Gaza war: How close is Israel to achieving war goals in its ground operation against 'tunnel warfare expert' Hamas?

 

 In the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israel's ground offensive against Hamas, renowned for its expertise in tunnel warfare, has entered its second week. The intensive aerial bombardment and ground operations aim to dismantle Hamas both militarily and politically. With over 10,000 Palestinian casualties, the conflict's toll is significant.

Israel considers this a long-term and challenging operation, likening it to a multi-round boxing match. The duration remains uncertain, but international pressure for a ceasefire is mounting, adding urgency to Israel's actions.

 

1. Military Losses:

 

Israel reports 14,000 attacks, targeting key Hamas figures with various weapons. Notably, over 23,000 bombs have been dropped. In comparison, during the peak of the battle against ISIS in Mosul, the Western coalition dropped 500 bombs per week. The Gaza Ministry of Health records 10,800 deaths, including 4,400 children. Despite Israel claiming success in dividing Gaza and besieging Gaza City, Hamas disputes major Israeli advancements.

 

 

Initial ground operations align with Israel's plan, potentially imposing a heavy toll on Hamas. Estimates suggest 10% of Hamas fighters, around 4,000, may have been killed, impacting their capacity. In contrast, Israel reports minimal damage, with 34 soldiers killed. The army conducts ground operations cautiously to avoid substantial casualties.

 

2. Difficulties of War in Urban Areas:

 

Israel's military and intelligence superiority includes communication jamming and control over Gaza's networks. While air dominance monitors surface movements, tunnels pose challenges. Identifying over 100 daily targets indicates the evolving nature of the conflict. As the war persists, infantry engagement may increase in the densely populated urban setting, posing challenges akin to civil wars.

 

 

Israeli soldiers, well-equipped and trained, face complexities in urban warfare. Notably, videos depict tank and armoured vehicle usage, with an estimated 30,000 troops deployed to date. The question arises regarding the extent of Israel's willingness to use infantry for detailed operations.

 

3. Post-Invasion Plan:

 

The objective of destroying Hamas faces challenges, with recognition that ideology can't be eradicated by force. Some Hamas leaders are not in Gaza, potentially influencing the group's narrative post-war. Analysts suggest a shift from destruction to punishment to prevent future attacks. International pressure, especially from the US, heightens expectations for Israel to outline post-war plans.

 

In conclusion, the Gaza conflict's trajectory is marked by complex military dynamics, urban warfare challenges, and uncertainties regarding the achievement of Israel's goals and the subsequent plan.