|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
TEL AVIV — Dr. Michael Milshtein, a senior researcher at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, has shared his perspective on the recent developments in Gaza, particularly concerning Hamas’s response to the ongoing conflict and the ceasefire deal.
Speaking to 103FM on Thursday, Milshtein described Hamas’s current situation as far from disastrous. “Their situation is not bad. It’s terrible for us to say this, but we wanted to see a battered, beaten, and maybe even barely existing organization,” he said, referring to the challenges Israel faces despite the ongoing conflict.
Milshtein’s comments came after reports revealed the reopening of Gaza’s schools despite extensive destruction — about 85% of the educational infrastructure having been damaged.
In addition, 6,000 Hamas police officers have been deployed across the Strip, signaling that Hamas remains firmly in control. “This is not about a ‘post-war era.’ Hamas is still in charge,” Milshtein remarked.
From Hamas’s perspective, the cost of the war, including the deaths of around 50,000 people and the devastation of Gaza, is viewed as a justified price for inflicting harm on Israel and bolstering Palestinian national pride.
Milshtein emphasized the importance of understanding Hamas’s narrative, though he made clear he did not endorse it. “In their view, the price was worth it. It’s time we understand that,” he explained.
The recruitment of thousands into Hamas over the past few months underscores the group’s resilience, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently revealing that around 4,000 new recruits have joined Hamas.
This growing force indicates that Hamas is using the current situation to rebuild its organizational structures and reassert control. “They will use the near future to rebuild — new commanders, new weapons,” Milshtein predicted.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly argued that the fighting must continue until Hamas ceases to exist, but Milshtein disagrees with this stance.
He criticized Smotrich’s approach, saying, “The war banner over the last 15 months hasn’t advanced us toward the downfall of Hamas. We needed to think beyond just the immediate fight.”
Milshtein called for a shift in strategy, stressing the need for long-term planning that extends beyond the next few days.
“The immediate focus should be on freeing the hostages, but we also need a clear plan to dismantle Hamas entirely in the long term,” he said.
He argued that despite heavy losses, Hamas is still operational, citing the example of a Beit Hanoun commander who, contrary to expectations, survived.
The situation in Gaza, Milshtein stated, is not something that will be resolved in a few months or even years. “This is a journey for many years,” he said, calling for deeper, more thoughtful strategic planning.
“I don’t know if this leadership style is fit for this, but I hope future leaders will learn from these lessons,” he concluded, urging Israel to adopt a long-term vision for dealing with Hamas.