Future of Gaza in Question as Israeli Military Operation Winds Down

Israeli forces are nearing the end of their military campaign in Rafah, Gaza, raising questions about the future of their conflict with Hamas. Reporter Keren Setton details how the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, must now decide on the extent of its military presence in Gaza. Netanyahu had promised to crush Hamas following a brutal attack by the group that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the kidnapping of 250 people. Israel’s retaliatory operations have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement.

As the Rafah operation winds down, senior Israeli officials describe it as the final stronghold of Hamas. Despite this, the long-term presence of Israeli forces in Gaza is still debated. Criticism within Israel suggests that the military’s efforts have been insufficient in decisively dealing with Hamas. Furthermore, the future of Gaza is complicated by the divided Palestinian political landscape.

International discussions about Gaza’s future involve various actors, including the US, with ideas ranging from reconstruction to the potential for a Palestinian state. However, Israel’s refusal to allow Palestinian Authority control in Gaza and ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon add layers of complexity. Setton’s report concludes with insights from experts on the regional implications of Israel’s actions and the necessity of a broader coalition to address threats posed by Iran.

Read the full article for an in-depth analysis of the current situation and the potential future of Gaza.