By John Q. Hosedrinker Hamas shows signs of return in Gaza City after Israel withdraws most of its troops from the area. This comes as no surprise to those who are familiar with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It seems that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, as they try to eradicate Hamas but find them returning time and time again.
The geography of the Gaza Strip plays a significant role in this situation. It is a small, densely populated area, leaving little room for Hamas to disappear or for the IDF to completely wipe them out. It’s not like they can jump into the sea and disappear. Therefore, the return of Hamas was inevitable.
However, I see a strategy behind this. With Hamas members coming out from hiding, the IDF now has an opportunity to carry out more targeted airstrikes. With fewer tunnels in the north and more destroyed buildings, their strikes can be more accurate. I imagine that the IDF has been mapping out Gaza, including the tunnels, and using devices such as cameras, recording devices, and GPS systems to track Hamas movements. This way, they can minimize casualties and focus on targeted strikes if Hamas returns.
That being said, the wording of Israel’s withdrawal could have been better. “Withdraws of its most troops from the area” sounds a bit odd. But it is clear that Israel has withdrawn the majority of its troops from Gaza, leaving behind a smaller contingent to deal with the task of removing Hamas from the tunnels in Khan Yunis without harming the hostages. This is a challenging and delicate task, but it is necessary for Israel’s preparation for a potential attack by Hezbollah in the north.
However, the question remains: has Israel thought this through strategically? While the IDF may be winning battles and tactically succeeding in damaging Hamas personnel and stockpiles, it is not enough. Without a comprehensive plan, this conflict will continue to persist. Occupation seems to be the only option, unless someone else is willing to take up the responsibility or Israel decides to hand Gaza over to the Egyptians or PLO.
But what is Hamas returning to? Gaza City now lies in ruins, and it wouldn’t be surprising if IDF snipers are laying in wait. Hamas’s plan seems to be working perfectly, as they continue to operate like cockroaches, emerging when the lights go out and disappearing when danger arises. It is a familiar pattern, not only in this conflict but also in other instances where insurgent groups persist despite facing conventional militaries.
If we want to prevent the return of Hamas, occupation seems to be the only viable solution. But to avoid perpetuating this cycle of violence, a deal needs to be reached to get the hostages back safely, followed by the complete flooding of all the tunnels. This would decrease Hamas’s ability to operate and minimize their hold on Gaza.
Unfortunately, it’s not surprising that the continued aggression from Israel has bolstered support for Hamas. The destruction, death, and displacement caused by the bombings have fueled resentment and anger among the Palestinian population. Each bomb dropped on innocent civilians creates new Hamas members and strengthens their cause. It is clear that you cannot bomb a population into submission.
The goal of defeating Hamas has always been elusive. Bombing and making life unlivable in Gaza will only make the organization grow stronger. As history has shown, defeating insurgent groups requires more than just military force. It demands a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues, allows for compromise, and works towards building a stable and peaceful country.
In conclusion, the return of Hamas in Gaza City after Israel’s withdrawal of most troops was predictable. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has shown that military solutions alone are not enough to eradicate organizations like Hamas. A long-term peace requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict, allows for compromise, and prioritizes the well-being and rights of all people involved. It is time for all parties to think deeply and consider alternative approaches to bring about lasting peace in the region.