Can Israel’s Rafah operation weaken Hamas and its leadership | THE TIMES OF INDIA

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Can Israel’s Rafah operation weaken Hamas and its leadership | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted in this article by the THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 10, 2024.


NEW DELHI: As tensions escalate in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians are fleeing Rafah in anticipation of an Israeli military operation aimed at weakening Hamas’ military capabilities. Despite the strategic intention, experts argue that the operation may not significantly undermine Hamas’ leadership. The UN has reported that approximately 80,000 people have evacuated Rafah since the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) began shelling and amassing tanks around the city.

The operation, according to Daniel Shadmy from the European Leadership Network-Israel, is deemed necessary by the Israeli defense establishment for national security and to facilitate hostage rescue efforts. Shadmy said, “It will indeed weaken Hamas’ remaining terrorist brigades. However, strategically, this will not necessarily undermine Hamas’ leadership on the Gaza strip in the long run.”

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) supports this view, suggesting that Hamas leaders believe the organization can withstand the operation and continue pressing for ceasefire terms without major concessions. The conflict’s complexity is further highlighted by the geopolitical and humanitarian ramifications of intensified military actions in densely populated areas, a Newsweek report said.

Amidst these developments, President Joe Biden has publicly said his refusal to supply additional bombs for the Rafah operation, acknowledging the role of US munitions in Palestinian casualties. This stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Israel’s far-right minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who expressed his disapproval on social media, the Newsweek report said.

Hamas remains firm in its negotiation stance, refusing to make concessions beyond those already proposed, which include a prisoner swap. This rigid position comes as the IDF emphasizes its commitment to “pursue Hamas everywhere in Gaza until all the hostages they’re holding in captivity are back home.”

Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official, mentioned that the IDF’s strategy in Rafah will be methodical and deliberate, contrasting with the more aggressive tactics seen earlier in the conflict. This approach aims to balance military objectives with the need to maintain diplomatic relations, particularly with the United States.

The situation in Rafah is a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, reflecting the broader challenges of achieving peace and security in a region marred by protracted and deeply entangled disputes…


Can Israel’s Rafah operation weaken Hamas and its leadership | Avi Melamed’s insights quoted in this article by the THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 10, 2024.

If you want to have a better understanding of the news and what really drives the unfolding events… Read the latest book of Avi Melamed,
INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST | ENTERING A NEW ERA, available now >>>

Follow me on Twitter @AviMelamed; Facebook @InsideTheMiddleEast; for more Videos on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/AviMelamed

I can always be reached at Av*@Av********.com

Avi Melamed
Avi Melamedhttps://insidethemiddle-east.com
Avi Melamed is an expert on current affairs in the Arab & Muslim World and their impact on Israel & the Middle East. A former Israeli Intelligence Official & Senior Official on Arab Affairs, Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, he has held high-risk Government, Senior Advisory, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorist intelligence positions in Arab cities & communities - often in very sensitive times - on behalf of Israeli Government agencies. He is the Founder & CEO of Inside the Middle East | Intelligence Perspectives - an apolitical non-partisan curriculum using intelligence methodology to examine the Middle East. As an Author, Educator, Expert, and Strategic Intelligence Analyst, Avi provides Intelligence Analysis, Briefings, and Geopolitical Tours to diplomats, Israeli and foreign policymakers, global media outlets, and a wide variety of international businesses, organizations, and private clients on a range of Israel and Middle East Affairs.

JOIN THE HUB Newsletter

BUY THE BOOK

New book by Avi Melamed, acclaimed intelligence & geopolitical analyst - Inside the middle east | Entering a new era | published in 2022

MORE FROM ITME

Expertos y militares israelíes opinan sobre el estado de guerra: «Hay que ser contundentes sin sobreactuar» | EL DEBATE

Avi Melamed quoted by Daniela Brik in the article For EL DEBATE, "Expertos y militares israelíes opinan sobre el estado de guerra: «Hay que...

Josh Breslow – Israel intercepts missile near Red Sea | FOX NEWS LIVENOW

Avi Melamed with Inside the Middle East Institute joined LiveNOW from FOX's Josh Breslow | Israel intercepts missile near Red Sea - October...

Could a Tropical Storm lead to a Public Storm in Gaza?

Could a Tropical Storm lead to a Public Storm in Gaza? Weather forecasts are forecasting a tropical storm accompanied by high winds and mostly heavy...

Game of Pawns | The Middle East 2017 – Avi Melamed North American Fall Lecture Tour

Game of Pawns: The Middle East 2017 – Avi Melamed North American Fall Lecture Tour ANNOUNCING MY NEW LECTURE TOUR SEPTEMBER 27- NOVEMBER 25, 2017 Game of...

Terror Attack at the Temple Mount Compound: Regional Reactions

Terror Attack at the Temple Mount Compound: Regional Reactions (** This is an immediate Bulletin. I will publish a more detailed Intelligence Report over the...