Israel’s Tough Gaza War: Balancing Precision and Humanitarian Challenges

The war in Gaza remains a brutal, grinding conflict, with Israel facing what retired British Army Colonel Richard Kemp calls a "very tough" fight. For over 20 months, since Hamas’ savage October 7, 2023, attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have battled a deeply entrenched enemy. Hamas embeds itself among civilians and in sprawling tunnel networks, complicating Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian harm while targeting terrorists.

Kemp, fresh from a visit to Gaza, praised the IDF’s precision. "They’ve taken out huge numbers of Hamas fighters and destroyed key infrastructure, but the job’s far from done," he said. He emphasized that Israel’s commitment to avoiding civilian casualties is unmatched, a feat he witnessed firsthand. Yet, Hamas’ tactics—hiding among civilians—make some civilian deaths "unavoidable," a deliberate strategy, Kemp argues, to vilify Israel globally. "Their goal is to paint Israel as the villain, accusing it of war crimes and genocide—claims that don’t hold up," he said.

Amid the fighting, humanitarian efforts are a lifeline. The U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is delivering aid where others falter. Civilians Kemp spoke with expressed gratitude for U.S. support, particularly under President Donald Trump, while blaming Hamas for their plight. Shockingly, some said it was the first time in 20 months they’d received free aid, as Hamas often steals supplies to sell at exorbitant prices.

The United Nations, Kemp noted, has criticized GHF but applies a one-size-fits-all approach that fails Gaza’s unique challenges. He called for global support for GHF, which recently secured $30 million from the U.S., and urged other nations to step up. "The U.N. has a role, but it must serve Gazans, not bureaucracy," he said.

With a Trump-led ceasefire plan on the table, there’s hope for peace, but the fight against Hamas’ grip on Gaza continues.