Israel's Gaza War: Devastation, Defeat, Desperation

Nine months ago, Israel’s rhetoric towards Gaza, was a disturbed bravado of barbarity. It was Nazi mentality soaked in a desire to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people – an attempt to enact their long-time quest of a final solution.

Israel and the IDF have been unhinged with their attempt to wipe out the Palestinians – 35,000 innocent dead, more than 15,000 children murdered thousands more maimed forever, and scores of bodies unaccounted for under the rubble and ruins of Gaza. The body count is sure to rise well beyond 50,000.

However, for all the murder and mayhem Israel has reigned, down on Gaza, today, Israel’s stance of defiance has shifted to what appears to be a resignation of defeat. Its military leadership is now reportedly advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, even if it means leaving Hamas in power.

The IDF’s move signals a deepening rift between the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who remains adamant that the war will only end when Hamas is fully defeated. But Israel can’t and they won’t and now they fascinating want to wage war against Hezbollah and Lebanon. Israel is on a mission of suicide.

And despite the IDF's call for a ceasefire, Netanyahu has categorically rejected the notion. In a video statement posted on social media, Netanyahu stated, “I don’t know who those unnamed parties are, but I’m here to make it unequivocally clear: it won’t happen. We will end the war only after we have achieved all of its goals, including the elimination of Hamas and the release of all our hostages.”

The IDF’s push for a ceasefire highlights a significant admission of the challenges they face in their ability to defeat Hamas. Hamas has proven to be far tougher than the IDF gave Hamas credit for. Israel’s tough fighting force has proven to be incompetent and weak.

Murdering innocent women and children is vastly different to warriors fighting for the freedom of its people. Now however, the IDF believes a ceasefire could facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas and potentially prevent a broader conflict with Hezbollah.

The change in attitude by the IDF is driven by several factors, like recognising the immense difficulties in overthrowing Hamas and the depletion of their own resources. The conflict has significantly drained the IDF’s munitions and resources - a growing concern as the IDF prepares for a possible wider war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which poses an even greater daunting challenge.

Former national security adviser Eyal Hulata, who regularly communicates with senior military officials, expressed the IDF’s belief: “The military is in full support of a hostage deal and a ceasefire. They believe they can always go back and engage Hamas militarily in the future. They understand a pause in Gaza makes de-escalation more likely in Lebanon. And they have fewer munitions, less spare parts, less energy than they did before — so they also think a pause in Gaza gives us more time to prepare in case a bigger war does break out with Hezbollah.”

It's an acknowledgment by the IDF not only they have been beaten and their strategy in Gaza to conquer Hamas have been unsuccessful. Israel’s want to mount a war with Hezbollah, with its superior military strength, looms as an even greater threat, underlining the strategic limitations of the Israel’s military in prolonged conflicts.

As the war continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels. According to the United Nations, 1.9 million people, accounting for 80 percent of Gaza’s population, are now displaced. Sigrid Kaag, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, expressed deep concern over new evacuation orders in Khan Yunis, highlighting the severe human toll of the ongoing war.

“Palestinian civilians in Gaza have been plunged into an abyss of suffering — their home lives shattered, their lives upended,” Kaag told the Security Council. “Over one million people have been displaced once again, desperately seeking shelter and safety. 1.9 million people are now displaced across Gaza.”

Israel’s war on the Palestinian people has led to intense bombardment around Khan Yunis, marking some of the fiercest fighting in the city since Israeli troops withdrew in early April. Witnesses have reported heavy shelling, with hospital sources confirming at least eight fatalities. The relentless nature of the conflict has caused significant civilian displacement, with many Palestinians repeatedly forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

The latest evacuation order has renewed fears among Palestinians, many of whom have been displaced now multiple times since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October. Thousands of residents from eastern Khan Yunis have been seen fleeing the area, traveling by car, on foot, or using horse and donkey carts to carry their belongings.

The IDF’s push for a ceasefire highlights the broader implications of the conflict. The potential escalation with Hezbollah, which possesses greater military capabilities, adds another layer of concern for the IDF.

The Gaza crisis also poses a further humanitarian aspect of impact of the conflict on Palestinians. According to the UN up to 250,000 people have been affected by the Israeli military order for civilians to leave parts of Khan Yunis and Rafah in Gaza, whose population totals 2.4 million. The displacement and suffering of Palestinian civilians have created one of the most profound humanitarian crises in recent history.

“The war has not merely created the most profound of humanitarian crises. It has unleashed a maelstrom of human misery,” Kaag said. The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict and facing immense hardship and uncertainty.

The Israeli military's advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Netanyahu’s firm opposition, marks a significant concession of their failed strategy against Hamas.

Israel’s inability to defeat Hamas has not only drained the IDF’s resources but highlighted the formidable challenges posed by Hezbollah’s military strength. While the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, the calls for a ceasefire grow louder, emphasising the need for a resolution to the prolonged and devastating conflict.