- More than two months have elapsed since the Israel and Hamas battle kickstarted in the aftermath of the latter’s attack on the former. That Hamas is considered a terrorist organization inflicting harm on the Israelis with no intention to respect the international convention of peaceful coexistence is a known factor. What was not known was the daredevilry with which Hamas perpetrated the shocking attack on innocent Israeli citizens on that deadly day. Yes, what followed the Hamas’s attack was a full-fledged counterattack by the Israeli forces who were not only taken aback by the move but also were caught unaware of the possible threat. Intelligence failure of such monumental proportions is unheard of in the hallowed Israeli security apparatus.
PC: Al Jazeera
- Since then, the conflict between the two has stretched resulting in the loss of innocent lives and properties despite a brief ceasefire enabling the exchange of hostages from both sides. The global community and the leadership cutting across forums have urged both sides to return to the table for peace talks even as the losses mount alarmingly. Needless to mention and despite putting up a brave face so far, Israel is now hurting itself with the continued fight against Hamas. Its economy may shrink and most crucially, Hamas is no less popular in the Gaza Strip. This must be a cause of concern for the Israeli leadership. Mind you, if Israel keeps pounding Gaza even as it loses global sympathy, as Netanyahu has said it will, it won’t do Israel much good.
- Remember, if the moral dimension of dead Palestinian civilians doesn’t matter to Tel Aviv, tactical arguments should. Following the barbaric October 7 attack, what was expected was a sophisticated operation by the Israeli defense forces to decapitate the top leadership of Hamas in Gaza. Instead, what unfolded was an indiscriminate bombing campaign that has led to massive Palestinian civilian casualties. Turning Gaza into a wasteland hasn’t secured Israel’s primary objective, it won’t help free the remaining hostages in Hamas captivity, and is costing Tel Aviv even Washington’s avowed support. That even the US is piling pressure on Israel should alarm the latter. Biden wants Netanyahu to change his hardline stance, and rightly so.
PC: The Times of Israel
- A recent poll shows growing Palestinian support for Hamas. The war has entrenched Hamas rather than eliminate it. Apart from the loss of soldiers, the war is costing Israel at least $260 million per day. Israeli businesses are suffering due to the call-up of 3,50,000 army reservists and the displacement of 200,000 people along Israel’s borders. Israel’s economy is heading for a possible contraction. The danger of a wider regional conflict is real, which is not good at all for the global security scenario. Also, the longer the war drags on the more the suspicion that Netanyahu is continuing the military operation for personal political goals. Netanyahu must acquiesce to a ceasefire, restart negotiations for the release of remaining hostages, and restore normalcy forthwith.
