One year of Al-Aqsa storm operation; and strategic consequences.
The Al-Aqsa storm operation, launched by Hamas on October 7, 2023, marks its first anniversary. This operation has been a turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising questions about the motivations behind it and its strategic consequences.
Why Did the Al-Aqsa Storm Operation Happen?
The operation was a response to the worsening living conditions in Gaza, which had become unbearable for the Palestinian population. The Israeli occupation regime, which was established by occupying Palestinian geography and territorial integrity, had continued to make life more difficult for Palestinians. The settlement policy, which led to the displacement of Palestinians from their land and homes, and the 17-year blockade of Gaza, which imposed heavy pressure and deprivation on the population, created an unsustainable situation.
Nasser Abu Sharif, the representative of Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Tehran, stated that the 17-year siege of Gaza had reached a breaking point. The area had been under siege for 17 years, with aid being provided in small quantities, just enough for survival. The social and economic situation was dire, with 60% of Palestinians in Gaza unemployed and 40% being children and teenagers.
The repeated wars imposed by the Israeli regime on the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, resulted in thousands of martyrs, wounded, and displaced people. The Al-Aqsa storm operation was a response to these wars, which Hamas stated was one of the reasons for carrying out the operation. In a statement, Hamas declared that the Gaza Strip had suffered from five devastating wars, with Israel being the initiator.
The consequences of the Al-Aqsa storm operation were significant, including:
1. Loss of Life: The operation resulted in high casualties for the Israeli regime, which was unprecedented in its 75-year history.
2. Threat to Tel Aviv’s Security: The operation endangered the security of Tel Aviv, which is the capital of Israel.
3. Questioning of Israeli Intelligence and Military Credibility: The operation raised questions about the intelligence and military capabilities of the Israeli regime, which had never been seen before.
According to Hossein Royuran, an expert on Palestinian issues, the Al-Aqsa storm operation has violated several red lines of the Israeli regime. The operation has had significant strategic consequences, both for the Israeli regime and the Palestinians.
In conclusion, the Al-Aqsa storm operation was a response to the unbearable living conditions in Gaza, which had become a humanitarian crisis. The operation was also a response to the repeated wars imposed by the Israeli regime on the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. The consequences of the operation have been significant, including loss of life, threat to Tel Aviv’s security, and questioning of Israeli intelligence and military credibility.