Publications

After approximately a year and a half of war in the Gaza Strip, Israel stands at a crossroads and must formulate a relevant strategy regarding the future of the Strip. It faces a rather grim range of alternatives, all problematic in their implications and feasibility: encouraging “voluntary emigration”—an option whose strategic consequences have not been thoroughly examined in Israel and whose feasibility is low; occupying the Strip and imposing prolonged military rule—while this may severely weaken Hamas, it does not guarantee its eradication, and comes with the risk of endangering the Israeli hostages held by Hamas and incurring other significant long-term costs to Israel; establishing a moderate Palestinian governance in the Strip with international and Arab support—an option whose costs to Israel are low, but currently lacks an effective mechanism for demilitarizing the Strip and dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities; and finally, the possibility that political and military stabilization initiatives will fail, leaving Hamas in power.

On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to a large-scale surprise attack launched by Hamas and additional terrorist organizations from the Gaza Strip. During the assault, approximately 6,000 terrorists infiltrated Israeli communities near the border and IDF bases in the area, while 4,300 rockets were simultaneously launched into Israel’s civilian hinterland. The attack resulted in the murder of 1,163 Israelis and the abduction of 251 others. Since then, The IDF has dismantled Hamas’ military capabilities—striking over 44,000 targets, eliminating approximately 17,000 terrorists (including the Hamas leadership), destroying around 90% of its rocket arsenal, and demolishing about 40% of its tunnel network. Most of the hostages have returned home, mainly through exchange agreements, but the mission remains incomplete. Alongside significant military and strategic achievements, the “Swords of Iron” war has exacted a heavy toll: over 1,860 Israelis killed (including those killed in the initial assault) and more than 24,000 injured. This map presents the IDF’s operations in Gaza, including strike points, and areas of control and evacuation. It is regularly updated, as accurately as possible, based on open-source intelligence assessments and media reports.