In a conventional war, Israel would currently be on the brink of triumph. The Israel Defense Forces report that approximately 14,000 Hamas militants have been eliminated, with 614 Israeli soldiers lost in the process. Israel holds the upper hand in terms of military power on land, in the sea, and in the air. Hamas’s tunnel system has been weakened, their rockets depleted or captured.
However, on October 7, Israel discovered that military might does not guarantee victory over terrorism. Merely wiping out Hamas fighters without addressing the underlying ideology is futile. For Hamas, defeat serves as a form of victory, driving the next generation to seek revenge. Each previous conflict with Israel has only fueled the radicalization of Gaza’s youth.
Breaking this cycle requires deradicalizing the upcoming generation by dismantling not only Hamas’s military infrastructure but also the civilian structures that propagate hatred among Gazans. A significant portion of Gaza’s population, considered native, depends on the local government led by Hamas. The rest are classified as refugees and are under the care of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Israel has criticized UNRWA for perpetuating the conflict by being closely associated with Hamas and promoting anti-Israel sentiments in its schools. Calls for UNRWA to exit Gaza have grown louder, especially after its involvement in shielding Hamas military facilities was exposed.
To truly bring about lasting change in Gaza, a process similar to the denazification of post-World War II Germany may be necessary. This approach involves dismantling extremist ideologies, establishing democratic institutions, and holding individuals accountable for past atrocities. Palestinians have the potential to thrive if they focus on building a successful city-state, attracting visitors from both Israeli and Arab communities.
Ultimately, the key to resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza lies in cultural transformation at every level of society. Without a fundamental shift in mindset, the tragic cycle of violence will persist regardless of who governs Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict.
