Manny Ita
In the depths of a subterranean labyrinth beneath the southern Gaza Strip, Brig. Gen. Dan Goldfus, commander of the 98th Paratroopers Division in the Israeli military, orchestrates a complex and perilous mission. The objective is clear: to dismantle and eliminate Hamas, a task made challenging by the intricate warrens concealed beneath the sprawling city of Khan Younis.
General Goldfus, a seasoned veteran of land, sea, and airborne warfare, articulates the difficulties of subterranean combat, where defenders traditionally hold an advantage. His troops navigate tunnels barely wider than their shoulders, aiming to outmaneuver the Hamas militants who constructed this underground network. The mission involves a meticulous effort to flush out the enemy both above and below ground, a strategy fraught with challenges and risks.
While the Israeli military largely controls the north of Gaza after intense bombardment, the situation in the south presents a different set of obstacles. Israeli forces are closing in on a densely populated area, where displaced Palestinians have limited places to flee. This has triggered an international outcry over civilian casualties, placing mounting pressure on Israel to reassess its tactics.
The challenge is further compounded by the fact that nearly two million displaced civilians are confined to increasingly limited spaces on Gaza’s chessboard. Hamas, adapting to the situation, maneuvers alongside the civilian population, creating a delicate and potentially explosive situation. The risk is not only a strategic defeat for Israel but also the potential for a greater humanitarian crisis if the conflict escalates further.
As Israel grapples with the complexities of the southern campaign, a political impasse emerges over the governance of Gaza after Hamas. This impasse hampers the delivery of humanitarian aid, the restoration of basic services, and the return of the population to the north. Meanwhile, Israel’s military fears that Hamas might exploit the vacuum left in areas the army vacates.
In response to mounting concerns, Israel has pledged to the United States to adopt a more targeted approach in southern Gaza, reducing the intensity of airstrikes. However, this commitment has to contend with domestic pressure not to relent against Hamas. The resulting dilemma prolongs the conflict, with senior officers warning that the fighting may continue for many more months.
Caught in the midst of this conflict are countless Palestinian civilians, uncertain of their fate. Nasser Qassim, among the displaced, recounts a harrowing journey from Gaza City to Khan Younis, then further south, driven by the specter of imminent airstrikes. The constant movement reflects the precarious reality faced by many civilians, uncertain of where to seek refuge.
As the battle for Khan Younis unfolds, General Goldfus emphasizes the dual nature of the operation: a military objective to crush Hamas and a rescue mission for remaining hostages. Yet, the challenge is daunting, with only one living hostage freed thus far through military operations.
The impact of Israel’s firepower is evident above ground, with residences near tunnel entrances bearing the scars of shelling and airstrikes. The intensity is focused and controlled, but the military grapples with the delicate balance of minimizing civilian casualties while engaging an entrenched enemy.
The complexity of the situation is highlighted by the continuous movement of civilians within Gaza, their displacement exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. As families move south, Israel’s military must carefully consider the population’s location when planning operations, a task that General Goldfus acknowledges with a sense of responsibility and the painful awareness of potential civilian casualties.
The conflict’s toll extends beyond the battlefield, affecting the lives of civilians who endure displacement, uncertainty, and the ever-present threat of violence. The geopolitical intricacies and the humanitarian challenges intertwine, creating a multifaceted and evolving crisis in the heart of the Gaza Strip.
