Israel's Strategic Crossroads in Gaza: Hostage Recovery vs. Hamas Dismantling Amid Global Pressure

Eighteen months into the Gaza conflict, Israel faces a strategic dilemma. The government aims to rescue hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and dismantle Hamas infrastructure, while avoiding reoccupation of Gaza. Despite two ceasefires releasing 134 hostages, military operations continue amid international criticism. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government is divided, with some officials advocating for Gaza's destruction. The humanitarian crisis worsens, with 1.9 million displaced and no aid since March 2025. International bodies criticize Israel's actions, and domestic discontent grows over the prolonged conflict and lack of a clear strategy.

Hostage Recovery: A Costly and Elusive Goal

The recovery of hostages remains a central pillar of Israel’s war effort. Two major ceasefire agreements have so far led to the release of 134 hostages—104 in November 2023 and 30 more in January 2025. However, the cost has been high. In August 2024, six bodies of hostages were recovered from tunnels in Rafah, and two more were found in January 2025. Many of these individuals were confirmed to have been alive shortly before their deaths, raising questions about the effectiveness and timing of military operations.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has repeatedly criticized the government for lack of transparency. A recent incident involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, who whispered “fewer” in response to a public mention of the 24 remaining living hostages, sparked national outrage. Families accused the government of withholding critical information and failing to prioritize the safe return of their loved ones.

Military Campaign: Tactical Gains, Strategic Uncertainty

Despite declaring the Rafah Brigade defeated in September 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have found themselves repeatedly returning to areas previously deemed “secured.” Over 40 soldiers have died in Rafah alone, and the IDF continues to face ambushes and improvised explosive devices. Senior military officials, speaking anonymously, have admitted that without a diplomatic strategy, defeating Hamas is impossible.

The military’s prolonged presence in Gaza has drawn comparisons to Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon in the 1990s—an entanglement that ended without clear victory. The lack of a defined strategic objective has led to growing frustration within the ranks and among the public. In May 2024, over 600 parents of combat soldiers sent a letter to IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, urging them to halt the Rafah operation. Days later, 80 families of hostages echoed the plea, warning that further incursions could be a “death sentence” for the captives.

Political Leadership: Divided and Under Fire

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government is deeply divided over the future of Gaza. While Netanyahu initially stated in January 2024 that Israel had “no intention of permanently occupying Gaza,” by May 2025, his tone had shifted. He now speaks of a “sustained presence” and a plan to “conquer” the territory. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other far-right members of the cabinet have openly called for the complete destruction of Gaza and the forced displacement of its population.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a key figure in international negotiations, has remained silent for months, drawing criticism from the public and media. The lack of communication has only deepened the sense of uncertainty surrounding the government’s intentions.

Yair Golan, leader of the center-left Democrats party, accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war to maintain political power. “This operation was approved not in order to protect the security of Israel, but in order to save Netanyahu and his government of extremists,” Golan wrote on May 5.

International Backlash and Legal Challenges

Israel’s evolving strategy has drawn sharp condemnation from the international community. The United Nations, European Union, and governments of the UK and France have criticized the proposed occupation and displacement plans. Amnesty International has labeled the forced displacement and weaponization of aid as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Legal scrutiny is also intensifying. The International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Israel’s challenges to its jurisdiction in February 2025, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling in May 2024 condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that the U.S. and Israel approached Sudan, Somalia, and Syria as potential resettlement locations for displaced Palestinians—proposals that were swiftly rejected by those governments.

Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Displacement

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically. As of May 2025, nearly 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced. No humanitarian aid has entered the territory since March 1, following the collapse of the second ceasefire. The Israeli government has taken over the administration of aid, but critics argue this has only exacerbated the crisis.

Statements from Israeli officials suggest a long-term plan to concentrate the population in southern Gaza and encourage “voluntary” emigration. Smotrich has envisioned a Gaza “totally destroyed,” with its residents “totally despairing” and seeking to leave. Netanyahu has echoed similar sentiments, stating that the population “will be moved, to protect it,” and that Israeli forces “will not enter and come out” but remain indefinitely.

Domestic Discontent and Public Fatigue

Within Israel, public opinion is increasingly fractured. While some support the government’s hardline stance, others are growing weary of the prolonged conflict. The peace movement, though marginalized, has gained renewed attention. Many Israelis are questioning whether the war has improved national security or merely deepened the cycle of violence.

The military’s inability to achieve a decisive victory, combined with the rising death toll and lack of a clear exit strategy, has led to comparisons with past failed occupations. The government’s refusal to articulate a coherent plan has only fueled public anxiety.

References

• On all fronts: Israel's fallen soldiers, and how they fell
• Israeli plan to occupy all of Gaza could open the door for annexation of the West Bank
• What does Netanyahu’s plan for ‘conquering’ Gaza mean for Israel, Palestine and their neighbours? Expert Q&A
• Israel’s forced displacement of Palestinians and its weaponisation of aid in Gaza may constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes
• The International Criminal Court’s Failure to Hold Israel Accountable
• Israel’s peace movement offers a ray of hope amid the pain of Gaza conflict
• Israel Wants to Kill Everyone in Gaza | Andy Worthington
• What’s Next for the Palestinian Diaspora After Gaza? | ASIL