Defence experts assess ‘Uncertain Endgame’ as Death Toll Rises amid Israel-Hamas fighting

In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, defence experts have offered their insights into the situation. Major General (Retd) Sanjay Soi, an International Affairs and Defence Expert, highlighted that Hamas's firing of approximately 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip had taken Israel by surprise, leading to what he considered an intelligence failure on Israel's part. Despite the challenges posed by attacks from multiple directions, Israel's army is well-prepared to handle such situations. Maj Gen Soi emphasized that Israel's recovery has been swift and that a potent counterattack is on the horizon.  

In the recent spate of fighting between Hamas militants and the Israel Defence Force (IDF), hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers have been killed. Furthermore, dozens were abducted as part of a multipronged, shock attack by Hamas on Saturday. Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a militant group smaller and more brazen than Hamas, said Sunday that it alone had seized 30 hostages.  

India's stance on the conflict  

When asked about India's position regarding the ongoing conflict, Major General (Retd) Sanjay Soi pointed out that India has traditionally maintained strong relations with the Middle East. However, he expressed concern over the nature of the attacks, particularly the targeting of civilian areas. Soi noted that India has consistently opposed terrorism and has unequivocally condemned the recent attacks, pledging support for Israel during these challenging times.  

Another defence expert, Qamar Agha, asserted that Israel possesses the capacity to eliminate militant organizations like Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah on its own. He predicted that Israel would exact revenge, and the operation would likely endure for an extended period. Mahesh Sachdeva, a former Indian diplomat, described the situation in Israel as worrisome. He pointed out that the conflict had disrupted the nation's internal affairs, including an ongoing judicial overhaul that aimed to reduce the judiciary's influence over lawmaking and public policy. Sachdeva emphasized Israel's strength as a nation and its ability to eventually regain control of the situation, potentially through military intervention in Gaza.  

Uncertain endgame

The captivity of Israeli citizens, as well as military personnel, has raised the heat on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies, who are already under intense pressure to respond to the killing of over 700 Israelis in the Hamas attack so far. Netanyahu’s vow to unleash the full force of the Israeli military on Hamas has raised fears for the safety of Israeli civilians spread in undisclosed locations across the densely populated Gaza Strip.  

The ongoing conflict has had a significant toll, with a reported death toll in Israel exceeding 700 people, according to officials. Israeli forces continue to engage Hamas terrorists as they clear out border communities. Injuries have also mounted, with over 2,243 individuals brought to hospitals in Israel due to the ongoing situation. The conflict's endgame remains uncertain, with the possibility of further escalation and military intervention, which could lead to increased violence and instability in the region.