Challenges and dilemmas of Israel in Gaza: Where is the military strategy heading?

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza seven months ago, Israel's military strategies have been constantly put to the test. The recent return of Hamas to the northern part of the Palestinian enclave has raised doubts about the effectiveness of Israeli operations and raises questions about the scope of their long-term strategy. On Friday, May 10, the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in Gaza City in the north of the enclave due to an "explosive device" indicated a change in the situation. It was believed that this area was free from Hamas influence, and Israeli forces had reduced their operations there to focus on other areas, claiming to have dismantled the command structure of the Palestinian militant group. However, the resumption of fighting in the north since Saturday questions this assumption. Israel has responded to Hamas presence in the north by bombing the Jabalia refugee camp and conducting ground operations in the area. Additionally, they have expanded their operations to other areas such as Zeitoun in central Gaza, and continue their offensive in eastern Rafah and near the border crossing with Egypt, demonstrating a strong reaction to Hamas's return to areas that were believed to be liberated. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has pointed out that Palestinian militias, including Hamas, have claimed a high number of attacks against Israeli forces in the northern Gaza Strip, demonstrating their persistence and effectiveness in combat. These attacks have led Israel to reconsider its strategy and return to areas like Jabalia to try to contain Hamas influence. The situation has led to questions about Israel's determination to carry out a large-scale ground operation in Rafah with the aim of definitively eliminating Hamas. This strategy has been questioned by both American experts and internal critics in Israel, who believe that the total destruction of Hamas in Gaza is misguided and unrealistic, lacking a long-term vision. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that a ground offensive in Rafah would cause "chaos" and "anarchy," without succeeding in eliminating Hamas. He has also criticized Israel for not having a credible plan to protect civilians or a post-war plan for Gaza, warning that without an alternative to Hamas, the group could return to power in the enclave. Amidst these criticisms and questions, some voices, both in Israel and abroad, have called for a political solution and cooperation with a reformed Palestinian autonomous government to restore order in Gaza. The risk of falling into a perpetual war of attrition with unpredictable consequences for the region has been emphasized. In this context, international pressure could play a crucial role in finding a way out of this conflict. Qatar has highlighted the lack of a clear roadmap from Israel to end the war in Gaza, and has called for the resumption of negotiations in search of a sustainable solution that includes an end to hostilities and stability in the region. In the face of a complex and challenging landscape, Israel is confronted with the need to rethink its military strategy in Gaza and seek alternatives that allow not only to contain Hamas but also to lay the groundwork for lasting peace in the region. The uncertainty and escalation of violence in Gaza demand urgent responses and concerted actions to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the area.