U.S. officials are acknowledging that Israel has dealt a severe blow to Hamas during the recent conflict, but they also believe that eliminating the group entirely will be an impossible task. The Israeli military’s pinpoint airstrikes and ground operations have significantly weakened Hamas’s infrastructure and military capabilities. However, Hamas is deeply entrenched in the Gaza Strip and enjoys support from a significant portion of the Palestinian population.
Despite Israel’s efforts to destroy Hamas’ tunnels, rocket launchers, and other military assets, U.S. officials believe that the group will still be able to regroup and continue its activities. They acknowledge that while Israel’s actions may have deterred Hamas for the time being, the underlying political and socio-economic issues that fuel the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians remain unresolved.
The recent violence in Gaza has brought renewed international attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and calls for a lasting ceasefire and efforts to address the root causes of the conflict have intensified. U.S. officials have expressed their support for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the conflict, but they also recognize the complexity and long-standing nature of the issues involved.
While Israel may have severely set back Hamas in the short term, the group’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances mean that it will likely continue to pose a challenge to Israel’s security in the future. The ongoing conflict in Gaza serves as a grim reminder of the deep-seated divisions and grievances that continue to fuel the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to achieve lasting peace in the region.
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