Is the Hamas-Israel war really over?

It depends on whom you ask. According to the Trump administration, it’s done and dusted (as the British say), but if you live on the shoreline of Israel, as I do, the booming sounds of explosions, coming from Gaza, just 62 kilometers away (38 miles), are still heard almost on a daily basis. 

But it’s not only the military activity, south of the country, which is still in full swing, as Hamas commanders and other militants are being eliminated. Our northern border is also getting its share of action. Over the last week, constant airstrikes have been carried out in Lebanon against Hezbollah’s southern infrastructure. 

In Judea and Samaria, dozens of operations are being conducted in an attempt to rid many towns of their terror cells which plan mass attacks on Israelis. One such operation, in the town of Qabatiya, located in Jenin was called “Five Stones,” taken from the biblical story of David and Goliath, reminiscent of David’s five smooth stones which slayed the Philistine giant.

IDF missile boat squadrons are engaged in training exercises in the Mediterranean, likely in preparation for yet another showdown. While all this has been going on, reports that Iran has closed its airspace, for an alleged air defense drill, has us all wondering if we are gearing up for another round in the never-ending saga of the Middle East conflict.

ILTV Anchor Emily Schrader, in a recent telecast, interviewed Col Rich Outzen, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, asking him if he believed that Hezbollah rearming itself, in clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, will result in further escalation?

His response was that while President Trump is anxious for peace, as a pragmatic man, he knows that Israel will have to prevent another buildup on its border. Consequently, the colonel believes that more is coming.   

Another source of up-to-date news, Israel Live News, asks the question as to whether or not war with Iran is imminent.  Last Sunday, they texted the following: “Israeli leadership currently believes that there will be no choice but for additional conflicts with Iran and are already preparing Israel’s course of action for when they begin.  It is further believed that Iran is working hard to repair capabilities damaged during Operation Rising Lion, with emphasis on its missile arsenal.”  

As of this writing, the ceasefire did accomplish one great thing.  With the exception of the last remaining dead hostage, all of the rest are home – for which we are truly grateful.  

But that is the first phase, still uncompleted since one Israeli must be released to be given a proper burial. Additionally, Hamas shows no signs of disarming, surrendering or the willingness to abandon their control and leave Gaza.

To the contrary, Hamas has continued to terrorize its own people, per my recent two-part report of Inside of Gaza, The inside story of what’s going on in Gaza – Part 1 and An inside look at what’s going on in Gaza – Part 2. 

This is confirmed by YNet News which reports, “People are disappearing, because Hamas has reasserted itself, controlling through fear and violence. Armed men fill Gaza’s streets, safe zones remain tense and civilians face chaos, ruin and despair.”

Ironically, it’s fair to say that Israelis are not the only ones feeling as if the war has not come to a decisive end, because anyone still living in Gaza has the real concern of being accused as a collaborator or suffering the effects of deprivation caused by Hamas’s cruel pilfering of whatever humanitarian help is sent to Gaza, intended for the people.

While it’s true that there is not a military callup at the moment, giving a much-needed reprieve to our soldiers who have been fighting non-stop for months at a time, there is still an estimated shortage of 15,000 – 20,000 soldiers, aggravated by the 80,000 Haredi men, age 18-24, who could serve in the IDF but refuse to do so. 

It is with this backdrop that the Trump administration is still optimistic about moving on to phase 2 of the agreement in the next few weeks. But given the fact that “phase two pertains to the establishment of governance and security mechanisms” does anyone see any indication of a smooth transition taking place?

As the fighting continues, on a daily basis, it’s truly hard to believe that Hamas terrorists intend to walk away from their posts – even if ordered to do so by an oversight team comprised of Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and the U.S. 

Already, when posed with the option of turning over Gaza governance to others, Hamas has rejected the idea of any “foreign bodies” being involved. So why wouldn’t they continue to refuse other alternatives? Who can ignore their unwillingness to give up their weapons, especially while invoking their right to continue as resistance fighters dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish homeland?

This is where it starts getting messy. Hamas knew that they could no longer sustain their cause if they held onto the hostages. So, they released them, believing it would buy them more time.  As part of their demands, thousands of Palestinian prisoners were released, allowing those men to fill the ranks of the ones who were already eliminated.

At the same time, Hamas is probably counting on dwindling interest of potential nations who aren’t exactly clamoring to get involved in the next phases. By wearing everyone down, will the full plan for peace be impossible to implement?

Perhaps, this is why few feel that this war has not come to an end nor is a peace deal likely to advance to the next phases. From the terrorists’ point of view, they have invested more than 20 years into the goal of finishing off Israel.  It has completely consumed their lives, with the promise that they are nearing the end of their aspirations – a Middle East with no Jewish presence.

For them to give up on those objectives now would require turning their backs on the hatred, jealousy and enmity which has been part of their DNA since birth. And with what would that be replaced? A newfound appreciation and desire to employ good will and coexistence? Not a chance!

These leopards cannot change their spots, and once that reality is understood by politicians who thought a forced ceasefire would do the trick, it will be the first step in recognizing that this ongoing war will not come to an end unless it is finished by us, once and for all!