On January 10, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to devise a plan for a “decisive victory” in Gaza and the “complete defeat” of Hamas, according to Hebrew media reports. The strategy is to be put into action unless Hamas releases the hostages it is holding before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Katz emphasized that the army must focus on the total dismantling of Hamas and dismissed the possibility of any political resolution in Gaza. He made it clear that no Arab or international force would be allowed to take over Gaza’s administration unless Hamas was entirely defeated.
Katz also stated that the Israeli military should avoid becoming entrenched in a war of attrition. He urged that the current strategy must be adapted to achieve a conclusive military victory and end the conflict. “We must not be drawn into a protracted war,” Katz declared, highlighting that no political solution for Gaza is viable as long as Hamas remains intact. He reiterated that the fight against Hamas would continue unless the group’s control over Gaza was completely eradicated.
This directive comes after 15 months of intense Israeli military operations in Gaza. Despite the stated objectives of weakening or eliminating Hamas, the group has managed to rebuild and replenish its ranks. The ongoing campaign, known as the Generals’ Plan, has severely devastated northern Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals, homes, schools, and water systems, while displacing hundreds of thousands.
One of the main goals of this operation is to isolate and starve out the resistance forces. However, despite these harsh conditions, Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, has continuously recruited new fighters. A report by Walla news revealed last month that the Qassam Brigades had enlisted thousands of new members.
Israeli General Yitzhak Brik commented in December that the Israeli military has struggled to eliminate Hamas due to a lack of sufficient forces and the absence of Israeli troops in areas that have been under long-term occupation. He noted that Hamas still maintains control over Gaza and has thousands of fighters hiding in tunnels across the region. Even US officials have conceded that a military defeat of Hamas is unlikely.
The ongoing conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with over 46,000 people confirmed dead according to official records. However, a study published by The Lancet medical journal on January 9 revealed that the actual death toll could be much higher, as it had been underreported by 41% during the first year of the war. Israel’s extensive airstrikes and ground operations have destroyed much of Gaza’s vital infrastructure, making it nearly uninhabitable. The siege on Gaza continues to restrict the entry of critical humanitarian aid, exacerbating the dire conditions.
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