The Guardian view on war in the Middle East: protecting civilian lives is essential | Editorial

The weekend's devastating attacks in southern Israel and the relentless bombardment of Gaza have left millions traumatised

The shock and horror of the massacres by Hamas in southern Israel have only intensified as the days have gone by and the full extent of the violence has emerged. Young revellers slaughtered as they fled a music festival; babies murdered with their parents; the very young and old taken hostage. This atrocity may not be an existential moment for the state of Israel, as the Yom Kippur war appeared to be 50 years ago. But for Israelis, and for Jews worldwide, their belief in a homeland where they could be safe after centuries of antisemitic persecution lies in tatters. The death toll stands at more than 1,200: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day," said Israel's president, Isaac Herzog.

Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government of extremists has failed to keep its contract with the people. Israelis are stunned that the army took so long to arrive. An estimated 150 hostages are still held. Yet Haaretz reports that the finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, urged that the country strike Hamas brutally, and not take the issue of the captives into account too much". This is the kind of partner on whom Mr Netanyahu still depends. While his political rival Benny Gantz has now joined an emergency national government, he is unlikely to be a moderating voice.