Hamas can no longer be allowed to rule Gaza: Netanyahu

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 filled on North Gaza seashore
PM Netanyahu visited the North Gaza seashore

PM Netanyahu visited the filled on North Gaza seashore

PM Netanyahu visited the filled on North Gaza seashore

PM Netanyahu visited the filled on 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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