The conflict in Gaza has endured for six months, and the tolerance of Israel’s allies is waning. As the death toll rises in Gaza, it's evident that Israel lacks a clear strategy to end the conflict or plan for the future.
Israel's relentless pursuit of Hamas in Gaza, despite the devastating humanitarian impact, is isolating it internationally.
Various international bodies have warned of potential genocide, and even Israel's closest allies are openly criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Calls to cease arms shipments to Israel are gaining traction in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu's government is under increasing pressure domestically, with large-scale protests demanding his resignation.
The war began immediately after the deadly October 7 attacks by Hamas.
At the time, Israel stated that its operation aimed to eliminate Hamas and free hostages held by the militants in Gaza. However, six months into the conflict, neither goal has been achieved.
Although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters, much of the group's leadership, including Yayha Sinwar, remains elusive, and Hamas' political leaders are beyond Israel's reach abroad.
While over 100 hostages have been freed as part of a truce deal, approximately 130 hostages, including 99 believed to still be alive, remain in Gaza.
The toll on Palestinians has been immense, with over 33,000 people, including thousands of children, killed since October 7.
Additionally, some 75,000 have been injured, and more than a million are at risk of starvation, facing imminent famine according to international organizations.
Despite mounting criticism, Netanyahu refuses to alter his course.
Although he pledged to increase aid to Gaza following pressure from US President Joe Biden, he has rejected calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and reconsideration of plans to invade Rafah, a southern Gaza city where over a million people are seeking shelter.
Israel's lack of an exit strategy has left it in an untenable position.
The goal of eliminating Hamas, while popular domestically, is unachievable.
Hamas has been firmly entrenched in Gaza since 2007, controlling all aspects of governance, security, and social services.
Israel's political divisions persist, but the majority of Israelis support the Gaza war, driven in part by trauma from the October 7 attacks.
However, international policy should not be dictated by this mindset.
The ongoing conflict has strained Israel's relationships with its allies, who doubt its strategic plan. Netanyahu's proposed post-Hamas plan for Gaza has been met with skepticism and opposition from key players, including the US, Egypt, and the UAE.
Despite calls for alternative plans, Israel's insistence on maintaining security control over Gaza hampers viable solutions.
Proposals for temporary international security control are unlikely due to Israel's stance.
The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with potential chaos and lawlessness looming.
The continuation of the conflict without a viable plan for peace is unsustainable and poses long-term risks for Israel's security and stability.