Israel Claims Dual Objectives in War Against Hamas: Eliminating Militant Leadership and Rescuing Captives, Though Families Doubt Feasibility

The Israeli military asserts that it can concurrently accomplish its dual objectives in its conflict with Hamas: dismantling the ruling militant organization in the Gaza Strip and liberating approximately 230 abducted Israeli hostages.

However, as Israel escalates aerial bombardments and ground invasions in the heavily restricted territory, families of the abducted are becoming increasingly skeptical that these objectives can be achieved without catastrophic repercussions.

Eliminating Hamas appears to necessitate a ground offensive of unparalleled intensity, bringing with it a significant risk of endangering the Israeli hostages. Conversely, to free hostages confined within Gaza, Israel would likely need to negotiate with Hamas—a group responsible for an attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people and dozens taken prisoner, initiating the ongoing hostilities. Over 7,700 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives in the Israeli operations, according to data from the Gaza Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas.

Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the distress of the families of the abducted individuals in a recent televised address, he did not specify how a rescue operation might be executed. He assured, however, that the liberation of the hostages was as crucial to the nation’s war effort as the eradication of Hamas.

Meanwhile, Hamas is in talks with Egypt and Qatar as mediators to negotiate the release of some of the Israeli hostages. To date, four hostages have been freed.

Public anxiety regarding the hostages intensified as Israel ramped up its military campaign. Protests erupted outside the Israeli Defense Ministry, resulting in meetings between Netanyahu and the families of the abducted. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has also scheduled a meeting with them.

The situation of the hostages has monopolized national interest for the past three weeks, with extensive media coverage and interviews with affected families.

However, every military tactic under consideration comes with substantial risks. A ground invasion could embroil Israeli forces in prolonged, complicated urban and subterranean warfare. The hostages, believed to be concealed within Hamas’ extensive tunnel network, could face chaotic conditions in the event of intense fighting.

As Israel’s military onslaught on Gaza reached unprecedented levels, families of the hostages remained fraught with concern, especially given the lack of certainty about the hostages’ well-being amidst the heavy bombardment.

Amos Yadlin, a retired general and former chief of Israeli military intelligence, suggests that Israel can both eliminate Hamas and secure the hostages if the right strategy is employed, although he did not provide details.

While some experts advocate diplomacy as the most viable method to secure the hostages’ release, Hamas has proposed a prisoner exchange: all Israeli hostages for all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel has previously agreed to such uneven prisoner swaps, notably in 2011, when it exchanged over 1,000 prisoners for a single abducted soldier, Gilad Schalit.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, accused Hamas of manipulatively capitalizing on the anxieties of the Israeli populace, but families who witnessed the release of four hostages last week question whether the Israeli government truly has their best interests at heart.

“No one is explaining what’s going on,” said Miki Haimovitz, a former lawmaker speaking on behalf of the families at a recent protest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israeli-Hamas conflict

More about Israeli-Hamas conflict

• Israeli Military’s Objectives in Hamas Conflict
• Diplomatic Efforts Between Hamas and Israel
• History of Israeli-Hamas Prisoner Swaps
• Public Sentiment and Protests in Israel
• Complexities of Ground Invasions in Gaza
• The Role of Egypt and Qatar in Mediation
• Profile of Retired General Amos Yadlin
• Israeli Government’s Address to Hostage Families
• Coverage of Hostages in Israeli Media