urban struggle
Israel’s tactical win in the fight against Hamas could become a strategic setback if the IDF does not shield civilians in the Gaza operation. This view was shared by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin during remarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California.
He warned that if Gaza’s civilian population shifts to support Hamas, the outcome could darken. He stated that in such conflicts the civilian base is the critical center of gravity. If people turn toward the enemy, a hard-won tactical victory risks becoming a strategic defeat.
Austin urged Israel to establish humane corridors and to guarantee civilian safety as the operation proceeds.
The defense secretary drew on lessons from the Iraq War, where he led the campaign against the Islamic State, an organization banned in Russia. He pointed out that Israel faces urban warfare against an opponent that has managed to hold its ground in a highly populated region. In this context, victory hinges on protecting civilians and creating safe passages for them.
His reminder was blunt: protecting civilians is not just a moral obligation but a strategic imperative. He has told Israeli leaders repeatedly that civilian protection in Gaza is essential. Washington also calls for avoiding harm to Palestinians in the West Bank. Yet the United States remains a steadfast ally of Israel, with support that is non-negotiable.
The situation in the Gaza Strip
Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed similar concerns about a month earlier. He underscored that while dismantling Hamas is necessary, it is also vital to prevent the movement from gaining more supporters due to indiscriminate Israeli strikes. The path forward, he argued, lies in offering Palestinians a path to a better future.
Reports from major outlets indicated that in the early weeks of the conflict, Israeli forces relied heavily on large aerial bombardments aimed at breaking fortifications rather than urban targets. As the conflict evolved, Washington urged Israel to gather more precise intelligence while aiming to minimize casualties. Later, the U.S. supplied smaller, precision munitions to support those efforts.
On the morning of December 1, the IDF announced the end of a seven-day ceasefire and the resumption of operations against Hamas, accusing the group of violating the pause by firing rockets at Sderot. During the humanitarian window that followed, Hamas released 78 Israeli women and children and 30 other hostages. In exchange, Israel freed 240 Palestinians, mostly women and children, from detention. Initial plans called for 50 Israeli hostages to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke after meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. She stated that Washington opposes calls for Gazans to abandon the area and reiterated support for a political settlement that envisions a Palestinian state and a future role for Gaza under international backing.