Mehdi Hasan: Even If Everyone in Gaza ‘Voted’ or ‘Supported’ Hamas, ‘They Are Still Civilians’

EXCERPT:

HASAN: “It’s been a constant refrain in some circles since the start of this conflict between Hamas and Israel: ‘There’s no difference between Hamas and the people of Gaza because the Gazans elected Hamas,’ to quote Republican senator Tom Cotton. ‘The citizens of Gaza voted for Hamas,’ to quote once liberal lawyer Alan Dershowitz. That’s just false, incorrect, untrue. First, half the population of Gaza are kids under the age of 18. The vast majority of them were not alive, let alone old enough to vote the last time elections were held in Gaza back in 2006, 17 years ago. Second, Hamas didn’t even get a majority of the vote back in 2006. In fact, even this year, prior to the current conflict, one survey found only 27% of Gazans, barely won in four, picked Hamas as their preferred party. And third, even if everyone in Gaza had voted for Hamas, supported Hamas, they are still civilians protected by international humanitarian law. They still can’t be targeted.”