It is also clear that Hamas was surprised by the magnitude of the response, as it did not take the Israeli threats seriously. Despite its decision to resume rocket attacks, it did not take any extraordinary precautions, such as evacuating its security headquarters and equipping hospitals and the civil defense forces. This explains the large number of casualties and the lack of appropriate treatment.
This article available online at:
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2008/12/hamas-misjudged-israel-apos-s-seriousness/9267/
