The military conflict between Israel and Hamas has shifted focus from Gaza to an attack on Israel by Iran. Israel’s military operations in Gaza are ongoing with the goal of eliminating Hamas, the armed group that controlled the territory before the fighting began. The conflict began after Hamas led an attack in October that killed around 1,200 people, prompting Israel to launch its assault to defeat Hamas and free hostages taken that day. The war has resulted in the deaths of over 33,000 people and has left the population on the brink of famine.
In southern Gaza, Israel withdrew its forces but plans to invade Rafah, the southernmost city, to complete the elimination of Hamas’s battalions and destroy its tunnel networks. There is uncertainty about the timing of this operation, as world leaders, including President Biden, have urged Israel not to invade the city due to potential harm to civilians. The population in Rafah has increased significantly as people seek shelter from the fighting, and the area is a key access point for humanitarian aid.
In northern Gaza, Israel launched a ground invasion, resulting in significant destruction of the region, including Gaza City. While Israeli forces initially withdrew in January after dismantling Hamas’s military structure, they returned in March for an operation at Al-Shifa Hospital, where they reported killing fighters and capturing others. Some analysts suggest that leaving northern Gaza without a governance plan allowed Hamas to return, while civilians attempting to return have reported being fired upon by Israeli forces.
The remaining Israeli troops in Gaza are primarily focused on guarding a central road built for military operations. The military appears to be shifting to a strategy of more targeted raids rather than wider assaults, retaining the capacity for airstrikes across Gaza. While the Israeli military has had success in dismantling Hamas’s military wing and destroying tunnels, Hamas still maintains significant organizational and military capacity. Despite disabling some of Hamas’s battalions, experts believe Hamas will remain a force to be reckoned with in the region.
Overall, the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with Israel’s military operations in Gaza ongoing. The focus has shifted somewhat due to Iran’s attack on Israel, but efforts to eliminate Hamas persist. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a high death toll, widespread destruction, and a population on the brink of famine. The region remains volatile, with uncertainty about future military operations and concerns about civilian casualties.
