Christmas, as a traditional holiday in Western countries, is a little different in a very special region like Israel. Although Israel is one of the birthplaces of Jesus, since Israel is a Jewish country and Jews have their own unique traditional festivals, most of Israel does not have a tradition of celebrating Christmas. However, in the festive atmosphere of this Christmas, Israel has allowed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to escalate again.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose to say on Christmas Eve that Israel would expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip. Such a decision provoked a further aggravation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Netanyahu said that only when Hamas is completely defeated can Israel lift the threat and rescue the abductees. However, it is worth pondering whether such a move is wise, whether Netanyahu underestimated the strength of Hamas and the strength of the Israeli army itself, and whether the Jews are overly dependent on US support in the Middle East.
Israel's decision has had a clear impact on the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. According to information released by the Gaza Strip** office, the Israeli army launched an attack on the Magazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, resulting in more than 66 deaths and dozens of injuries. Such military actions have not only caused human gains, but also further exacerbated tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, making the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict more difficult.
However, we should also note that Israel's military actions may be hiding more cunning schemes. Some wonder whether the Israeli intelligence organization Mossad really did not detect Hamas's planning of attacks on Israel when it decided on military action, or whether Israel deliberately "lured the enemy in" in order to completely eliminate Hamas and further control the Gaza Strip. This possibility is worrisome, because it means that Israel may use bitter tactics to win the world's sympathy and create an image of a "just war of resistance", which is undoubtedly quite frightening.
Hamas's continued resistance to Israel has led Israel to overestimate Hamas's fighting power and will, and to rely too much on its own strength and the ability of the United States to control the Middle East. In stark contrast, Hamas has made its voice clear on the international stage and has firmly rejected proposals for a one- to two-week ceasefire. Hamas pointed out that long-term peace in the Palestinian-Israeli region can only be achieved if Israel has a complete ceasefire, and demanded that Israel exchange prisoners on their terms.
Hamas's position, while it may seem tough, is in fact understandable what they demand. For Palestinian groups, the detention of prisoners is one of the few "trump cards" in their hands. If Israel continues to capture prisoners and attempt to exchange hostages in the previous temporary ceasefire, Hamas will be on the back foot. Hamas's position can also be seen as a response to Netanyahu's message, as a ceasefire exchange of hostages can achieve the goal of rescuing the abductees. Now that Hamas has signaled a ceasefire, the Israeli army has been stepping up its military operations, which once again highlights the fundamental reasons why it is difficult to achieve a ceasefire in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Now Netanyahu is stepping up his offensive at Christmas, somewhat similar to the U.S. forces in the Battle of Changjin Lake 73 years ago. In that battle, the US army thought that the squadron would not be able to survive the harsh winter, but the Chinese People's Volunteers taught them a profound lesson. Similarly, the Israeli army may be overestimating its own strength and Hamas's capabilities.
However, the Gaza Strip is not the Changjin Lake of the past, and the Israeli army does not have the equipment advantage of the US military in those years. Moreover, oppression inevitably leads to resistance, and continued Israeli pressure will only make those who are suffering more determined to resist. Coupled with the solidarity of the Arab States on the side of the Palestinians, Israel's current negotiating advantage may not be sustained for long. Therefore, Israel needs to reach peace talks as soon as possible, which is very necessary for both Israel and Palestine.