By Jones Gadama
As Israel commemorates 600 days of war, the longest conflict since its founding, the question on everyone’s mind is: has Israel won, lost, or is the ending still unwritten? The answer, much like the conflict itself, is complex and multifaceted.
The war, sparked by Hamas’s devastating attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others, has left deep scars on both sides. Today, 58 hostages remain captive in Gaza, a constant reminder of the ongoing losses.
Despite the challenges, Israel has scored significant wins. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has delivered a substantial blow to Hamas, destroying much of its weapons arsenal and eliminating many top commanders. According to military experts, Hamas’s military infrastructure has been seriously damaged or destroyed, and the group’s ability to launch rockets at Israel has been significantly diminished.
“We have, to a great extent, achieved our military goals,” said Lt.-Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs. However, he acknowledged that the job is far from done.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s initial objectives for Israel’s response were clear: eliminate Hamas, return all hostages, and ensure Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel. While additional goals have emerged over the past 600 days, these three remain central to the ongoing military campaign.
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, emphasized that this war is a work in progress. “No one said that within 600 days we would accomplish everything,” he said. “It takes time. This war is not easy to achieve our goals.”
Kuperwasser, drawing from his experience during the Second Intifada, warned against underestimating the duration of the conflict. “We have to be more patient than the enemy,” he stressed.
Former MK Mossi Raz offered a nuanced perspective, stating, “In war, two sides lose.” He acknowledged that while Israel has suffered significant losses, the other side has likely lost more. “But that does not help me.”
The reality of winning or losing this war is far more nuanced than a simple victory or defeat. As the conflict continues, Israelis and Palestinians alike are left to wonder what the future holds.
The hostage situation remains a critical concern, with many feeling that the losses are ongoing. The public’s faith in Israel’s security establishment and government, already shaken by the October 7 attack, has been further eroded by the ongoing captivity of Israeli citizens.
Despite the progress made, the war is far from over. The question of whether Israel will achieve its objectives remains unanswered. As the days turn into weeks, and the weeks into months, one thing is certain: the outcome of this conflict will have far-reaching consequences for Israel, Gaza, and the region as a whole.
In the words of Kuperwasser, “We all want to see the hostages released yesterday. We want to see Hamas destroyed yesterday.” But the path to achieving these goals is long and arduous, and the ending, for now, remains unwritten.
