To defeat Hamas, Israel must protect Gaza's civilians - opinion

An opinion piece argues that Israel's military approach in Gaza has failed, advocating instead for a counterinsurgency strategy focused on civilian protection. The author suggests a phased plan involving Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and governance by a civilian committee, with international forces providing security. He criticizes the current stalemate and proposes creating secure zones as a testing ground.

In this opinion piece, David Lehrer argues that Israel's military strategy in Gaza has failed to defeat Hamas and has instead caused immense civilian suffering, international isolation, and strengthened Hamas's grip. He advocates for adopting a counterinsurgency doctrine, specifically the Shape-Clear-Hold-Build-Transition strategy, which prioritizes protecting civilians. He criticizes Israel for abandoning its practice of warning civilians before airstrikes, which he says contributed to thousands of deaths. He proposes a phased plan involving Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and governance by a civilian committee, with an International Stabilization Force providing security. He suggests creating secure zones as a testing ground, citing a joint Israeli-Palestinian initiative called 'Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza' that has created self-managed refuges. He argues that building trust and legitimacy is essential for lasting stability.