Is it realistic to assume that there are still thousands of Hamas fighters in Gaza? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Intensified Israeli offensive in northern Gaza, specifically Gaza City.
• Hamas fighters remaining in Gaza City.
• Civilian evacuation and displacement.
• Destruction of Gaza City infrastructure.
• Feasibility of eliminating Hamas.
• International law and civilian casualties.
• Long-term political solution.

Intensified Offensive and Civilian Impact

• Israel has intensified its offensive in northern Gaza, sending ground forces into Gaza City, which they have declared a war zone.
• The Israeli military estimates thousands of Hamas fighters remain in the city.
• Civilians are urged to evacuate south, but those fleeing describe relentless bombardment.
• A Palestinian civilian recounts waking up under rubble, losing family members, including her daughter, in the bombardment.
• Thousands are fleeing Gaza City, uncertain if they will ever return.
• The UN Secretary General condemned the massive destruction of neighborhoods and the systematic destruction of Gaza City, along with the massive killing of civilians.
• Despite the exodus, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain, many unable to afford evacuation.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu states troops are working to evacuate Gazans, while the military says the campaign is only beginning, estimating it will take several months to take control and longer to "cleanse" the city and its infrastructure.

Ground Assault Details and Humanitarian Crisis

• Medical services report over 100 people killed since the start of the operation, with many feared trapped under rubble due to the danger preventing emergency services from reaching them.
• Large-scale movement out of the city is observed, particularly on the beach road.
• The Israeli military opened a temporary route on the eastern Saladin road for evacuation, providing a map that some find unclear.
• Journalists in Gaza are sending their families south but staying to cover the events.
• An estimated one million people were in Gaza City, with some leaving, some lacking the means to leave, and others refusing to be forcibly displaced again.
• The Israeli military estimates it will take at least two to three months to push into the heart of western Gaza City and take control.
• They claim to already control over 40% of the city and are advancing from the outskirts at two points.
• Two divisions are reportedly in the city, moving towards the city center, where many have sought shelter in the western part near the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Israeli military claims there are about 3,000 Hamas fighters in the city, a number that cannot be independently verified.
• It is estimated that some hostages are being held in Gaza City.
• Palestinians fear Gaza City will be reduced to rubble and they may not be able to return.

Feasibility of Eliminating Hamas and Long-Term Implications

• Marina [ __ ], a military expert at King's College London, states that eliminating Hamas is a difficult aim because it is not a regular army.
• International criticism of the Israeli operation and civilian suffering could incentivize people to join Hamas.
• While physically eliminating every fighter is possible, the long-term consequences are uncertain.
• A political solution is necessary, as military action alone will not solve the problem.
• Drawing a parallel to the Vietnam War, the expert highlights that military solutions alone are insufficient.
• The cost in human lives, both Gazan and IDF, and the impact on the neighboring region are significant concerns.
• The expert confirms that the estimate of thousands of Hamas fighters in Gaza City is realistic, citing the historical length of counterinsurgency campaigns.
• Such "small wars" against non-state actors can take decades.

Civilian Casualties and International Law

• The expert cannot disclose the IDF's verification methods for intelligence before targeting buildings.
• The definition of "everything" being done to prevent civilian casualties is subjective and depends on perspective.
• The IDF announces evacuation routes and urges the population to leave, but 48 hours may not be sufficient for those injured or malnourished.
• Gazans may not have safe places to go, as designated safe areas might be targeted.
• Civilians are seen as an obstacle to military operations, and allowing aid complicates matters, potentially allowing Hamas fighters to escape through tunnels.
• International laws of armed conflict provide guidelines, but each party interprets them to their advantage.
• Enforcement of international law is lacking, as evidenced by the UN Security Council's inaction.
• The IDF claims to tick the box by handing out pamphlets and announcing evacuation routes and operations.

Conclusion

The situation in Gaza City is dire, marked by intensified Israeli military operations, significant civilian casualties, and widespread destruction. While Israel aims to eliminate Hamas, experts question the feasibility and long-term consequences of a purely military solution, emphasizing the need for a political resolution. The conflict raises complex questions about international law, civilian protection, and the definition of what constitutes sufficient effort to prevent civilian casualties. The long-term impact on the Gazan population and the broader region remains uncertain.