- September 18, 2025
- 1:05 pm
- Middle East
Israeli officials claim that the city of Gaza has become the final stronghold of Hamas, and the operation to capture it could be decisive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states that the country is at a “decisive stage” of the struggle.
Situation in Gaza
Despite current statements from Israeli leaders, not long ago Rafah was considered the last bastion of Hamas before its capture. However, as noted by the editorial board of The Washington Post on September 18, 2025, the group continues to exist despite Israel’s relative successes.
The newspaper expresses hope that this time Israeli officials were right. The problems caused by the war are growing every day, highlighting the economic and humanitarian crisis.
Human Losses and International Reaction
The conflict has claimed many lives, leaving behind generations that will forever be traumatized by its horrors. Israeli victims, who fell victim to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, are set against the backdrop of tens of thousands of Palestinians who became victims of Israel’s response.
The international community is divided into two camps. According to a Pew Research Center study, in June, none of the 24 surveyed countries showed predominantly positive attitudes towards Israel.
Feeling of Desertion
Many Israelis feel fear and disappointment due to global anti-Semitism. Convinced of the mistakes of confrontation, they see their suffering as a consequence of the destructive policies of the international community. This sense of siege strengthens their resolve to endure the situation.
Strategy of Israeli Leadership
Abandoning the previous approach, Israel aims for the complete destruction of Hamas in Gaza. Successes in the fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria instill confidence that Israelis can and should completely expel Hamas.
The coalition under Netanyahu believes that a temporary peace implying the presence of Hamas is no longer acceptable. Nevertheless, the maximalist approach to Gaza remains unattainable, as stated in the commentary on the situation.
Isolation and Self-Sufficiency
Netanyahu has openly spoken about Israel’s growing international isolation, emphasizing the need to create an economy based on self-sufficiency. Western sanctions are already causing significant damage to the country.
Long-Term Consequences
As concluded in the newspaper, the main consequences of the war go beyond financial costs. They may fall on the shoulders of many future generations, leaving a deep mark.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz noted that “Gaza is burning.” He added that the Israel Defense Forces are actively destroying terrorist infrastructure, and soldiers continue to fight to free hostages and destroy Hamas, noting the number of targets hit since the beginning of the operation.