An Israeli soldier takes position during the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at a location given as Gaza, in this picture released on November 17, 2023. Israeli Defence Forces/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
In the volatile landscape of Gaza, the Israeli army finds itself facing a formidable challenge from Hamas, marked by a death toll nearly double that of the 2014 ground offensive. The intensified conflict, initiated in late October, has witnessed about 110 Israeli soldiers killed, surpassing the 66 casualties in the 2014 incursion.
Hamas, leveraging a vast arsenal and intricate knowledge of the terrain, has transformed Gaza’s streets into a lethal labyrinth. The group employs a diverse range of weapons, from drones armed with grenades to potent anti-tank weaponry equipped with twin charges. The extensive tunnel network, expanded over the past decade, poses a persistent challenge for the Israeli military, which is yet to find an effective solution.
The current offensive, triggered by a Hamas rampage on October 7, has led to over 18,000 deaths in Gaza, prompting international calls for a ceasefire and strategic reassessment by Israel’s allies, including the United States. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute, vowing to continue the war until “absolute victory,” with expectations that the campaign could extend for months.
Hamas, adept at guerrilla tactics, has showcased its fighters maneuvering through buildings with bodycams, launching rockets at armored vehicles. The group strategically exploits its knowledge of the terrain, often moving through tunnels to launch surprise attacks. Despite acknowledging the power disparity, a Hamas source emphasizes the advantage gained through familiarity with the territory.
Israel’s military claims to have killed at least 7,000 Hamas fighters, though the group disputes this figure, asserting that it includes civilians. The expanded scope of the current operation, involving more ground troops, exposes Israeli forces to the defender’s advantages, leading to higher casualties.
Hamas has bolstered its forces since 2014, acquiring advanced arms, including Russian-designed Kornet anti-tank missiles, with alleged assistance from Iran. The group’s munitions reserve has grown, incorporating locally-built weapons like RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenades. While videos depict significant explosions when vehicles are hit, Israeli military experts note that defensive systems can also trigger such blasts.
Despite facing challenges, including the erosion of surprise tactics in urban areas, Hamas maintains its guerrilla resistance identity. The conflict continues to unfold, revealing the intricate dynamics and evolving strategies of both sides in this protracted and deadly confrontation.
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