Israel Defeats Hamas in Rafah Battle Over Four Months

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) achieved a significant military victory in Rafah after a four-month operation aimed at dismantling Hamas's remaining battalions. The battle commenced on May 6, 2024, following a delay due to opposition from U.S. officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who warned against the potential civilian casualties. Despite these warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of neutralizing the last Hamas battalions to secure a broader victory in the ongoing conflict. During the operation, IDF troops engaged in intense urban warfare, systematically clearing neighborhoods and targeting Hamas positions. The military reported the elimination of over 2,000 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants and the destruction of extensive underground smuggling routes. The Rafah brigade, which consisted of four battalions, was identified as the last operational military unit of Hamas, making its defeat crucial for Israel's strategic objectives. The Biden administration expressed concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly regarding the civilian population in Rafah. However, Israel managed to evacuate approximately one million civilians from the area before launching its offensive, mitigating some of the potential fallout from the military action. Following the successful operation, the IDF declared that Hamas had been reduced to guerrilla tactics, no longer functioning as a cohesive military force. This victory marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, reshaping the dynamics of power in the region and potentially altering future military engagements.