The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have been engaging in a multi-front attack against Hamas in Gaza for the past two weeks. This operation comes after a three-week air campaign. Prior to the ground operations, US military advisers advised against a large-scale campaign, fearing heavy IDF casualties and suggesting that a combination of air strikes and special forces raids would be more effective. However, the IDF disregarded this advice and launched a large combined arms force into Gaza, proving its critics wrong.
The IDF has not only met but exceeded the expectations of its commanders in terms of the speed and extent of Hamas’s destruction. It has effectively encircled Gaza City and is currently assaulting terrorist strongholds, resulting in significant casualties among fighters, including key commanders. The IDF has successfully destroyed command posts, gathered valuable intelligence, and remarkably, sustained fewer casualties than anticipated.
The IDF’s achievements are particularly impressive given the challenging environment in which they are operating. Cities pose a difficult terrain for combat, especially when launching an offensive. With numerous escape routes, covered fire positions, and concealment for booby traps, explosive charges, snipers, and ambushes, tanks and armoured personnel carriers are particularly susceptible to short-range anti-armour missiles, as the Russians experienced in a similar situation last year.
Another major threat is the extensive tunnel network constructed by Hamas beneath Gaza. However, the IDF has adopted a strategic approach by avoiding entering the tunnels whenever possible and instead choosing to detonate or collapse them from above ground.
While Hamas may have initially exceeded its own expectations in its assault, it likely underestimated the ferocity of Israel’s response. Despite not yet locating and eliminating the top-level terrorist commanders, there are indications that Hamas is under immense pressure. Rocket launches from Gaza have significantly decreased, and Hamas leaders are reportedly urging Hezbollah in Lebanon to carry out sustained attacks to divert the IDF’s attention.
Hamas’s willingness to negotiate through Qatar for a ceasefire and the release of hostages further demonstrates their vulnerable position. Israel rightly rejects this idea as it would allow Hamas to regroup and reestablish itself behind the IDF’s borders.
However, there is growing international pressure for a ceasefire, fueled in part by increasing civilian casualties and accusations of war crimes. It is important to note that casualty figures are solely provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between terrorists and civilians.
The IDF is operating within the laws of armed conflict, making efforts to minimize civilian casualties. They have implemented various methods to warn people to evacuate areas before an attack, including dropping 1.5 million flyers, sending six million voice messages, four million text messages, and making phone calls. Despite these efforts, civilian deaths in Gaza have tragically occurred. This is an unfortunate consequence of Hamas’s strategy of hiding within civilian populations and often forcing them to remain in targeted areas.
While political leaders like Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak have resisted calls for Israel to cease fire, they emphasize the importance of Israel observing the laws of war and minimizing civilian casualties. It is crucial to recognize that the IDF is already doing so. Criticism from these leaders may be driven by a need to appease elements of their electorates that oppose support for Israel, but it is misguided and provides cover for Hamas and its supporters.
Colonel Richard Kemp, a former British Army officer, expressed these views.
