The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in their latest foray into the tumultuous terrain of the Gaza Strip, are not just contending with Hamas but a formidable amalgamation of eight armed Palestinian factions, according to news site Newsweek.
This scenario escalated dramatically with Hamas's audacious "Al-Aqsa Flood" attack on October 7, 2023, intensifying the enduring Israeli-Palestinian strife to unprecedented levels.
Hamas at the Helm of Hostilities
At the epicenter of this conflict is Hamas, the dominant force in Gaza since 2007, notorious for its extensive rocket arsenal and lethal assaults. Labeled a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and several European countries, Hamas is at the forefront of the quest for a Palestinian state, established through relentless armed resistance.
Islamic Jihad: A Potent Force
Islamic Jihad emerges as a potent adversary, sharing Hamas's goal of Israel's obliteration. Known for its militaristic zeal and notorious attacks, the group proudly flaunts its Iranian backing, a pivotal factor in its ongoing confrontation with Israel.
A Spectrum of Resistance
The conflict's complexity is further amplified by the involvement of other groups. The Popular Resistance Committees and the Al-Nasser Salah ad-Din Brigades, staunch allies of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, actively participate in assaults against Israel.
The Marxist-Leninist PFLP and its splinter, the PFLP-General Command (PFLP-GC), are also engaged, with the latter renowned for its past high-profile strikes.
The DFLP and its National Resistance Brigades continue their militant legacy, marked by historic operations like the tragic 1974 school seizure.
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, with its murky connection to Fatah, and the Islamic-leaning Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, aligned with Iran, further compound the multifaceted resistance against Israel.
IDF's Strategic Resolve
In this intricate battlefield, the IDF's "Swords of Iron" operation primarily zeroes in on Hamas, perceived as Gaza's leading military entity. Colonel Moshe Tetro of the IDF has made it clear: any faction or individual opposing Israel faces the prospect of relentless military action.
This unwavering stance underscores Israel's firm resolve to dismantle the complex web of resistance in Gaza, marking a new chapter in the historic conflict.
