On the third day of Operation Breaking Dawn, the Islamic Jihad organization still finds itself alone in the campaign. The Palestinian public in Gaza does not feel part of this war and does not show solidarity. Hamas, the older sister, in a manner far from predictable, stands on the other side, does not extend a hand, and in effect makes it easier for Israel to deliver the many blows it deals the organization.
The elimination of the senior commanders of the organization’s military branch and the extensive destruction of its infrastructure are undoubtedly a severe blow, but Hamas’s not joining the fighting is perhaps the more painful blow inflicted on Islamic Jihad. In their recent appearances the leaders of the organization did not hide their distress caused by the isolation in which they find themselves and spoke extensively about the need for solidarity, assistance, and support of the umma, the "nation" (Arab and Islamic). Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, an ally of Islamic Jihad, also called for the assistance and solidarity of every Muslim and Arab with Islamic Jihad.
It is still too early to say whether a rift has been created in the wall of the united resistance, and if the unity heralded with great pride after Operation Guardian of the Walls is still in force. Or perhaps, as in other cases of unity, the unique interests of each group that is part of the unity here are what dictate its policy.
In this case, Hamas is apparently currently enjoying the fruits of the arrangement with Israel, feels the satisfaction of the public, and is not interested in letting anything violate this situation even when it comes to a resistance organization that figures on its own identity axis. Above all, it has no interest in allowing this organization to challenge its status as sovereign and define the agenda within the Strip.
Paradoxically, on the third day of the operation, it can be said that a common interest was forged for Israel and Hamas. Israel has achieved the goals it set for itself, removed the threat of Islamic Jihad shooting, hit it hard, and wishes to end the operation. It is certainly not interested in Hamas joining the fighting. Hamas is not interested in this either and is working vigorously with the Egyptians and the Qataris to bring the operation to an end. Can it impose its will on Islamic Jihad, in a situation where the heads of the organization are in Iran and apparently guided by the Iranians? The next two days will tell.
On the third day of Operation Breaking Dawn, the Islamic Jihad organization still finds itself alone in the campaign. The Palestinian public in Gaza does not feel part of this war and does not show solidarity. Hamas, the older sister, in a manner far from predictable, stands on the other side, does not extend a hand, and in effect makes it easier for Israel to deliver the many blows it deals the organization.
The elimination of the senior commanders of the organization’s military branch and the extensive destruction of its infrastructure are undoubtedly a severe blow, but Hamas’s not joining the fighting is perhaps the more painful blow inflicted on Islamic Jihad. In their recent appearances the leaders of the organization did not hide their distress caused by the isolation in which they find themselves and spoke extensively about the need for solidarity, assistance, and support of the umma, the "nation" (Arab and Islamic). Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, an ally of Islamic Jihad, also called for the assistance and solidarity of every Muslim and Arab with Islamic Jihad.
It is still too early to say whether a rift has been created in the wall of the united resistance, and if the unity heralded with great pride after Operation Guardian of the Walls is still in force. Or perhaps, as in other cases of unity, the unique interests of each group that is part of the unity here are what dictate its policy.
In this case, Hamas is apparently currently enjoying the fruits of the arrangement with Israel, feels the satisfaction of the public, and is not interested in letting anything violate this situation even when it comes to a resistance organization that figures on its own identity axis. Above all, it has no interest in allowing this organization to challenge its status as sovereign and define the agenda within the Strip.
Paradoxically, on the third day of the operation, it can be said that a common interest was forged for Israel and Hamas. Israel has achieved the goals it set for itself, removed the threat of Islamic Jihad shooting, hit it hard, and wishes to end the operation. It is certainly not interested in Hamas joining the fighting. Hamas is not interested in this either and is working vigorously with the Egyptians and the Qataris to bring the operation to an end. Can it impose its will on Islamic Jihad, in a situation where the heads of the organization are in Iran and apparently guided by the Iranians? The next two days will tell.