Israel’s military operations in Gaza have dealt significant blows to Hamas, with many of its battalions degraded and scattered. Despite the loss of thousands of members and a senior military leader, Israel has not fully achieved its goals of freeing hostages and destroying Hamas.
The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with Palestinian civilian casualties mounting and hunger widespread in Gaza. The fighting has strained global relations and cost Israel support from allies.
As the war drags on, the focus has shifted to the southern city of Rafah, Hamas’s last stronghold that Israel has yet to invade. The planned operation has raised concerns about civilian casualties and the need for a detailed evacuation plan.
American officials have expressed doubts about Israel’s ability to completely destroy Hamas, emphasizing the group’s resilience and underground network of tunnels. The war has evolved into a deadly pattern of skirmishes and airstrikes, with both sides preparing for what comes next.
Despite the challenges, Israel remains determined to grind down Hamas, with some officials suggesting the conflict could last for years. American officials urge a shift in strategy towards targeting senior Hamas leaders and returning governance of Gaza to Palestinians.
As the conflict continues, the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance, with chaos and lawlessness taking hold in the absence of a functioning Palestinian government. While Israel may not have completely destroyed Hamas, the likelihood of another major attack has been diminished, according to military experts.