Recently, several reports have appeared in the Israeli and International press, opposing the Israeli Government's plan to conquer the city of Gaza, where Hamas maintains its last military stronghold. These journalists and experts argue that Israel should unilaterally declare victory over Hamas, withdraw from the Gaza Strip to a narrow security perimeter, impose a complete blockade on the area, and then negotiate the hostages' release in exchange for humanitarian relief and reconstruction. The argument follows the following logic:

1. The majority of Israelis want the war to end (and even oppose an attack on Gaza City) and demand the hostages be released at almost any price, even at the expense of destroying Hamas. 

2. What remains of Hamas' military capabilities no longer poses a viable military threat to Israel.

3. Since Hamas is unlikely to surrender and will fight to the bitter end, any attempt to conquer Gaza City will bring minimum overall benefit at the expense of high casualty rates amongst Israeli forces.

4. The attack on Gaza City is a death sentence for any hostages who remain alive.

5. The civilian population cannot be evacuated from the city. Either Hamas will not allow the removal of its human shield against Israeli attacks, or…