The War in Gaza: Debunking Myths and Reality

Recently, a comparison was made between the time it took to defeat enemies in the creation of Earth and the current struggle against Hamas. It is often said, 'If those who want to fight put on uniform and fight, it will be over within hours. Now, you play hide and seek, and they hunt you like rats and that takes time.' While the comparison may seem harsh, it raises a valid question: Why can Israel not defeat Hamas after 8 months?

Let's break down the reality of the situation. According to recent reports, over 85-90% of Hamas' field commanders have already been eliminated. Only a handful, around 10, are now fighting, and even those are surrendering as the Sinwar area comes under control. What takes the most time, resources, and unfortunately, casualties is dealing with the last 10 of these fighters. The challenge lies in capturing or eliminating these last combatants while ensuring civilian casualties remain minimal.

The Elusive Nature of the War in Gaza

The first part of the assertion is a bit subjective and less respectful; however, the core question is valid. Israel could have indeed shortened the current conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) could have been more ruthless, as seen in the wars waged by Assad in Syria, Iran and Iraq. However, Israel's concern for Palestinian civilians set a different tone, leading to a conflict that resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths: a mix of Hamas fighters and commanders, not 500,000 as reported by some Syria-focused regimes.

Israeli criticism often highlights the biased reporting from Western media. Arab journalists writing for prominent outlets like the New York Times and Associated Press frequently cite dead children and women, while rarely mentioning male fatalities, which are predominantly Hamas members. The difficulty in distinguishing between a Hamas combatant and a civilian lies in the lack of clear identification; both hide in the same manner, often within the same areas.

The Reality of Hamas and the IDF

It is important to note that Hamas' strategy and success are often overstated. Hamas primarily specializes in causing civilian casualties and instilling fear rather than engaging in traditional urban warfare tactics. The IDF has successfully neutralized Hamas' abilities, even as they continue to exploit the urban landscape. Many of the militants hide in tunnels, acting like rats, which makes it challenging to dismantle their infrastructure completely.

Some might believe that Hamas is winning, but this is far from the truth. The IDF did not defeat Hamas earlier because of the complexities of city warfare, especially when you must navigate around civilians. The last 10 of Hamas fighters are the hardest to capture, given their tactics.

The Role of Iran and its Capabilities

Laughs can be heard at the notion that Iran will play a significant role. Despite Iran's constant barking, they lack the necessary capabilities. Israel has what Iran doesn't: modern combat jets. While rockets from Iran can travel long distances and be detected, Israel's advanced combat jets can travel even further and strike effectively. Iran's drones can be seen, but Israeli aircraft can navigate complex routes and eliminate these threats without compromise.

It is essential to debunk the myths surrounding the ongoing conflict. Hamas' effectiveness is continually overstated, and the complexities of urban warfare and the IDF's capability should not be underestimated. Understanding these facts will provide a clearer picture of the situation.