“Eradicating Hamas without conquering Gaza is impossible”

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Amir Avivi: A Call to Eradicate Hamas from Gaza

In a shocking revelation, Amir Avivi, a retired Brigade General from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and founder of the Israeli Security and Defense Forum (IDSF), lifts the veil on the grave situation in Gaza. This esteemed military leader, known as one of those tough hawks in Israel, reflects on the critical mistakes that led to the current chaos.

A Disastrous Decision: The Oslo Agreements

—You were already in Gaza in 2005. What happened then?

For decades, Gaza enjoyed a period of relative calm until the disastrous Oslo Agreements shattered that peace. “From 1967 until the early 90s, it was a fairly quiet area,” says Avivi. “Then came Oslo, and everything spiraled downhill.” The so-called peace agreements gave the Palestinian Authority control, but what did that produce? An arms buildup and a relentless escalation of hostilities against Israel.

The Rise of Terrorist Tunnels

“What did they find in Gaza then?”

Avivi shared a haunting revelation: “We discovered a massive network of tunnels for transferring arms. What started with 35 tunnels soon exploded into a vast, underground terrorist maze.” These tunnels weren’t just strategic; they were an embodiment of the betrayal felt by many in Israel. The same authority meant to usher in peace was instead laying the groundwork for war.

The Impending Threat of Hamas

“Why did that change happen?”

“Because we didn’t do anything to stop it,” Avivi emphasized. With the rise of Hamas and other terrorist factions, Israel’s narrative of restraint became one of vulnerability. He warns, “Israel is facing four existential threats, including the Iranian missiles aimed directly at our homeland.”

The Humanitarian Crisis and the Role of Hamas

“Can I not occupy Gaza?”

“To eradicate Hamas as a military and government entity, a full occupation is necessary,” he states firmly. But the reality on the ground, where Hamas uses civilians as human shields, complicates any military strategy. “Hamas exploits the innocent to shield their terrorist operations,” Avivi charged. “In a usual war, the civilian casualties might be higher, but here, it’s one-to-one; every death is a tragedy that Hamas thrives on.”

A Call to Action

“What is the current situation?”

“Israel controls about 75% of Gaza now,” Avivi reveals, showing that military efforts are bearing fruit, yet the battle is far from over. Hostages remain, and Hamas refuses to back down. “Each moment we hesitate is a moment Hamas uses to regroup and undermine our security,” he warned.

The Path Forward

“How will it last?”

With the fighting continuing amidst a complex urban battlefield, Avivi suggests that “the resolution will depend on the forces we mobilize.” Expediting the suppression of Hamas requires both complete eradication of their hold and public support at home and abroad. The time to act is now, before this conflict escalates beyond anyone’s control.