MEZIESBLOG

The Israeli military response to the Hamas attack on 7 October was swift, intense and highly kinetic. 

However, Israeli anger at the brutality of the attack probably precluded a measured and considered military response. 

It is still not clear what had been identified as the desired end state – the military objective?

The IDF ground offensive has made progress into Gaza City, and a recent picture released by the IDF claims to show Israeli forces in the Gaza parliament building. 

This is a highly symbolic image, as it implies the IDF now controls Gaza City – which was probably one of its objectives.

However, while the IDF might well have made significant progress above ground, it is unclear at this stage what progress has been made in clearing the labyrinth of tunnels under Gaza City – the infamous Gaza Metro. 

Also, has the IDF action liberated Gaza City for the resident Palestinians, and has Hamas been destroyed?

Since Hamas appears to have survived the initial IDF onslaught, what has the IDF achieved? 

The Hamas controlled Gaza health authority claims more than 11,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the start of the IDF military action, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza appears critical.  

Having committed to a ground offensive, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see “next steps” for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military forces. 

As IDF resources look at increasing risk of getting bogged down in a military quagmire, there is a growing chorus of international calls to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.