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Netanyahu, Benjamin

Israel's Pattern of Escalation in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Israeli airstrikes on the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 90 people and injuries to 300 more, despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Doha and Cairo. The attacks came as discussions involving Arab mediators and the United States were showing signs of progress towards a truce and the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy has been to escalate the war whenever talks for ending it have been in advanced stages, a tactic analysts say he regularly deploys to apply pressure on his opponents and does so with impunity due to steadfast support from the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least eight United Nations-run schools have been hit by Israel's military in 10 days, with a total of 90 people killed and 300 wounded in an Israeli attack on the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently escalated the war whenever talks for ending it have been in advanced stages, using the tactic to apply pressure on his opponents and does so with impunity due to steadfast support from the United States.
  • Protests in Israel against Netanyahu's far-right coalition government have been calling for the return of captives held in Gaza and for the prime minister's resignation.
  • US President Joe Biden's administration has sent billions of dollars in weapons shipments to Israel since October, despite the human toll of the war.
  • A pattern of behavior exhibited by Israel, where they launch attacks or dump munitions when ceasefires are imminent or already agreed upon.
  • The Israeli entity is not held accountable for its actions due to its global alliances in the West and with the United States.
  • Israeli officials have denied the existence of the Hannibal Directive, a protocol that aims to prevent Israeli captives from being taken alive into enemy territory, although senior Israeli military sources have confirmed its use to Israeli media.
  • Analysts believe a permanent ceasefire is nearly unattainable because Israel under Netanyahu is committed to continue fighting and is still receiving military aid and diplomatic support from the United States.
  • Netanyahu has rejected ceasefire proposals and promised to continue fighting as long as Hamas remains standing.

Statistics:

  • At least 90 people have been killed in an Israeli attack on the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis.
  • 300 people were wounded in the same attack.
  • Eight United Nations-run schools have been hit by Israel's military in 10 days.
  • 225kg (500lb) bombs were briefly withheld by the US before being sent to Israel.
  • Billions of dollars in weapons shipments have been sent to Israel since October.
  • The US has provided $3.3bn in annual aid to Israel.
  • At least 16 Palestinian civilians were killed during the 2014 war on Gaza due to the Hannibal Directive.
  • The Hannibal Directive is a protocol that aims to prevent Israeli captives from being taken alive into enemy territory.

Sources:

  • aljazeera.com features: Israeli air raid on al-Mawasi kills 90 people, what we know so far
  • aljazeera.com news liveblog: Israel's war on Gaza live: 48 killed in 3 air strikes in one hour in Gaza
  • The New York Times: Israeli Warplane Drops Bomb on Hamas Leader's Home
  • Human Rights Watch: Israel Dumpped 2.6 million to 4 million Munitions in Southern Lebanon in 2006
  • haaretz.com: IDF Ordered Hannibal Directive on October 7 to Prevent Hamas From Taking Soldiers Captive

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