Commentary | Why Israel’s Current Tactics in Gaza May Backfire

As of May 2025, Gaza is experiencing one of its most severe humanitarian crises in decades. While Israel's stated objective is to weaken Hamas, the ongoing blockade and restrictions on essential supplies have led to catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. This approach not only undermines Israel's moral standing but also jeopardizes its long-term security.

Humanitarian Catastrophe: The Scale of the Crisis

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), airstrikes and a lack of medical supplies, food, water, and fuel have virtually depleted an already under-resourced health system in Gaza. Hospitals have been operating far beyond capacity due to rising numbers of patients and displaced civilians seeking shelter. The provision of essential health services—from maternal and newborn care to treatment for chronic conditions—has been severely compromised due to the lack of access and hostilities near hospitals. 

Last month, Reuters quoted a report by the Palestinian Water Authority, according to which more than 85% of water and sanitation facilities in Gaza are completely or partially out of service. Additionally, up to 97% of tap water is deemed unfit for human consumption due to salinity, over-extraction, and pollution. The UN World Food Program has now announced the depletion of its food stocks for Gaza. 

The Strategic and Political Costs

While Israel justifies the blockade as a measure to pressure Hamas, this strategy has significant strategic and political costs. Humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the European Union, and various international law experts, have condemned the blockade, citing violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. Israel’s use of collective punishment risks isolating it diplomatically and further damaging its image globally. 

The problem is not only moral but strategic. As much as Israel attempts to target Hamas, the terror group’s strategy of embedding its military assets within Gaza’s civilian infrastructure—using human shields and operating in densely populated areas—makes it incredibly difficult to distinguish between Hamas militants and innocent civilians. This tactic forces Israel into a difficult position: targeting Hamas while avoiding unnecessary civilian casualties.

Yes. It is easy to call for a distinction between Hamas and Gaza’s civilian population – but the reality on the ground is far more complex. Hamas embeds itself within civilian areas, using schools, hospitals, and homes as sites for military operations, knowing that Israel is bound by international law to minimize civilian casualties. This means that even with the best intentions and more precise targeting, harm to civilians is often unavoidable. 

However, despite these challenges, Israel must continue to make every effort to minimize civilian harm through targeted operations, intelligence, and minimizing damage to infrastructure that civilians rely on. This is not just a moral imperative; it’s also a strategic one. Prolonged suffering and collective punishment will only deepen the anger and resentment that fuels the cycle of violence, ultimately strengthening Hamas's position in the long run.

The Further Complexity of Hostages in Gaza

Another critical layer of complexity is the presence of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. 59 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza. 21-24 of them are still alive, hanging in there under unimaginable conditions, suffering from famine and undergoing torture. The ongoing military operations and blockade put the lives of these hostages in grave danger, further complicating Israel’s military actions. The lack of access to basic humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and basic necessities increases the risks of starvation, injury, and death.

 The presence of hostages not only heightens the stakes of the conflict but also calls for a delicate balance in Israel's military strategy, as any misstep could endanger the hostages' lives. This further emphasizes the need for a more targeted, intelligence-driven approach to avoid additional harm to civilians and hostages alike.

A Call for a Change in Strategy

Even given all of these complexities, Israel’s current strategy of collective punishment is counterproductive, alienating potential allies. The average person who sees a starving child on his television screen feels sympathy and for the victim, and anger and resentment towards the aggressor. In the eyes of the world, Israel is perceived as the aggressor.  

The international community, including Israel’s allies, should support efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and that Israel’s security concerns are addressed without resorting to measures that harm civilians. A sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing the humanitarian crisis and fostering an environment where civilians are protected and their needs are met.

Conclusion

The ongoing blockade of Gaza is not only a humanitarian disaster but also a strategic misstep. By focusing on collective punishment, Israel risks strengthening Hamas and undermining its own security. A change in approach—emphasizing targeted actions, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian assistance—is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. While the complexity of Hamas’s use of human shields complicates Israel’s military objectives, a more focused and ethical approach will ultimately lead to a safer and more secure future for both Israel and the Palestinian people.