The conflict initiated by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip continues to claim the lives of more civilians and children. Calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to one of the most significant massacres in Palestine echo across the world. The unfolding scenarios in this battle remain uncertain, with growing demands for the Israeli army to distinguish between Hamas and Palestinian civilians. Concurrently, Israel intensified its airstrikes and ground operations within the region.
Prolonged Tensions and a Resilient Resistance
Ibrahim Al-Madhoon, a Palestinian writer and political analyst, believes that this war is a result of long-standing accumulations and a protracted struggle with Israeli occupation. He highlights that the Palestinian resistance, particularly the Al-Qassam Brigades, spearheaded the “Operation Aqsa Deluge.”
Al-Madhoon observes that this operation marks a significant military milestone initiated by the Palestinian resistance, unparalleled in its execution. For the first time, Israel finds itself caught off guard, with a substantial number of soldiers taken as prisoners, Israelis killed in substantial numbers, and Palestinian control expanded across the historic land. This operation also led to the capture of Israeli settlements.
A Different Type of Confrontation
The uniqueness of “Operation Aqsa Deluge” lies in its initiation and success, distinguishing it from previous encounters between the Israeli occupation and the Al-Qassam Brigades and Hamas. Al-Madhoon cites the historical battles between the Palestinian resistance and Israel, beginning with the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006, leading to Operation Cast Lead in 2008, which lasted 20 days.
Subsequent confrontations occurred in 2012, 2014, and 2021 when the Al-Qassam Brigades launched missiles in defense of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Al-Madhoon emphasizes that “Operation Aqsa Deluge” differs from these engagements due to its initiative, strength, and the immediate results achieved.
Impact on the Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Authority was caught off guard by the resilience of the Palestinian resistance. As of now, the authority has refrained from condemning “Operation Aqsa Deluge” and the Palestinian resistance. However, there is an increasing expectation for the authority to do more. It is critical to mobilize the West Bank, support the Palestinian people’s confrontation with Israeli occupation, and alleviate the suffering of Gazan citizens.
The authority should not conform to Israel’s narrative. Instead, it should play an active role in supporting Palestinian unity and challenging Israeli aggression. Al-Madhoon underlines that “the Palestinian Authority must act, particularly in assisting the suffering Gaza population, who endure systematic annihilation and a humanitarian catastrophe.”
The International Community and America’s Dilemma
The international community is divided on the conflict, with the majority of countries expressing disapproval of the aggression and condemning the massacre. Over 120 countries have called for an immediate ceasefire.
As the world watches, the United States grapples with internal and international protests opposing its support for Israel. The demonstrations in London and within the United States prove the failure of attempts to terrorize and silence those who seek to support Gaza. International support for the Palestinian cause is growing, and Israel finds itself isolated.
Prisoner Swap and Uncertain Outcomes
“Operation Aqsa Deluge” has defied expectations and is a large-scale operation. With the immense scale of destruction and the reckless use of force, Israel is unable to contain the Gaza Strip.
While fighters can sustain the battle for months, Israel cannot currently achieve a ground invasion or eliminate Hamas, which has become an existential threat. Al-Madhoon concludes that international intervention is imperative to save Gaza’s civilians, and even though an immediate prisoner swap seems unlikely, the situation remains dynamic and unpredictable.