In a dramatic turn of events, Israel has launched a relentless and unprecedented military campaign in the Gaza Strip, codenamed "Operation Swords of Iron." This operation is described as unmatched in its ferocity and differs significantly from previous Israeli actions in Gaza. The campaign's primary objective is to eliminate Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, though concerns have arisen regarding Israel's long-term strategy for the region.
Israeli forces have called up a record 360,000 reservists and have been continuously bombarding Gaza since Hamas initiated an assault on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in a substantial number of casualties, with the majority being civilians.
The immediate Israeli strategy, according to insider sources, is to dismantle Gaza's infrastructure, even if it leads to high civilian casualties, and to force the population toward the Egyptian border. Additionally, Israel aims to neutralize Hamas by targeting the intricate network of underground tunnels used by the group for its operations.
One pressing concern among global leaders is the absence of a clear post-war plan. While Israel is determined to inflict significant damage on Hamas, there is no defined exit strategy. U.S. President Joe Biden's aides have voiced their apprehension over this lack of a clear plan.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have made recent trips to Israel, emphasizing the need for a post-war plan. Arab officials are equally alarmed by the absence of a clear vision for Gaza's future.
The looming possibility of a full-scale Israeli invasion has garnered widespread attention, with Gaza authorities reporting a significant number of Palestinian casualties from the ongoing aerial bombardment. This situation has raised concerns about the potential for escalating violence.
Notably, Israel's forthcoming offensive is anticipated to be on a much larger scale than previous Gaza operations. Unlike previous conflicts, Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas entirely, a commitment that raises questions about what comes after the conflict's conclusion.
The fear that this conflict may extend beyond Gaza's borders is a regional concern, with the possibility of Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran becoming involved to support Hamas. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has warned of possible action against Israel if it proceeds with the invasion.
Arab leaders have expressed their opposition to collective punishment against ordinary Palestinians and fear that escalating casualties will lead to regional unrest.
Washington is reportedly considering re-energizing the Palestinian Authority (PA) as a governing entity, although doubts persist about the PA's ability to manage Gaza if Hamas is removed from power.
The international community has also called for the creation of humanitarian corridors and escape routes for Palestinian civilians, amid concerns of a significant wave of displacement.Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula, warning that it could create a base for attacks against Israel.
These developments add complexity to an already volatile situation in the Middle East, with the conflict's potential to spread beyond Gaza being a source of deep concern among regional stakeholders.