Hamas’ execution of six Israeli hostages in a tunnel underneath Gaza was a tragedy. It was also a reminder, if one was needed, of the mentality of those guarding them – the cold-blooded execution of the hostages is further evidence of the disregard for human life that groups such as Hamas have shown time and time again.

For all the justifiable criticism of the Israeli approach to civilian harm minimisation in Gaza, one should never lose sight of the fact that the mentality that led Hamas to kill six hostages in cold blood is the same one that allowed it to believe that shooting innocent concert-goers, or throwing grenades into bomb shelters housing young people in the prime of their lives, could somehow be justified in the name of Palestinian sovereignty. Those advocating support for Hamas would do well to reflect on........

© The Sydney Morning Herald