On 19 November 2024, Israeli PM Netanyahu visited the North Gaza seashore. He acclaimed the IDF for contributing to fighting bravely. Netanyahu also announced rewards for those who find the hostages. He said with Minister of Defense Israel Catz Hamas can no longer be allowed to rule Gaza after the war.
PM Netanyahu visited the North Gaza seashore |
PM Netanyahu visited the North Gaza seashore |
Experts
have found a flaw in the Prime Minister's statement because Israel previously
controlled Gaza, but it had to withdraw from there.
The conflict
between Israel and Gaza, particularly involving Hamas, is one of the most
complex and enduring geopolitical issues in the modern world. It encompasses
historical grievances, territorial disputes, and a web of political, cultural,
and religious factors. This essay delves into Israel's historical control of
Gaza, the circumstances leading to its withdrawal in 2005, and the growth of
Hamas as a formidable force against Israel.
Historical Context of Gaza
The Gaza
Strip, a coastal enclave along the Mediterranean Sea, has been a focal point of
conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian struggle. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli
War, Gaza came under Egyptian administration. However, during the Six-Day War
in 1967, Israel captured Gaza, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem,
asserting control over the territory. For decades, Israel maintained a military
presence in Gaza and established settlements, which were a source of contention
among Palestinians, who viewed them as an encroachment on their land.
Under
Israeli control, Gaza's population, predominantly Palestinian, faced
significant restrictions. The dynamics were further strained by the broader
Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the aspirations of Palestinians for an
independent state. Over time, the situation in Gaza became increasingly
volatile, marked by periodic uprisings, known as intifadas, and growing
resistance to Israeli occupation.
Israel’s Withdrawal from Gaza in 2005
In 2005,
Israel undertook a unilateral disengagement plan, withdrawing its military
forces and dismantling 21 Israeli settlements in Gaza. The decision, led by
then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, was driven by several factors:
- Demographic Challenges: Maintaining control over
Gaza’s densely populated Palestinian population posed demographic and
logistical challenges for Israel. The growing population of Palestinians
threatened to disrupt the Jewish majority in areas under Israeli control.
- Security Concerns: The Israeli government faced
ongoing attacks from Palestinian factions operating in Gaza. Sharon’s
administration believed that withdrawing troops and settlers from Gaza
would reduce Israel's exposure to these attacks.
- International Pressure: The occupation of Gaza
attracted widespread international criticism. The withdrawal was seen as a
step toward defusing tensions and possibly advancing peace efforts.
- Economic Burden: The cost of maintaining
settlements and military operations in Gaza was substantial, prompting
some Israeli leaders to advocate for disengagement as a pragmatic
solution.
The
disengagement was a highly controversial move within Israel. While some viewed
it as a necessary step toward peace, others criticized it as a concession to
Palestinian violence and a potential security risk.
Hamas’ Rise to Power
Hamas, an
Islamist Palestinian political and military organization, was founded in 1987
during the First Intifada. It emerged as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood,
advocating for the liberation of Palestinian territories and the establishment
of an Islamic state. Initially, Hamas gained traction through grassroots
efforts, providing social services and support to impoverished Palestinians.
However, the
organization is best known for its military wing and its resistance to Israel.
Hamas employed a combination of guerrilla warfare, rocket attacks, and suicide
bombings, gaining notoriety as a formidable adversary. The group’s rejection of
Israel's existence and its use of violence led to its designation as a
terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and
other nations.
The
withdrawal of Israeli forces in 2005 created a power vacuum in Gaza. In the
subsequent 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, Hamas won a decisive
victory, defeating the rival Fatah party. This victory marked a turning point,
as Hamas consolidated its control over Gaza. In 2007, tensions between Hamas
and Fatah escalated into armed conflict, resulting in Hamas seizing full
control of Gaza.
Hamas’ Strengthening Against Israel
Several
factors have contributed to Hamas’ growing strength in its confrontation with
Israel:
- Militarization and Armament: Over the years, Hamas has
built a sophisticated military infrastructure in Gaza. It has acquired and
developed rockets with increasing range and precision, smuggled weapons
through tunnels, and trained a robust fighting force. This militarization
has been fueled by external support, notably from Iran and other allies,
providing funds, weapons, and expertise.
- Underground Tunnels: Hamas has constructed an
extensive network of underground tunnels in Gaza, used for smuggling
goods, launching surprise attacks, and evading Israeli airstrikes. These
tunnels have proven to be a significant tactical advantage in its confrontations
with Israel.
- Support Among Palestinians: Despite its controversial
tactics, Hamas has garnered substantial support among Palestinians in
Gaza, partly due to its role as a provider of social services and its
resistance to Israeli policies. The organization has positioned itself as
a defender of Palestinian rights, contrasting with the perceived
ineffectiveness of Fatah and the Palestinian Authority.
- Global Dynamics: Hamas has leveraged global
and regional dynamics to bolster its position. It has received financial
and material support from states and non-state actors opposed to Israel,
while also benefiting from the broader geopolitical rivalries in the
Middle East.
- Israeli Policies: Israeli blockades and
military operations in Gaza have inadvertently contributed to Hamas'
narrative of resistance. The harsh conditions in Gaza, characterized by
poverty, unemployment, and limited access to basic services, have fueled
resentment toward Israel and reinforced Hamas' legitimacy among its
supporters.
The Ongoing Conflict
The
Israel-Hamas conflict has been marked by periodic escalations of violence,
including large-scale military operations, rocket attacks, and retaliatory
airstrikes. These episodes have caused significant civilian casualties and
widespread destruction in Gaza, drawing international condemnation and calls
for restraint from both sides.
The most
notable clashes include Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), Operation Protective
Edge (2014), and recurrent escalations in the following years. Each conflict
has further entrenched the divide between Israel and Hamas, making a resolution
increasingly elusive.
The Impact of the 2005 Withdrawal
Israel’s
disengagement from Gaza in 2005 has had profound implications:
- Security Challenges for Israel: The withdrawal did not lead
to peace but rather to intensified hostilities. Hamas’ control of Gaza has
resulted in frequent rocket attacks on Israeli towns and cities,
necessitating the development of the Iron Dome missile defense system.
- Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The blockade imposed by
Israel and Egypt, in response to Hamas' control, has severely restricted
Gaza's economy and access to essential goods. This blockade, combined with
the effects of repeated conflicts, has created a dire humanitarian
situation for Gaza's residents.
- Political Stalemate: The withdrawal has not
advanced the broader Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Instead, it has
entrenched divisions, with Hamas and the Palestinian Authority locked in a
bitter rivalry and Israel maintaining its blockade and periodic military
operations.
- Regional Implications: The Gaza conflict has drawn
in regional players, including Iran, Qatar, and Egypt, each pursuing its
own interests. It has also shaped global perceptions of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, influencing international diplomacy and
public opinion.
Conclusion
The
Israel-Gaza conflict, centered on the rise of Hamas and the aftermath of
Israel’s 2005 withdrawal, underscores the deep-seated challenges in resolving
the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hamas’ growth as a military and
political force has reshaped the dynamics in Gaza, intensifying hostilities
with Israel and complicating efforts toward peace. Meanwhile, the situation in
Gaza remains dire, with its residents bearing the brunt of the conflict.
A sustainable resolution to the conflict requires addressing its root causes, including the aspirations for Palestinian statehood, security concerns for Israel, and the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population. However, achieving this goal remains elusive, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions, and the cycles of violence continue to perpetuate the conflict.