Israeli military faces challenges and criticism in clearing northern Gaza of Hamas fighters without a clear postwar plan, leading to renewed fighting and civilian casualties.
Israeli Military Casualties and Criticisms Amidst Ongoing War with Hamas
By Damien Cave and Adam Rasgon
May 14, 2024
Location: Gaza, Israel
Context: Israeli troops have found themselves repeatedly clearing northern Gaza of Hamas fighters, only to confront their reappearance without a clear postwar strategy from the Israeli government.
Current Situation (As of May 14, 2024):
– Major Players: Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Israeli military leaders; Hamas fighters.
– Recent Developments: Renewed fighting in northern Gaza, specifically Jabalia and Rafah, where Hamas fighters have reemerged.
Military Concerns:
– Lack of Postwar Strategy: Israeli military leaders express frustration over the government’s failure to establish a plan for Gaza’s governance post-conflict. They argue this oversight allows Hamas to regroup and prolongs the conflict’s duration.
– Repeated Operations: Israeli forces have had to clear northern Gaza, including Jabalia, several times due to insufficient stabilization measures. Critics highlight the ongoing “clear, hold and build” strategy without a long-term governance plan.
Key Statements:
– Unnamed Israeli Military Officers: Criticized Netanyahu for not developing an alternative administration for Gaza.
– Eran Lerman, Former Deputy National Security Adviser: Suggested that the lack of a coherent postwar vision complicates conflict resolution.
– Aaron David Miller, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Stressed the need for a counter to Hamas for effective long-term governance.
Civilian Impact:
– Casualties: Numerous strikes, such as one in Nuseirat that killed 30 people at a family home and another that hit a school building, are raising the civilian death toll.
– Infrastructure Damage: More than 200 schools and other educational institutions in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged.
International Actions:
– U.S. Involvement: President Joe Biden’s administration delayed bomb shipments to Israel over concerns they would be used in densely populated areas like Rafah. Biden underscores the need for safeguards for civilians.
– Multinational Proposals: Some former officials propose international administration of Gaza by entities like the U.S., Egypt, and others to fill the power vacuum post-conflict.
Conclusion:
The lack of a robust postwar plan by the Israeli government has led to renewed fighting and mounting criticisms from military officials. International voices call for a diplomatic solution to prevent a prolonged insurgency and further civilian casualties.
Damien Cave is an international correspondent for The Times, based in Sydney, Australia. Adam Rasgon reports from Israel for The Times’s Jerusalem bureau.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
