The ongoing Gaza war has taken a devastating toll on the region, with Israel’s goal of eliminating Hamas dominating the narrative. But as Israel continues its military operations, it seems clear that the broader objective is not just dismantling Hamas’s military power, but also creating a power vacuum in Gaza. By undermining Gaza’s civilian security apparatus and destabilising the region, Israel appears to be engineering a scenario of chaos, one that could shape the post-war future of Gaza.
Over the last 14 months, Israel has targeted Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, including police stations and government offices, while causing the deaths of thousands of Palestinians—most of them women and children. By aiming to dismantle all remnants of Hamas’s civil governance, Israel is not just focused on military conquest; it’s attempting to create a new reality where Hamas no longer holds any power, paving the way for a dramatic change in Gaza’s political landscape.
Israel’s Military Strategy: Aiming for Chaos
From the first day of the war, Israel declared its intent to remove Hamas and end its control over Gaza. But this objective has evolved into a broader and more destabilising strategy—one that seeks to weaken all forms of civil governance, creating a power vacuum. This move aims to push the population into a state of submission, potentially leading them to embrace a new alternative to Hamas, following the chaotic breakdown of the existing order.
Key Components of Israel’s Strategy:
- Targeting Civilian Security Infrastructure: Israel’s operations have deliberately destroyed more than 98% of Hamas-run government headquarters, including essential services like police stations and security structures.
- Eliminating Police Leadership: High-profile attacks, such as the killing of Mahmoud Salah (director-general of Gaza’s police), target Gaza’s internal security, which plays a key role in maintaining order and distributing humanitarian aid.
- The Spread of Chaos: Israel’s actions are creating a scenario where anarchy reigns. The lack of security forces leads to disorder, crime, and disruption, destabilising not only Gaza’s governance but also its social fabric.
Undermining Gaza’s Security Forces: A Calculated Move
Israel’s recent escalation of attacks against Gaza’s police and security personnel is not accidental; it’s part of a broader plan to dismantle Hamas’s governance and weaken civilian order. When Israel assassinated two police officers working to secure humanitarian aid, it sent a clear message: no one in Gaza is safe, not even those who are attempting to help.
Ismail Thawabta, a prominent figure in Gaza’s government media office, argues that these attacks are designed to systematically erode the public security infrastructure. The police in Gaza are not combatants but essential to keeping law and order. By eliminating this civilian body, Israel is deepening Gaza’s social instability.
Creating a Post-War Vacuum: The ‘Day After’ Hamas
Adnan Samara, a Palestinian political analyst, explains that Israel’s broader plan involves eliminating the Hamas government and preparing for a future where an alternative governance system can be introduced. This power vacuum is seen by Israel and its allies as a necessary condition to reshape Gaza’s political landscape and ensure that Hamas no longer has a foothold in the region.
While Israel’s military objective is clear, the political strategy revolves around ensuring that the Palestinian population is left vulnerable, divided, and without leadership. This is critical for pushing through international agendas, including the controversial ‘deal of the century’. But this strategy has unintended consequences: it risks shattering Gaza’s societal fabric.
The Human Toll: A Devastating Impact on Civilians
With an estimated 45,000 Palestinian lives lost since the start of the war, the human toll has been catastrophic. Rights groups, including the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, have repeatedly accused Israel of committing acts of genocide and deliberately targeting civilians. The destruction of the civilian police force—an institution meant to protect citizens—has compounded the humanitarian disaster.
By dismantling Gaza’s infrastructure, Israel isn’t just causing immediate suffering; it’s undermining Gaza’s long-term stability and prospects for peace. The chaos created by this vacuum is endangering Gaza’s future, leaving its people vulnerable to further manipulation by outside powers seeking to push their own agendas.
The Danger of Spreading Chaos
Political experts like Talal Okal and Mustafa Ibrahim highlight the dangerous consequences of Israel’s actions. By eliminating key security figures and forcing the breakdown of public order, Israel is driving Gaza toward a future marked by social fragmentation and chaos. A state of lawlessness allows for the spread of crime, further instability, and the destruction of social cohesion.
The collapse of law enforcement also puts vulnerable populations—particularly women and children—at greater risk, with a lack of protection from both external forces and internal unrest. This instability opens the door for new actors to exploit the chaos, exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Gaza’s Struggle for Order Amid Chaos
Despite Israel’s relentless targeting of security infrastructure, Gaza’s police force continues to fight for order. These officers—many of whom have lost their lives in the conflict—remain committed to protecting civilians, securing humanitarian aid, and preventing further chaos. But as the situation worsens, the challenges they face continue to grow.
Gaza’s leaders, including Thawabta, remain committed to maintaining security and order, despite the ongoing attacks. However, they face significant difficulties as the occupation’s strategy of undermining security continues to hinder the ability of local forces to restore normalcy.
Conclusion: A Divided Gaza and the Road Ahead
The destruction of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure is not an accident—it’s a calculated strategy designed to create a power vacuum that could fundamentally alter Gaza’s political and social landscape. Israel’s aim is not just to eliminate Hamas but to dismantle the very fabric of Gaza’s civil governance, leaving its people divided and vulnerable.
But this strategy comes at a high cost. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, and the long-term consequences of Israel’s actions threaten to destabilise not just Gaza, but the entire region. As Israel seeks to engineer chaos in Gaza, the future remains uncertain, and the impact on the Palestinian people will be felt for generations to come.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Gaza Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
- International Law and Civilian Protection
- Palestinian Civilian Impact in Gaza
Photo credit: Human Rights Watch
