According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, after two years of conflict in the Gaza Strip, Hamas remains entrenched, still governing the territory and holding Israeli hostages. Speaking on 103Fm radio, Eyal Ofer, an expert on Hamas’s economy, discussed the broader implications of the ongoing war for Israel and the region.
Ofer argued that Israel is bearing significant costs internationally due to the prolonged fighting. He reflected on Israel’s earlier decisions during the campaign, noting, “We could have been in a better position if we had not let these 800,000 return to the Gaza Strip in the first place,” referring to civilians who re-entered Gaza City after Israel’s ground invasion.
Beyond immediate military considerations, Ofer warned against focusing solely on short-term objectives. He emphasized that Hamas itself has acknowledged it will not formally retain power in Gaza under current conditions but cautioned that the group is playing a longer game.
“Hamas has said it clearly,” Ofer explained. “It understands that formally, it will not remain in power in Gaza. In the short term, Hamas will agree to expert committees. They will say, ‘We will not act against the Arab forces that will enter,’ but Hamas always thinks in the long term.”
Ofer predicted that Hamas would attempt to rebuild and position itself for future control, despite any temporary concessions. “They actually plan to take over within five to ten years,” he said. “All the talk about Hamas disappearing is disconnected from reality.”
His comments underscore the enduring challenge Israel faces in dismantling Hamas’s influence. While Israeli military operations have weakened the organization’s capabilities, Ofer’s assessment suggests the group is adapting strategically, aiming to preserve its presence and eventually reassert dominance in Gaza. The remarks highlight the difficulty of achieving decisive outcomes in a conflict shaped by both military actions and long-term political ambitions. See, More, Here>>>>
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