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IFANS PERSPECTIVES Crisis in Gaza 2024: Israel’s Dilemma and Implications for International Politics IN Nam-sik Upload Date 2024-08-14 Hits 398
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1. Background and Development
2. Israel’s Predicament
3. Geopolitical Implications
4. Outlook: The Middle East on Edge with Rapidly Shifting Regional Dynamics


Background and Development

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on mainland Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,143 Israeli citizens, 3,400 injuries, and the abduction of 252 hostages. This unprecedented incident, known as the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation, marks one of the most devastating incidents in Israel’s history of unconventional warfare. Since taking control of the Gaza Strip in 2006, Hamas has persistently attacked Israel using rockets and missiles. These assaults had typically resulted in relatively lower casualties and were considered low-intensity provocations. The scale and intensity of the October 7 attack, however, were unlike anything witnessed before. In a brazen and highly coordinated move, Hamas infiltrated Israel with approximately 2,900 armed militants, targeting and killing civilians. This marked a dramatic escalation from their previous tactics, transforming a long-standing conflict into an unprecedentedly tragic event.

In the weeks leading up to the October 7 attack, Israel was embroiled in significant internal turmoil. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government was deeply divided over proposed judicial reforms, aimed at reshaping the judiciary to align more closely with certain political ideologies and interests. This contentious move sparked widespread protests across the nation, with citizens taking to the streets to voice their dissent against what they perceived as an upheaval of long-standing legal traditions. The political strife extended to the highest level of government, with heated disputes leading to the resignation of key officials, including the Defense Minister. This internal discord inevitably led to a weakening of Israel’s defensive posture and intelligence operations, creating a vulnerability that Hamas would soon exploit. For nearly a year before the attack, intelligence reports indicated an increase in Hamas’ military preparations. Israeli and American intelligence agencies observed these developments, noting specific details about potential methods and routes of attack. Despite this, there was a significant underestimation of Hamas’s capabilities within Israeli defense circles.
Following the unpredicted and devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel launched a powerful and sustained retaliatory offensive. The Israeli government characterized Hamas’ actions as a modern-day Holocaust. Over the past nine months, Israel has engaged in an extensive military campaign to neutralize the threat posed by Hamas, targeting key cities in the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, and maintaining relentless pressure on Hamas. Israel’s response contravenes the fundamental principle of proportionality. It is estimated that nearly 38,000 Palestinian residents have lost their lives as a result of the ongoing military operations.
In the initial stage of the conflict, the international community condemned Hamas and stood in solidarity with Israel. Hamas brutally killed unarmed civilians and took hostages, which sparked near-universal condemnation of governments around the world. However, the situation soon took a dramatic turn with the number of Palestinian civilian casualties sharply rising as the conflict continued. As of August 2024, Israel is increasingly seen not as a victim but as an aggressor in the eyes of the international community. The surge in Palestinian civilian deaths has significantly altered global perceptions. Israel now faces strong criticism not only from neighboring Arab countries but also from the broader Islamic world, including Southeast Asia, and on multilateral diplomatic platforms such as the United Nations (UN).
Despite strong international opposition, Israel launched an offensive on the border city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. This action was taken even against the objections of its closest ally, the U.S. Israel’s resolute stance stems from its security concerns, underscoring that failing to respond firmly to the brutal attack and loss of its citizens would risk the recurrence of such tragedies in the future.

*  Attached File #Iran #Israel #Hamas
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IFANS PERSPECTIVES 2024-09E(인남식).pdf
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