Israel has said it will drive Hamas out of Gaza by mounting ‘a mighty vengeance’. Given the nature of Hamas’ organisation, this is difficult, but not impossible. However, conflating Palestinian civilians with Hamas terrorists is exactly what the latter wants, having taken a leaf out of Mao’s handbook of the ‘guerrilla moving among the people as a fish swims in the sea’. But separating fish and sea is of existential importance for Israel. Reacting to Hamas’ use of ‘human shields’ by targeting those very humans makes it hard for support to accrue to Tel Aviv.
Joe Biden, currently visiting the incendiary region, must impress on Israel the importance of creating conditions to begin a conversation that will offer Palestinians a viable peaceful pathway to coexistence. It is only by strengthening democratic voices that Benjamin Netanyahu‘s leadership can return to its moral high ground. Continuing on the current path will escalate and widen the war, suck in forces like Hezbollah, and force the hands of parties currently – and barely – holding back from the burning West Asian theatre. It’s a hard ask, but one meant for Israel, not for its own people-sacrificing Hamas: be strategic in response.
