And Keith, I would like you to explain to me what part of any nation, absent the presence of a defined front line defended by its own troops, is NOT a civilian area?

I mean a built up civilian area Don.
The law of armed conflict states that civilians must be evacuated if fighting is likely, you must not construct military positions in civilian occupied places, and prior warning must be given of any attack (Israel complied with the last).

I am not aware of "leaping to the defence" of anyone Don.