The Israel-Hamas conflict has been a long-standing issue that has seen various phases, from civil disobedience to militarized clashes. However, the recent attacks orchestrated by Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip, have marked a significant and unprecedented shift in the dynamics of this enduring conflict.
On Saturday, October 7, Yahya Sinwar orchestrated an audacious operation, Al-Aqsa Flood, that caught the Israeli intelligence and protection services off guard. The attack on Al-Aqsa resulted in more than 700 dead and 2,000 injured on the Israeli side, numbers that are unparalleled in the history of Israel-Hamas conflicts. This operation was not only audacious but also meticulously planned, as it took place without the knowledge of what are considered to be some of the best intelligence and protection services in the world.
Sinwar, who took over as the leader of Hamas in Gaza in 2017, was initially considered “pragmatic” by both Israeli security officials and Hamas. He was expected to play a role that would involve negotiations and subcontracting with the Islamic Jihad movement, in addition to controlling an area where the population lacks basic necessities. However, Sinwar defied these expectations by launching an operation that many considered impossible due to the disproportion of forces at the military and diplomatic levels.
The change in Hamas’ strategy is as dramatic as it is unexpected. The southern tunnels, which were largely flooded with water, are no longer suitable for smuggling. To the north, the borders surrounding Gaza not only rise above the ground but also extend underground. Despite these challenges, Hamas had enough rockets—5,000 simultaneous shots—to distract attention from the infiltration of its fighters. They also had enough explosives and automatic devices to destroy the wall surrounding Gaza in several places, including areas that are supposed to be very secure, such as the Erez border checkpoint and the Zikim military base.
The rising number of casualties on both sides raises serious humanitarian concerns. International organizations and countries around the world are grappling with how to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Local reactions in the United States have been of concern and solidarity, with many calling the attacks “terrorism”.
The first Intifada in 1987, also known as the “Stone War”, was marked by civil disobedience and protests, which ended in 1993 with the signing of the Oslo Accords. The second Intifada in 2000 was a more militarized clash. The recent attacks, however, change the scale of the conflict entirely, challenging the Israeli government in ways they had not anticipated.
Yahya Sinwar’s new strategy has not only changed the dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict but has also posed new challenges for the Israeli government, the international community, and humanitarian organizations. The situation remains fluid, and it is crucial to refer to multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding of the unfolding events.
