Most Israeli Jews thought their country was waging a just war. But since mid-July, mainstream news bulletins that had shunned pictures of suffering in Gaza have begun showing footage of the emaciated and cast doubt on the morality of the cause.

Israel is on the brink of launching an operation to occupy the entirety of Gaza, according to reports. The Israeli security cabinet is expected to approve the escalation plan later today, with the aim of destroying Hamas and forcing it to give up the remaining hostages, according to Israeli media.

The commandment of bal taschit prohibits wasteful destruction and is especially relevant in military conflict because in the fog of war humans can feel justified in destroying anything in their paths.