The atrocities committed by Hamas, although it seems to be their nature. Was to outrage the world and mostly the Isralies.Hamas wants them to come to Gaza. Gaza is a death trap. As we learned in Iraq and other countries. When even a superior force fights people on their home ground, especially in an urban environment's locals have a great advantage. I have visited many graves on Memorial Day since 2004 with the word "Fallujah" on the gravestone. Hamas knows they can kill the maximum number of Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Its a death trap. Plus, Lebanon, and Syria have voiced their intent to join the war. An urban war in an area the size of Gaza would be a nightmare for Isreal.Hamas knows that Isreal will avoid killing civilians if possible. Which restricts Israels abilities. Since Hamas uses their own people as human shields