Israel has decided to expand its military operations in Gaza, which could have lasting effects on the region and the two million Palestinians living there. This move highlights Israel’s struggle to meet its objectives, as the ongoing conflict has not forced Hamas to surrender or led to the release of hostages.
Israeli officials believe that increasing military pressure is the best strategy moving forward. One official described this shift as moving from a "clear and leave" approach to a "clear and hold" tactic. This method has been used by Western forces in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, but the intention there was never to occupy those countries permanently. The situation in Gaza appears different, as opinions among Israeli commentators vary on whether the plan is to conquer and hold all of Gaza or just parts of it.
The timeline for this "hold" remains uncertain. Will it last until hostages are released, until Hamas is unable to fight, or will it be permanent? Some sources suggest that a long-term Israeli presence in Gaza is no longer an unrealistic idea.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that the objective is now to achieve "supreme victory" over Hamas, rather than simply focusing on returning hostages. This shift indicates that even if all hostages were released, the conflict would likely continue.
The Israeli government is also reportedly considering plans to relocate Gazans to the southern part of the strip, potentially creating a situation where they are concentrated in the Rafah area near Egypt. This could shift the responsibility for humanitarian aid to Egypt, complicating the already challenging situation for the people of Gaza.
As the conflict escalates, there is little sign of a ceasefire in the near future. The prospect of peace seems more distant than ever, with the fighting expected to continue for an extended period. The international community is watching closely, hoping for a resolution but bracing for more violence in the coming months.