Israel’s military campaign in Gaza fails to achieve political goals, analyst says

Israel’s campaign in Gaza

The Al Jazeera opinion piece, published 7 October 2026, argues that Israel’s extensive military operations in Gaza have not achieved the political objectives it set out to pursue. The article notes that Israel freed only eight of the 250 captives taken to Gaza, and that most captives were released after diplomatic negotiations with Hamas. It also states that Hamas continues to control parts of the Strip despite ongoing Israeli attacks.

Occupation and administrative plans

Israel has occupied 60 percent of Gaza but has not launched a full operation to take the remaining territory, citing high political, humanitarian, and military costs. The piece reports that Israel and the United States have attempted to create a Board of Peace and a reconstruction plan that excludes the UN, but the administrative committee has not entered Gaza to govern, and humanitarian provisions remain unimplemented.

International reaction

The article cites a Pew Research survey showing that 67 percent of adults in 36 countries view Israel unfavourably, with negative perceptions in key allies such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. It also mentions that in Washington, lawmakers are proposing bills to curb military aid or impose sanctions, and that European capitals have imposed restrictions on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. The piece concludes that Israel’s use of military force has not produced political legitimacy and may damage its international standing.