Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel, has reportedly been killed. Photos of Sinwar, draped in army fatigues and coated in mud with a presumably amputated hand, present him placing an Israeli drone in what seem like his remaining moments. These visuals have sparked contrasting narratives—triumphalism and revenge in Israel, met with renewed resolve for resistance throughout the Arab world.
The query now could be: does Sinwar’s killing provide a “victory narrative” and the opportunity of ending the struggle, or as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggests, is that this merely “the start of an finish”? Extra critically, does the battle now relaxation on Israel and Netanyahu’s selections, or will it spiral right into a cycle of revenge fuelled by the politics of martyrdom and resistance?
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Conflict for the way forward for Gaza?
The US was fast to declare that justice has been served with the killing of Yahya Sinwar, suggesting this growth might pave the best way for a ceasefire and a possible hostage deal—Sinwar having been seen as an impediment to negotiations. Nonetheless, whereas the US might search to mission optimism or assert its relevance by influencing its belligerent ally Israel and pushing for a ceasefire, it’s essential to acknowledge that this struggle extends far past the killing of key Hamas leaders and even the weakening of the Iran-backed “axis of resistance”.
This struggle for Israel revolves round the way forward for Gaza and the Palestinians, rooted in narratives of existential threats, questions of state id, and historic patterns that resist predictions—and even hopes—of a ceasefire. The battle was triggered by Hamas’ unprecedented terrorist assault on 7 October 2023, which killed roughly 1,200 folks and resulted within the seize of 251 hostages, 97 of whom stay in captivity. Israel’s response has additionally been unprecedented, marked by a disproportionate stage of violence, with almost 41,000 lives misplaced and roughly 1.9 million folks displaced. Gaza stays below siege, with no meals help allowed into Northern Gaza for over two weeks now, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster.
Historical past reveals that since Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, the area has operated as an “open-air jail”. Within the aftermath of the 7 October assault, Israel’s relentless bombardment by land, sea, and air has turned Gaza right into a graveyard, with the rubble symbolizing not solely destruction but in addition Israel’s resolve to mete out each humiliation and punishment on Palestinians.
Operation Iron Swords: A second Nakba?
What stays earlier than Netanyahu alerts not only the start of the tip, however the finish?
It’s important to put the Israel-Hamas struggle inside its historic context. This battle didn’t start on 7 October—it’s rooted in longstanding struggles over statehood, self-determination, and settler colonialism, stretching again to 1948. Whereas either side have suffered losses, it’s essential to acknowledge that even in Israel’s self-defence, the dimensions of violence has been disproportionate.
Israel’s Operation Iron Swords, launched quickly after Hamas’ 7 October assaults, goes past typical notions of army victory or the termination of a struggle. This battle is not going to conclude with the assassination of key Hamas leaders, as Israel’s targets are much more intensive—that is an existential battle. For Israel, securing its borders and eradicating perceived threats is non-negotiable.
Many students, together with Avi Shlaim, counsel that the continued marketing campaign bears the hallmarks of a “second Nakba,” or a renewed wrestle for independence, pushed by the necessity to set up safety and id. Regardless of its aggressive strategy, Israel continues to obtain each materials and ideological assist from the US and its Western allies, reinforcing the broader stakes at play on this enduring battle.
Will Israel return to the negotiating desk? Bleak optimism
Whether or not Israel will return to the negotiating desk stays an open query, clouded by cautious optimism. Nonetheless, the chance of Israel persevering with its siege on Gaza appears excessive, given historic patterns and the broader targets driving this battle. Is that this a case of bleak optimism? Certainly, it’s.
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Additional this can be a clarion name to the US and its Western allies, who should cease turning a blind eye to the unfolding humanitarian disaster and actively push for a ceasefire. Any hopes for a army decision might show short-lived—whereas Israel would possibly achieve weakening Hamas militarily, it’s unlikely to extinguish the entrenched political spirit of resistance throughout the Arab world.
