This allows them to “play for time” and paralyze Israeli action such as entering Rafah, the final Hamas stronghold. If Hamas succeeds in preventing Israel’s military action and the IDF fails to remove Hamas from power, the Palestinian “resistance” would claim justification for its invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamas’ strategy is becoming clear: Play a “waiting game” where time is the variable that serves to their advantage. With repeated public pronouncements opposing Israeli action in Rafah, Hamas can take their time, believing that Israel will not act without the expressed consent of the United States. Unless another party initiated the attack, Hamas appears to have ignored the risk such an attack creates for Israeli action against them.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 06, 2024 10:11 UTC