The cycle of violence between Hamas and Israel follows a disturbing, predictable pattern. Time and time again, Hamas has instigated violence, accepted ceasefires, and then resumed its attacks. This has been the case since Hamas first came to power in Gaza in 2006, continuing to this day.
In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, transferring control to the Palestinian Authority. However, by 2006, Hamas had seized control, and with that came violence against Israel, including the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. For years, southern Israel faced daily rocket fire from Gaza. In 2008, Israel launched Operation Oferet Yitzuka in an attempt to stop the rockets. After a few days of fighting, a ceasefire was agreed upon, but Hamas violated it by continuing rocket attacks. Israel, showing remarkable restraint, chose not to escalate.
In 2012, after more rocket fire, Israel launched Operation Amud Anan, aiming to severely damage Hamas and end the attacks. Once again, a ceasefire was signed, yet Hamas breached it, continuing the violence. Then, in 2014, after Hamas kidnapped three Jewish boys, Israel initiated Operation Zuk Etan to put an end to the rocket fire for good. Despite reaching yet another ceasefire agreement, Hamas again failed to uphold it, continuing with its hostilities.
Even after the 2014 operation, the pattern persisted: rockets, incendiary balloons, provocations at the fence, and the construction of a vast network of tunnels. And then, in October 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory, killing 1,400 Israelis.
Do you see the pattern? Hamas initiates the violence, Israel shows restraint, and then Hamas requests a ceasefire. But they don’t honour the ceasefires. Israel has shown restraint long enough—Hamas has played the same game too many times.
It’s clear that Hamas does not want peace. They want to perpetuate the cycle of violence while claiming victimhood when they are forced to face Israel’s self-defence measures. This time Israel’s patience has reached its limit.