The Israeli military’s endeavor to eradicate Hamas and its militant network from the densely populated Gaza Strip poses a complex and formidable challenge. As this operation nears its end, the focus shifts to the daunting task of navigating the aftermath. Uncertainty clouds Gaza’s future and the fate of its more than 2 million inhabitants.
Following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist assault, Gaza became the focal point of Israel’s relentless counterattack. Numerous unresolved questions bear significant implications for the region: Who will govern Gaza if Hamas is dismantled? Will Israel consider a long-term, extensive occupation once more? The responsibility for rebuilding the region, increasingly reduced to rubble, remains a pressing concern for nations or international organizations.
Central to this discourse is the feasibility of Israel’s stated objective: the complete defeat of Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza since its 2006 election victory. The prospect of achieving this goal is uncertain, and if Israel remains steadfast in its mission to permanently crush Hamas, it may set the stage for protracted conflict and enduring suffering in Gaza, potentially fostering heightened resistance from Palestinian fighters.
The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution, but its perceived unwavering support for Israel’s military actions may impact its influence in the peace process. As the fighting draws to a close, considerations regarding the physical rehabilitation of Gaza arise, necessitating the pivotal involvement of Arab powers in its reconstruction.
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