That’s all well and good, but Israel is surrounded by Arab and Persian countries that believe Palestinians are suffering in an apartheid state. If Israel hits back too hard, these Arab nations, fearing domestic unrest themselves due to a population urging them to do something to protect their religious and ethnic kin, must respond. To add to that, a potential refugee crisis with Palestinians moving into neighbouring countries creates issues. Specifically, many other Arab countries don’t want Hamas’ ideology challenging their rule, which is why they prefer them to stay across the border in Israel.