US Defense Secretary warns Israel of strategic failure in Gaza Strip
(Baonghean.vn) - The conflict between Israel and Hamas has not yet ended in the Gaza Strip. The number of deaths and casualties has been enormous. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Israel will soon face a strategic defeat in the Gaza Strip.
According to Ria Novosti, in a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum taking place in California, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Israel could face a strategic defeat in the Gaza Strip.
"With this way of fighting, the focus is on civilians. And if Israel pushes them into the arms of the enemy, instead of a tactical victory, it will suffer a strategic defeat," Secretary Lloyd Austin warned.
According to Mr. Austin, the Israel Defense Forces can only win the conflict with Hamas if the Israeli military considers preventing civilian deaths and protecting them in the Gaza Strip as their main goal.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which is tied to the territorial interests of the parties, has been a source of tension and conflict in the region for decades. A United Nations decision in 1947 established the establishment of two states - Israel and Palestine, but only the state of Israel was established.
The new round of tensions began after Israel suffered an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7. Following the massive shelling, Hamas militants advanced into the southern border area of the Jewish state, where they opened fire on both the army and civilians, and took hostages.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Iron Swords. Within days of the attack, the IDF took control of all populated areas near the Gaza Strip border and began conducting airstrikes against targets. In addition, Israel declared a complete blockade of Gaza: cutting off water, food, electricity, medicine, and humanitarian supplies. At the end of October, the ground phase of the Israeli operation began: the army surrounded Gaza City, and the land was effectively divided into southern and northern parts.
According to the latest figures, the number of victims in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 16,000 people, more than 35,000 people were injured. In Israel, more than 1,200 people died, more than 5,000 people were injured.
A ceasefire agreement was in effect between Tel Aviv and Hamas from November 24 to November 30, but it was not extended. The IDF said the Palestinian movement violated the agreements and opened fire on Israeli territory, leading to renewed fighting.
