--- title: "Israeli Army's Response to Hamas Leaves Gaza Devastated" url: https://noti.group/israeli-army-s-response-to-hamas-leaves-gaza-devastated/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-07T15:25:06.000Z updated: 2026-10-07T16:48:29.471Z id: 429883c7-a7a3-41f4-a533-00fce1bdf7f2 source: "Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2026/10/7/the-mass-killing-does-not-mean-israels-winning?traffic_source=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/israeli-army-s-response-to-hamas-leaves-gaza-devastated/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Israeli Army's Response to Hamas Leaves Gaza Devastated The three-year conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life, with thousands killed or injured and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. A three-year conflict has left its mark on Israel, shattering the image of its military as invincible. The Israeli army's response to Hamas's initial attack has been intense, mobilizing Western allies and unleashing a campaign of death and destruction that has devastated Gaza. The scale of destruction is staggering, with thousands killed and injured, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The civilian population has borne the brunt of Israel's military might, with medical facilities, schools, and infrastructure severely damaged or destroyed. Water treatment plants, desalination facilities, and the electricity grid have all been targeted. The Israeli government had set out clear objectives at the start of the conflict: securing the release of captives, eliminating the Palestinian resistance, imposing security control over Gaza, and establishing a new administration. However, three years on, these goals remain elusive. Despite its military superiority, Israel appears unable to translate this into political gains that reflect its stated objectives. The conflict rages on, with no end in sight, leaving many to wonder if the Israeli government's strategy is effective. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens by the day, with thousands of civilians displaced and struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. As the situation continues to deteriorate, questions are being raised about the long-term viability of Israel's military approach and its potential impact on regional stability. The Israeli army's efforts to free captives from Hamas have yielded disappointing results, despite its overwhelming military power. Of the 250 people taken to Gaza, only eight were freed by Israel, while another 12 bodies were recovered and at least three were shot dead during bombing operations. This outcome raises questions about the effectiveness of Israel's approach in dealing with the captives issue. A recent statement from the Israeli army's point man on the matter suggests that many lives could have been saved if negotiations had begun earlier. This admission highlights the limitations of military power in resolving complex issues like captivity and hostage situations. Despite its extensive military operations, Israel has failed to eradicate the Palestinian resistance in Gaza. Hamas remains in control of parts of the territory, despite facing ongoing Israeli bombing campaigns and attacks from pro-Israel militias. Instead of achieving disarmament through force, Israel is now forced to negotiate with Hamas on this issue. The Israeli army's occupation of 60 percent of Gaza has not led to a complete takeover of the territory. This decision appears to be driven by an understanding that occupying the remaining areas would come at too high a cost in terms of politics, humanitarian concerns, and military resources. Gaza's infrastructure has suffered greatly under Israel's military campaigns, with homes and buildings reduced to rubble. The Strip's economy is on life support, leaving many Palestinians struggling to access basic necessities like food and medicine. Despite these dire conditions, the majority of Gaza's population remains resolute in their determination to stay. Israel's efforts to encourage voluntary departure have yielded little success. Many Palestinians have chosen to remain, despite the hardships, while others have even returned from abroad. The influx of returnees underscores the resilience of the Palestinian people and highlights the futility of Israel's attempts to drive them out. The outcome has left Israel facing a daunting challenge: creating a new reality in Gaza that aligns with its interests. However, its military prowess is matched by a lack of expertise in state-building and governance. This vacuum has allowed existing power structures to persist, thwarting Israeli efforts to install an alternative administration. The strategy of reducing Gaza to rubble has failed to achieve its intended effect: demoralizing the Palestinian population and prompting them to abandon their cause. Instead, the Strip's residents have rallied around their leaders, underscoring the strength of their resolve and commitment to their rights. As a result, Israel finds itself grappling with a "day after" problem in Gaza, one that requires it to confront the consequences of its actions and adapt to a reality where Palestinian resistance remains a potent force. The Israeli government's military campaign has imposed a temporary reality in Gaza, but it has not provided political legitimacy to its actions. In fact, the use of military power can have an unintended consequence: destroying legitimacy altogether. This is precisely what has happened as a result of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly last month, he faced widespread disapproval from representatives of most member states who walked out in protest. This display of international discontent reflects the growing isolation of Israel's government and its policies. Netanyahu himself is also facing serious repercussions for his actions. An arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, further eroding his international standing. The Israeli government's aggressive campaign has not only damaged its reputation abroad but also within key allied countries. A recent survey conducted across 36 nations found that a significant majority, 67%, holds unfavorable views of Israel. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in major allies such as the US, where 60% of adults view Israel unfavorably, and Germany, where 73% do. In response to growing public pressure, lawmakers in Washington are increasingly debating bills aimed at curbing military aid or imposing sanctions on Israel. Similarly, European capitals have taken steps to restrict trade with Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. Israeli leaders will hold a national address today, touting their military achievements and vowing further retaliation. However, a closer examination of the conflict reveals a stark contrast between Israel's military might and its actual outcome on the ground. Despite boasting state-of-the-art fighter jets, sophisticated drones, and advanced bombs, including AI-guided munitions weighing nearly 1 tonne, the Israeli army has failed to achieve its desired objectives against a relatively lightly armed opponent. The conflict highlights the limitations of military force in resolving a decades-long national cause that has garnered international support. --- Source: [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2026/10/7/the-mass-killing-does-not-mean-israels-winning?traffic_source=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/israeli-army-s-response-to-hamas-leaves-gaza-devastated/