Terrorists and insurgents adopt a defensive strategy when confronted with superior force, retreating into the civilian population and waiting for the opposing nation-state to exhaust itself. Effectively eliminating a terrorist group involves swift, agile action, utilizing surprise, and blocking escape routes. Israel demonstrated proficiency in ground attacks, bypassing Hamas kill zones and targeting key infrastructure.
However, Hamas, not being a conventional military, renders territorial and infrastructure seizures less impactful unless used to restrict terrorist movements. Qatar, a Hamas sponsor, advocates for a ceasefire deal, exchanging some hostages for an extended truce. Hamas seeks a ceasefire to evade the trap set by Israel. Al-Shifa hospital exemplifies the ineffectiveness of attempting a humanitarian assault. For Israel to free hostages militarily, it must act swiftly and unpredictably, a challenge in urban ground warfare.
The Biden administration favors a hostage deal, Qatar exploits this, and internal divisions in Israel's government exist. While Gantz prioritizes bringing home hostages, Netanyahu aims to destroy Hamas. The failure to immobilize and dismantle Hamas may prolong the conflict, leading to international pressure for resolution. Without decisive action, Hamas could regroup and launch further operations, resulting in a costly stalemate or a potential Hamas victory.
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