Israel’s past relations with Hamas have been marked by complexity and contradiction. Recent investigations indicate that during the 1980s and 1990s, Israel covertly supported Hamas as a counterbalance to the secular Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and its dominant faction, Fatah. The support aimed to empower an Islamist alternative that could weaken the PLO’s influence.
Several Israeli officials and scholars have acknowledged this stance. Avner Cohen, a former Israeli director of religious affairs, claimed that Israel encouraged Hamas to challenge Fatah and the Palestinian Authority (PA). In a 2001 interview, Yasser Arafat described Hamas as “a creation of Israel.” More recently, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s policies have, unintentionally or otherwise, benefited Hamas’s position.
Netanyahu reportedly viewed Hamas as a means to fragment Palestinian leadership, dividing it between the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and the PA-administered West Bank, thus obstructing the formation of a unified Palestinian state. To maintain this balance, he allowed Qatari funds to enter Gaza through Israeli-controlled crossings, helping Hamas sustain governance under the guise of maintaining a fragile truce.
International Pressure on Israel Regarding Hamas
Increased global pressure has mounted on Israel due to its latest military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada have warned Israel of possible economic sanctions if it does not cease the offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian supplies.
Following the departure of U.S. President Donald Trump from Gaza without securing a ceasefire or hostage agreement, Israel launched “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a massive ground assault across both northern and southern Gaza. The Israeli military claimed the offensive was triggered by Hamas’s refusal to accept new hostage negotiation terms.
Local health authorities report that days of intense bombardment have caused devastating losses, destroying families and critical infrastructure. Under heightened international scrutiny, Netanyahu suggested Israel might allow limited food supplies into Gaza. Israel’s agency overseeing humanitarian aid confirmed that five trucks entered the territory as an emergency measure.
Israel’s New Strategy Toward Hamas
Operation Gideon’s Chariots, initiated in May 2025, marks a significant escalation in Israel’s campaign against Hamas. The operation features coordinated assaults from both land and air, targeting infrastructure and Hamas positions in northern and southern Gaza. Key objectives include weakening Hamas militarily, retrieving hostages, and strengthening Israel’s bargaining position in ongoing negotiations.
Key elements of the operation include:
- A breakdown in ceasefire negotiations in March 2025 that led to a full blockade of Gaza lasting over two months.
- Indirect negotiations hosted by Qatar, with U.S. and Egyptian involvement, proceeding alongside the military campaign.
- Netanyahu’s willingness to relocate Palestinians within Gaza to facilitate military goals.
- 144 Palestinian deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure reported since the offensive began.
- A strategic decision by Israel to allow limited food aid to prevent a humanitarian backlash that could hinder military progress.
- Satellite imagery showing Israeli armor deployments near Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
- U.S. backing for the operation as part of a broader pressure campaign aimed at compelling Hamas to accept Israeli terms.
The Current Situation with Aid in Gaza
Israel has stated it would allow a “basic amount of food” into Gaza to avert famine, which officials claim could undermine military efforts. Though the UN acknowledged that a few trucks were allowed entry via the Kerem Shalom crossing, it stressed that much more assistance is urgently required. Gaza’s Government Media Office estimates that at least 500 aid trucks are needed daily to meet humanitarian needs.
After 19 months of violence and displacement, the UN has warned that Gaza’s 2.1 million residents face a severe starvation threat. UK, French, and Canadian leaders have urged Israel to stop military operations and open humanitarian corridors. Their joint statement warned that failure to do so could result in
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