Publication
Omar Shaban Ismail · ISPI — Italian Institute for International Political Studies · 2021
ISPI analysis on prospects beyond a Gaza ceasefire — diplomacy, governance gaps, and regional actors shaping the post-war landscape.
Experts from the ISPI MED network react to the consequences of the recent escalation of violence between between Israel and Hamas.
## The escalation enhanced Hamas’ role inside and outside Gaza’s borders
“The latest escalation between the Israeli Army and Gaza factions, led by Hamas, has had longer consequences this time around as compared to the previous three wars. The 2008-2009 war lasted three weeks, the following one in 2012 continued for one week, while in 2014 the confrontations lasted 51 days. Compared to previous cases, during the recent May 2021 escalation the military option did not appear to bring stability and peace to the region. Despite the Israeli siege on Gaza since 2007, Hamas has developed and extended its military capabilities. While the previous wars were confined to Gaza, this time around the recent escalation was linked to Jerusalem, which promoted Hamas as the defender of Palestinians everywhere. Furthermore, it triggered support to Hamas in the Westbank, the diaspora, and within the Palestinian residents in Israel itself. Finally, Hamas imposed itself as a key player at the regional level, leading countries such as Jordan, Syria, and Egypt to attempt to create dialogues and potential cooperation with Hamas. As such, the May escalation had an impact beyond the border of Gaza.”
Omar Shaban, Director, PalThink For Strategic Studies
Topic: Gaza Reconstruction — Text © ISPI — Italian Institute for International Political Studies — archived here with attribution to the source. — Original source