Tensions continue to escalate in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the civilian population of Gaza caught in the deadly crossfire. With casualties mounting, Palestinian evacuees recall horrific scenes of destruction and panic, as bombings razed their homes. Amongst them, a child with her femur crushed, and a traumatized young boy mistaking a nurse for his lost father.
Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Israeli ambassador to the U.K., acknowledges the tragic fallout and maintains Israel's combat stance. According to Regev, the fight is not one of choice but of necessity, as relinquishing control to Hamas in the Gaza Strip would 'condemn us all to more bloodshed.' He further argues that Israel's sole enemy is the terrorists, not Gaza's civilian population.
While the international condemnation swells against Israel's military action, Regev emphasizes on Israel's humanitarian efforts. He mentions the field hospitals set up with Israel's encouragement and support, like the one run by the United Arab Emirates to aid the injured in Gaza. However, the only facility of its kind in the area is now reportedly near its capacity.
Twitter Post On Israel Continues War, Aims to Eliminate Hamas Threat
Concerns have been raised over Israel's use of unguided munitions, known as 'dumb bombs', in almost half of its airstrikes since October 7th. Critics suggest that such imprecise weaponry contradicts Israel's claims of intending to minimize civilian casualties. Regev refutes this, stating that the Israeli Air Force is careful in selecting and executing these strikes while also limiting collateral damage.
When questioned about recent U.S. expectations for a transition to a less aggressive strategy, Regev affirms that an intelligence-based strategy within Gaza can only commence once the current phase concludes successfully. He adds that a clear-cut victory is deemed essential to prevent a repeat of the current scenario.
Regev also seems to confirm speculations surrounding potential plans for the assassination of senior Hamas leader Yair Yassinwar, comparing it to the United States' move against Osama bin Laden post 9/11. However, this constitutes just one of the goals in Israel's roadmap to victory in this ongoing conflict.
