Hamas, the militant organization governing the Gaza Strip, “no longer exists as a military formation,” according to Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. His statement comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a war that began following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023.
Gallant emphasized that while Hamas’s organized military structure has been dismantled, its remaining forces are now engaged in guerrilla warfare, continuing to resist Israeli military efforts.
Gallant’s comments mark a significant turning point in Israel’s campaign against Hamas. After more than 11 months of intense fighting, Israel claims to have neutralized much of Hamas’s formal military capability.
Gallant explained that the current phase of the war involves hunting down remaining Hamas fighters and targeting its leadership, as the group has shifted to irregular combat tactics. Despite this shift, the war continues to take a heavy toll, with nearly 41,000 people killed, further exacerbating Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation.
Hostage Release and Truce Efforts
Gallant also highlighted the strategic importance of a hostage release agreement in the first phase of a potential truce. He expressed strong support for efforts by international mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, to secure a ceasefire.
This agreement, Gallant believes, would not only bring home the hostages but also offer Israel a critical opportunity to address security threats on multiple fronts.
“Bringing the hostages home is the right thing to do,” Gallant stated, reinforcing the moral imperative of the agreement. He stressed that this first phase of the ceasefire deal would provide Israel with the leverage needed to stabilize the security situation, not just in Gaza but across the region, including in Lebanon, where near-daily clashes with Hezbollah have further complicated the situation.
The proposed ceasefire deal, announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31, offers a six-week pause in hostilities, giving both sides time to assess their next moves. Gallant sees this as a rare opportunity for Israel to shift its strategic position and potentially bring an end to the conflict.
“This is a strategic opportunity that gives us a high chance to change the security situation on all fronts,” Gallant told journalists. The truce could provide much-needed respite, allowing for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to be addressed while also giving Israel time to reconfigure its military strategy against non-state actors like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Impact of the Conflict on Gaza and Beyond
The war in Gaza has left widespread destruction, displacing thousands and causing severe shortages of basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies. The situation worsened with the confirmation of the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years, highlighting the deteriorating public health conditions in the besieged territory.
Despite this humanitarian crisis, Israeli officials, including Gallant, remain focused on eliminating the remnants of Hamas’s military capability. Gallant reiterated that Hamas no longer exists in its previous form and that what remains are fragmented groups of fighters using guerrilla tactics to continue their resistance.
Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been working tirelessly to broker a peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
Gallant urged the international community to continue applying pressure on Hamas to reach an agreement. He underscored the importance of a phased approach to the ceasefire, starting with the hostage release and extending into broader negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Gallant’s remarks indicate a willingness on Israel’s part to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, though it remains to be seen how Hamas will respond to such proposals. The international community is closely watching these developments, hoping that the negotiations will lead to a sustainable peace agreement.
Hamas’s Shift to Guerrilla Warfare
Hamas’s transition from a formal military organization to guerrilla warfare marks a significant change in the nature of the conflict. According to Gallant, Israeli forces have successfully dismantled Hamas’s military infrastructure, leaving the group with no choice but to adopt less conventional combat tactics.
This shift complicates Israel’s efforts to fully neutralize the group, as guerrilla warfare often involves small, mobile units that are difficult to target with conventional military strategies.
The conflict has also extended beyond Gaza, with Israel facing threats from Hezbollah along its northern border with Lebanon. The Israeli military has been engaged in near-daily skirmishes with Hezbollah fighters, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
Gallant’s remarks suggest that Israel is keen on stabilizing its northern border while continuing its efforts to eliminate the remnants of Hamas in Gaza.
The war between Israel and Hamas has reached a critical juncture. With Hamas no longer existing as a military formation, according to Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, the conflict has entered a new phase characterized by guerrilla warfare and ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Gallant’s support for a truce and a hostage release agreement highlights the strategic importance of these negotiations for Israel’s broader security goals.
As international mediators continue their efforts to broker peace, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution. While the path to peace remains uncertain, Gallant’s comments suggest that Israel is committed to both military and diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war and stabilize the region.
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