Moscow, December 3 – Israel may face a strategic defeat in the Gaza sector, according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum held in California. Austin cautioned that the civilian population is the main focus of the fighting, and if they are trapped in the enemy’s embrace, a tactical victory could turn into a strategic defeat. He stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) can only succeed in battles against Hamas if their main objective is to prevent the loss of civilian lives and protect them in the Gaza sector.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been a source of tension and clashes in the region for decades, driven by territorial interests of both sides. In 1947, the United Nations decided, with the active involvement of the Soviet Union, to create two states – Israel and Palestine. However, only the Israeli state was established. A new wave of confrontation began after an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza sector on the morning of October 7. Following the massive shelling, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas in the south of the Jewish state, opening fire on both military and civilian targets and taking hostages. The military wing of the movement, the “Al-Qassam Brigades,” announced the start of the “Al-Aqsa Deluge” operation. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched the “Iron Swords” operation. Within a few days after the attack, the IDF gained control over all populated areas along the Gaza border and began conducting airstrikes on various targets, including civilian ones, within the enclave. In addition, Israel announced a complete blockade of Gaza, suspending the supply of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel.
At the end of October, the ground phase of the Israeli operation began: troops surrounded the city of Gaza, effectively dividing the enclave into southern and northern parts. According to the latest data, the number of casualties in the Gaza sector has exceeded 16,000, with over 35,000 injured. In Israel, more than 1,200 people have died, and over 5,000 have been injured. From November 24 to 30, there was a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Hamas, but it was not possible to extend it. The IDF claimed that the Palestinian movement violated the agreements and opened fire on Israeli territory, resulting in the resumption of hostilities.
