

Israel’s Plan to Destroy Hamas
86 snips Oct 11, 2023
Steven Erlanger, the Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for The New York Times and an expert on Middle Eastern relations, discusses Israel's decisive shift in strategy toward Hamas following recent violence. He explores the historical context of Hamas’ evolution from a charitable organization to a militant force. Erlanger details the complexities of urban warfare in densely populated Gaza, emphasizing ethical concerns amidst military operations. He delves into potential consequences for both Israeli and Palestinian communities as Israel aims for Hamas's complete dismantlement.
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Hamas Evolution
- Hamas evolved from a social aid group to a militant organization.
- Their commitment to Israel's destruction intensified, marked by suicide bombings.
Israel's Hamas Strategy
- Despite Hamas's control of Gaza and the West's embargo, Israel maintained communication.
- They believed governing responsibilities might moderate Hamas over time.
Shifting Stance
- The weekend massacre, with over 1,000 Israeli civilian deaths, changed Israel's stance.
- The scale of civilian casualties prompted Israel to pledge Hamas's destruction.