By Jones Gadama
As Israel marks 600 days of war with Hamas, the question on everyone’s mind is: has Israel won, lost, or is the ending still unwritten?
The conflict, which began with a devastating attack on October 7, has resulted in significant losses for both sides, but the outcome remains far from clear.
According to military experts, Israel has made significant strides in damaging Hamas’s military infrastructure, destroying much of its weapons arsenal, and eliminating top commanders.
The group’s ability to launch rockets at Israel has been severely impaired, with rocket fire becoming sporadic at best.
However, the extent of the damage to Hamas’s tunnel system remains unclear, with reports varying on the IDF’s success in demolishing the underground infrastructure.
Despite these military gains, Israel’s objectives in the war remain unfulfilled. The return of all hostages, the elimination of Hamas, and ensuring Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel are still elusive goals.
Former MK Mossi Raz succinctly captured the complexity of the situation, stating, “In war, two sides lose.” While Israel has suffered significant losses, including the collapse of public faith in the security establishment and government, Hamas has likely lost more. However, as Raz noted, “that does not help me.”
Lt.-Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs acknowledged that Israel has achieved its military goals to a great extent, but emphasized that the job is far from done. Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the war is a work in progress and that patience is essential.
The conflict has also raised questions about the feasibility of Israel’s objectives. Can Hamas be completely eliminated, or will it continue to pose a threat to Israel?
How can Israel ensure the safe return of all hostages, and what role will Gaza play in the region’s future?
As the war continues, Israelis are left grappling with the uncertainty of the outcome. Many feel the losses are ongoing, with 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
The public’s faith in the government’s ability to secure their release and bring an end to the conflict is wavering.
In the midst of this uncertainty, one thing is clear: the war’s outcome will be nuanced, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
As Kuperwasser noted, “We have to be more patient than the enemy.” Only time will tell if Israel will emerge victorious, or if the conflict will continue to drag on, with no clear winner in sight.
The international community is watching closely, as the conflict has significant implications for regional stability and global security.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the fate of Israel, Gaza, and the hostages remains uncertain, and the path forward will be complex and challenging.
The 600-day mark of the Israel-Hamas war serves as a poignant reminder of the conflict’s complexity and the need for a nuanced understanding of the situation.
As the war continues, Israelis and the international community alike are left wondering what the future holds and when the conflict will finally subside.
