The current conflict in the Gaza Strip seems to have the world's leaders teetering between disgust at the tragic death of more than 1,000 Palestinian civilians and the right of Israel to protect its own population from rocket attacks from the Hamas-driven terrorists, who launch missiles into it on an almost-daily basis.

                As of this writing, the current two-day truce is holding and Israel has removed its forces from Gaza.  Let's hope that it holds forever, though there's little chance that it will.

                There have been many disturbing reports coming out of this conflict – from both sides.

                The latest, reported yesterday, was the capture by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), of a Hamas manual titled "Introduction to the City War."  While nothing could change one's opinion on civilian deaths, this book could shed some insight into the minds of those who read and follow the chilling details in it.  The book has been called a Hamas urban warfare manual.

                The book extols the benefits of civilian deaths and the propaganda value of the deaths of innocents.  It also admits that Israel tries to avoid them by explaining how heavily populated urban areas, called pockets of resistance, make operations for the Israelis difficult because Israeli soldiers try not to harm civilians.  It goes on to say that Israeli commanders must limit their use of weapons and tactics that lead to harm and unnecessary loss of people and civilian facilities.   It says, "It is difficult for them to get the most use out of their firearms, especially of supporting fire," presumably a reference to artillery or air support. 

                Another area of the book reported that, "The destruction of civilian homes: This increases the hatred of the citizens toward the attackers and increases their gathering around [to support] city defenders.

                The charge that Hamas exploits civilians as shields and neighborhood mosques and schools as weapons caches and launching pits has been made for years and has resonated loudly in the current month-long conflict in Gaza.

                According to an IDF report, the manual came from the Shuja'iya Brigade.  It was in Shuja'iya where, two weeks ago, a major IDF attack took place in response to 140 rockets being fired from civilian structures there.  Before the attack, the IDF warned Shuja'iya residents to leave in advance of the attack.

                The IDF found at least 10 "terror" tunnels in Shuja'iya and officials now believe that the destruction of the city was always part of Hamas' plan.

                The discovery of the Hamas' rules of urban engagement booklet and the instructions for use of civilians as shields should be condemned by anyone who holds out hope for humanity.  It should especially be condemned by those who could become those shields.

                But the Middle East region was, and still is, a complex area with wounds and scars that go back millenniums.

                It's hard to believe that in 2014, an answer to peace in the Mideast still escapes mankind.

                What will it take?