Hamas’s ability to return to areas from which it was earlier forced to retreat threatens ‘forever war’
Palestinians search for survivors among the rubble in Jabaliya town, northern Gaza, after Israeli airstrikes. Hamas is believed to be controlling areas vacated by the IDF.Palestinians search for survivors among the rubble in Jabaliya town, northern Gaza, after Israeli airstrikes. Hamas is believed to be controlling areas vacated by the IDF.
“Hamas was in complete control here in Jabalia until we arrived a few days ago,” the IDF said before its May operation, four months after its spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed that militants were operating in the area only sporadically and “without commanders”. Last week, Israel said its offensive in Jabaliya was complete, but it is not clear whether the militants were defeated or had simply moved elsewhere.
Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007 and ruled inside the territory until the Israeli offensive last year, which followed surprise attacks into southern Israel in October that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and in which 250 were taken hostage. More than 36,000 people have died in Gaza since the beginning of the Israeli offensive, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. The figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
Mkhaimar Abusada, professor of political science at al-Azhar University in Gaza, believes the high civilian casualties will spur recruitment.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel-Gaza: Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal as Israel strikes RafahIsrael approves Rafah military operation hours after Hamas agrees to ceasefire; judge warns Trump of potential jail time; voters wary of nuclear replacing coal. Follow updates here.
Read more »
Israel-Hamas: What’s in the ceasefire deal Hamas backs, but Israel does not?The deal supported by Hamas would have seen three hostages released each week instead of three every three days, according to Israeli media reports.
Read more »
Israel and Hamas considering three-phase peace deal to wind down Gaza warIsrael and Hamas are reportedly considering a three-phase peace deal, as the country's campaign to eradicate the group from Gaza rages on. The deal was announced by US President Joe Biden, who says the proposal was originally put forward by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Read more »
Israel-Gaza war live: Hamas views US ceasefire plan ‘positively’ but Netanyahu vows to continue warIsraeli PM says military will press on until militant group ‘eliminated’ after Hamas responds positively to US president’s proposal for permanent truce
Read more »
Israel Hamas hostages: Israeli forces recover bodies of three more hostages in northern GazaRoughly 125 living and dead hostages now remain in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Talks to secure their return have stalled.
Read more »
Israel-Hamas war: Division in Gaza boils over at homeThe Israel-Hamas conflict is exposing deep cracks within Labor, universities and the wider community over the government’s handling of the issue.
Read more »