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 Secretary of Defense 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 resolution 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 was hit by 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 troops 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 carrying out airstrikes on targets. In addition, Israel declared a complete blockade of Gaza: cutting off water, food, electricity, medicine, and humanitarian supplies. In late October, the ground phase of the Israeli operation began: the army surrounded Gaza City, and the enclave was effectively divided into northern and southern parts.
According to the latest figures, the number of victims in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 16,000 people, with more than 35,000 injured. In Israel, more than 1,200 people died and more than 5,000 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.
