Unfulfilled Promises: The Elusive Quest for Victory in Gaza

Written by – Elijah J. Magnier:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military campaign in Gaza was launched with the stated goals of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of prisoners and military personnel. However, as the conflict dragged on for some four months, an additional strategic objective emerged: to consolidate Israeli solidarity. These ambitious goals, however, remain unattainable within the current geopolitical and military framework. Subsequently, Netanyahu subtly indicated his willingness to initiate a ceasefire. Still, with strict preconditions, the cessation of hostilities and the military withdrawal from Gaza would depend on the fulfilment of the initially stated objectives of defeating Hamas in the first place and keeping his army in Gaza.

At the same time, Israel declared a tactical victory over Hamas in the north of Gaza (where Hamas has already deployed the police and public servants) and in the Khan Yunis area (south), ostensibly narrowing the conflict to the key Rafah border sector with Egypt. This strategic area, densely populated by one-and-a-half displaced Gazans and serving as a vital conduit for humanitarian supplies, is also crucial to Egypt’s national security. In response, the Egyptian authorities, speaking from Cairo, have described any Israeli military manoeuvres in this sensitive zone as a definitive breach of their red lines.

These developments unfold as Netanyahu trumpets these achievements as notional triumphs rather than tangible victories. Meanwhile, Hamas is examining the proposed ceasefire draft, albeit with tempered expectations, recognising the complicated and arduous path to a comprehensive and lasting agreement.

The Israeli military claimed to have inflicted a significant toll on Hamas, claiming the elimination of 10,000 of its members and the arrest of 2,500 fighters. It branded this a decisive victory in the aftermath of the operations in Khan Yunis. This narrative, projected by the Israeli Defence Forces and the Netanyahu government, is presented as a significant achievement aimed at reassuring the Israeli population, especially those in the settlements, of their safety and the reduced threat of future attacks. The situation on the ground, however, presents a different reality. The withdrawal of Israeli forces from the northern sectors was accompanied by the Netanyahu government’s recognition of the resurgence of Hamas in these very areas, previously considered free of military activity. The administrative control and the resumption of rocket attacks from the north, targeting settlements and even reaching Tel Aviv,