Middle East Conflict: Hamas' Fighting Spirit Crumbles Under Israel's Pressure
As the United Nations (UN) prepares for a vote on a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Israel claims triumphs in its battle against Hamas. Many Hamas fighters are reportedly surrendering in the face of Israeli military pressure, according to Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. The situation for civilians in Gaza, however, continues to deteriorate, with requests for an end to the conflict echoing throughout the region.
Hamas Fighters Respond to Israeli Pressure
Halevi explained at a meeting with the head of the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, that the great pressure exerted by Israel had broken the fighting spirit of Hamas. Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant noted that the last Hamas strongholds in the northern Gaza Strip were close to collapse.
As the Hamas command centers in the districts of Jabalia and Shejaiya find themselves encircled and on the brink of collapse, Israel's military successes mount. According to Galant, these successes emphasize the need to move forward quickly.
International Support for Israel
In the face of these developments, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel, vowing to support it until Hamas terrorism is eliminated. The White House emphasized that Biden is working tirelessly to secure the safe return of Israeli hostages kidnapped in the Gaza Strip.
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has catapulted the plight of the civilians into the spotlight. Unrelenting fighting inside the Gaza Strip has led to a surge in displacement and widespread food insecurity, with the UN estimating that half of its population is now starving. The situation in the hospitals has also deteriorated, resulting in potentially catastrophic conditions.
In the shadow of this humanitarian crisis, the UN General Assembly will vote on Egypt's request for a ceasefire. According to the UN, the people of Gaza are pleading for an end to what they call "this hell on earth."
The Humanitarian Disaster Zone: Al-Ahli Hospital
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that the Al-Ahli hospital in the Gaza Strip is aching under the weight of a humanitarian disaster. The hospital is working with a diminished staff and 200 patients crammed into every conceivable space, including corridors, libraries, chapels, and the inner courtyard. Despite the dire situation, medical professionals continue treating seriously injured patients who arrive on makeshift vehicles or on foot.
As the hospital teeters on the brink of collapse, a UN emergency aid office, OCHA, has reported fighting near hospitals in the Gaza Strip. The Al-Auda hospital in Jabalia has been surrounded for six days by Israeli troops and tanks, trapping around 250 doctors, patients, and their relatives. Two medical staff have lost their lives during recent fighting at the hospital.
Refugees and Displacement
Campaigns of violence throughout the Gaza Strip have resulted in massive displacement, with over 1.9 million Gazans now seeking refuge. Unable to return to their homes, many are struggling with food insecurity and are in dire need of humanitarian support.
International relief efforts have been hampered by Israeli restrictions and attacks on medical sites. Humanitarian organizations like the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) have managed to deliver emergency relief items and medical aid to over 100,000 people despite the challenges.
The Legacy of the Conflict on Hamas
The Israeli offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip has inflicted significant damages on the militant group. The elimination of key personnel such as Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Marwan Issa, along with widespread destruction of Hamas' weapons caches, has crippled their military capabilities.
Hamas' popularity within Gaza has also dipped dramatically, with recent polls showing a significant drop in support for the group. With their leadership and military power severely weakened, Hamas faces an uphill struggle to retain control in the Gaza Strip.
In the face of this mounting pressure, Hamas may be forced to consider stepping down or forming a coalition with other Palestinian factions to weather the crises that lie ahead. With the United Nations General Assembly votes looming, the question of a lasting resolution to the Middle East conflict remains both urgent and critical.
References
- Saeb Erakat, Palestinian negotiator, interview, 2025.
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Field assessment report, 2025.
- World Health Organization, report on the Al-Ahli hospital, 2025.
- Israeli Ministry of Defense, press release, 2025.
- Palestine Red Crescent Society, report on humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, 2025.
