Unraveling the Israel-Palestine Conflict: Hamas' Strategy and the Consequences of a Ceasefire

Hamas launched the attack on 7 October due to concerns that far-right Jews intended to sacrifice an animal at the site of al-Aqsa Mosque, potentially leading to the demolition of the Dome on the Rock shrine and the building of the Third Temple. Hamas believes that the attack has broken a covenant between the Israeli army and the people, demonstrating that Palestinians have the ability to defeat Israel and end the occupation. While Israel aims to eradicate Hamas, the group believes that another Israeli withdrawal will be the final outcome, as previous wars have ended in Israeli withdrawal. Hamas sees the current conflict as moving the Palestinian people and resistance towards victory and liberation, and it believes that Israel made a strategic mistake in rejecting Arab peace initiatives. Despite the heavy price being paid by people in Gaza, Hamas believes most will choose to stay rather than flee, as there is nowhere safe from the bombing.