Status: 08/08/2022 05:39 a.m
The agreed ceasefire between Israel and Islamic Jihad has held. Both sides see their goals achieved. However, a lasting solution to the conflict does not appear to be in sight.
The night remained calm for the people of Gaza and on the Israeli side of the border. The ceasefire – it seems to be holding. After intensive Egyptian mediation efforts, the Israeli government and Islamic Jihad confirmed the ceasefire late in the evening. Agreed start: 23.30 local time. Shortly before that, the Israeli army flew another attack in the Gaza Strip. Shortly thereafter, another volley of rockets was fired from the coastal area.
Now the most recent escalation in the eternal Middle East conflict between Israelis and Palestinians seems to have ended, and each side has its own interpretation. Even before the ceasefire, the Israeli army had declared that it had eliminated the entire leadership of the Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip, massively weakened the group and achieved the objective of the military operation dubbed “Dawn” – the imminent threat of the Eliminate Islamic Jihad.
Former Israeli military spokesman Ronen Manelis saw it that way in an interview with the KAN television channel: “You can summarize this round as an enormous tactical success for the Israeli army and the domestic secret service,” said Manelis. “What remains are major strategic questions that also relate to relations with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the future. How can this situation be used for a longer period of calm?”
PIJ leader released from Israeli custody
According to Islamic Jihad, in return for the ceasefire, a leading member who is currently on hunger strike in Israeli custody is released.
The Palestinian extremist group, which is backed by Iran, feels strengthened by the latest round of fighting. Their leader Ziad Al-Nakhala said in Tehran, “The declared goal of the Zionist enemy was the annihilation of Islamic Jihad and its military wing, the Al-Quds Brigades. Now that the fighting has ended, it is clear: Islamic Jihad is still alive strong, stable and even more powerful than before.”
Palestinians: At least 44 dead after attacks
In the past week, Islamic Jihad has repeatedly threatened Israel with attacks. Israel then attacked on Friday. According to official figures, the attacks in the Gaza Strip claimed 44 lives, including jihadi fighters but also civilians. Hundreds of people were injured.
Islamic Jihad fired hundreds of rockets and mortar shells at Israel. More than 20 people suffered minor injuries. Ashdod in southern Israel was also hit by rocket fire. One resident says he is relieved by the ceasefire: “War has never done anyone any good. Peace is a big thing and I really wish that our children and the whole Israeli people can feel safe in their own land.”
Hamas did not take part in fighting
The Palestinian Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and is militarily stronger than Islamic Jihad, did not take part in the fighting this time. After last year’s war, Israel eased its lockdown on Gaza and issued thousands of new permits, allowing coastal Palestinians to work in Israel.
Hamas didn’t want to endanger that, says Ohad Hemo, an expert on the Palestinian territories at Israeli broadcaster Kanal 12. “On the one hand, it’s a resistance group, but it’s more pragmatic than jihad and, because it governs Gaza, has other priorities,” he describes the role the Hamas. “For example, an interest in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. It is difficult for her to stay out of the fighting, but she does it anyway.”
This round of escalation seems over. A lasting solution to the conflict between Israel and the armed groups in the Gaza Strip is not in sight.