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Gaza City – The Wall Street Journal reported today that Hamas is actively resisting pressure to concede in ongoing conflict with Israel, presenting a strategic challenge for Israeli leadership despite recent military engagements in Iran and Lebanon. The report,published August 8,2025,details Hamas’s refusal to negotiate hostage releases or cease fire,even amidst worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The Journal‘s analysis highlights a critical juncture in the conflict, now entering its eleventh month following the October 7, 2024 attacks by Hamas on Israeli communities near the Gaza border. The initial attacks resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of over 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
According to the report, Hamas prioritizes maintaining its control over Gaza, even at the expense of the civilian population. The newspaper specifically notes Hamas’s rejection of proposals to halt Israeli military operations or release additional hostages held in Gaza. Approximately 130 hostages remain in captivity as of August 8, 2025, with confirmed reports of deaths among those held.
The Wall Street Journal suggests that widespread food insecurity in Gaza, especially in areas like Rafah and Khan Yunis, has drawn international criticism towards Israel, though the report frames this as a consequence of Hamas’s tactics. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has repeatedly warned of famine-like conditions in Gaza, citing restrictions on aid delivery.
The article proposes a potential shift in Israeli strategy: a reduction in the scale of military operations coupled with continued targeted raids to prevent Hamas from re-establishing its governing infrastructure. This approach, the Journal argues, could alleviate international pressure while still addressing Israel’s security concerns.
The report references earlier statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the possibility of transferring control of Gaza to an Arab governance following a potential Israeli withdrawal. However, the Journal notes that this plan is not currently being pursued. Potential candidates for administration, previously discussed, include Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, though both have expressed reservations.
The Wall Street Journal highlights a proposed U.S.-led initiative to establish a “Gaza Humanitarian Corporation” to manage aid distribution, bypassing Hamas and working in conjunction with the United Nations. This corporation would aim to provide direct assistance to the Gazan population. The proposed budget for this initiative is estimated at $500 million, according to sources within the U.S. State Department.
