Hamas is leading a war of suspension and attrition: INSS

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: INSS
19 Jan 2024 20:20
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The Israeli "Institute for National Security Studies" outlines the strategies adopted by the Palestinian Resistance, oscillating between negotiation and combat.

An Israeli tank overlooks damaged residential buildings in the Gaza Strip. (AFP)

In one of its recent publications, the Israeli "Institute for National Security Studies" (INSS) highlighted "Israel's" difficulties in accomplishing the stated objectives of the war on Gaza, specifically that of dismantling the movement's governmental and military capabilities and securing the release of Israeli captives, which has become increasingly apparent after more than 100 days of war on Gaza.

The contrast between the "perceived success" of the Israeli army and the increasing perception of stagnation in public awareness, both within "Israeli society" and in the Israeli and international media, is expanding, as per the report.

The report continued to state that, as time passes, the vivid scenes of devastation in the Gaza Strip, coupled with accounts of Palestinian casualties and injuries, highlight a deteriorating humanitarian crisis. This deepening crisis intensifies global criticism and increases pressure from the United States on "Israel" to conclude the hostilities in their current state.

Simultaneously, there is a growing apprehension about the welfare and survival of the Israeli captives, amplifying public pressure on both military and political leaders to secure their release "at any cost," as per the report.

"The organization’s leaders in the Gaza Strip, particularly Yahya Sinwar, are closely monitoring developments in Israel and continuously refining their suspension and attrition strategy. Their goal is to bring an end to the war while ensuring the survival of Hamas as both a military and governmental entity within the Gaza Strip; to them, this would be the essence of victory," the report added.

How 'Israel' is losing the war on Gaza?

In more detail, the Institute outlined what it referred to as "The Fundamentals of Hamas' Suspension and Attrition Strategy," which became apparent through several steps. Among them is the imposition of "extreme demands in hostage negotiations," where the Institute clarified that the Resistance aims to exhaust the "Israeli society", amplify tensions with its military and political leadership, and intensify international pressure on "Israel".

Hamas' ongoing operations, coupled with efforts to maintain control in the southern Gaza Strip, aim to project a continuous presence and authority, as per the report.

Recently, following a reduction in Israeli military presence in the northern Gaza Strip, Hamas effectively utilized its emergency committees and security apparatus members, primarily the civilian police, for visible operations in Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, as well as in the Jabalia and al-Shati refugee camps.

According to the report, Iran's involvement is exerting pressure on both "Israel" and the United States. This approach is driven by an acknowledgment of the gradual weakening of Israeli resilience and the growing apprehensions of the United States regarding the potential escalation of the war.

Any perceived success for Hamas would indicate the establishment of a challenging reality not only in the Gaza Strip but also across all fronts of the Axis of Resistance. This presents "Israel" with the unacceptable dilemma of engaging in a prolonged war of attrition, the report concluded.