Israel’s aspiration to neutralize Hamas is taking a novel approach, focusing on reducing Israeli casualties while being mindful of the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, it risks prolonging the conflict.
What Happened: An ongoing five-day ground operation has been launched to eliminate Gaza’s ruling militant group, Hamas, Bloomberg reported. The operation has been undertaken in response to an incursion by Hamas fighters into Israel earlier in October. The campaign involves a slow, calculated ingress into Palestinian territory, supported by tanks and artillery.
Yossi Kuperwasser, a former top military intelligence official, stated, “Israel is proceeding very gradually, very carefully, cautiously as it wants to make sure there are minimum casualties.”
He added, “Israel believes it is not under any time pressure.”
Amir Avivi, a former brigadier general, estimates that ousting Hamas from Gaza could take over a year. He stressed the need for “months and months” of work to dismantle the infrastructure.
See Also: Kamala Harris Sends Iran A Single-Word Warning On Entering Israel-Hamas Conflict
Air strikes, which have been incessantly pounding Gaza since the Oct.7 attacks, persist, claiming over 8,500 Palestinian lives, as reported by Hamas-led health authorities. Armored vehicles have been spotted on the outskirts of Gaza City, and a Hamas outpost has been attacked, killing numerous militants, according to the Israeli army.
The Israel Defense Forces have yet to disclose any casualties on their side. This stepwise strategy indicates that the Israeli military and government are preparing for a prolonged campaign, potentially lasting for months.
Hamas’ extensive network of secret underground tunnels poses a significant challenge to the Israeli forces. However, the gradual progression of the campaign could help avoid intense battles in populated areas and potentially limit Israeli military and civilian casualties, albeit it might extend the war duration.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to intensify, with over 60% of the population displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Critics of the Israeli offensive have grown in number internationally in light of the civilian death toll.
In a bid to mitigate the humanitarian crisis, Israel plans to increase the amount of aid allowed into Gaza from Egypt to 100 trucks a day, according to Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
Image via Shutterstock
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