aura of invincibility, there is the immediate reaction. We have seen the call-up of an unprecedented 300,000 reservists and the shutdown of food and fuel to Gaza.
But the potential prospect of a ground offensive in Gaza, one of the planet's most densely populated territories comes at a very high cost. How long a war? How many casualties? What endgame? If it's to eliminate Hamas, what should it be replaced with? Israel left Gaza in 2005. Does it want to return? Most pressing is the cost to a civilian population already running low on drinking water and basic supplies.
Right now, Israel has much of the world’s sympathy. Is there an alternative to a tooth-for-a-tooth, eye-for-an-eye policy? How to avoid squandering that sympathy the way the post-9/11 United States squandered sympathy by invading Iraq?
Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Rebecca Gnignati and Imen Mellaz.
