General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Hamas' brutality is unpardonable [View all]AloeVera
(1,151 posts)The 8,500 figure, according to the IDF, was derived using "intelligence" aka informants, testimony of captives and satellite pictures (?).
In other words, about as reliable as you believe Hamas sources to be.
It is hospitals that receive the dead, then record and report out. All the hospitals in the North, and most in the South, are now closed. So with no real mechanism now for the handling and recording of the dead, the likelihood of severe under-reporting is high.
How many are buried under rubble and not included in the death count? It was around 7,000 a month or more ago. Perhaps no one can keep track now. But eventually it will be known.
Consider also the impact of the communications black-out and the lack of fuel even for ambulances, even if there was someplace to take the injured. No care available for them so many have and will die where they are, in their homes and on the streets. I don't know about you, but I find that pretty horrific to even think about. Even if you think that's a deserved fate for any Hamas member, I'm pretty certain many civilians are suffering the same fate and those deaths are unreported.
When this is over, and the full extent of civilian deaths from military action is determined, it will be absolutely horrifying, no matter which side you're on.
As for deaths from starvation and disease, if that is allowed to happen, there is no amount of blame-shifting or finger-pointing that will wipe off the ugly stain of genocide.