CSAG STRATEGY PAPER
COL Jerzy Kania, Polish Army (CSAG/CCJ5), LTC Karim Ismail, Egyptian Armed Forces (CSAG/CCJ5), and LTC Rene Berendsen, Royal Netherlands Army (CSAG/CCJ5)
24 February 2025
Introduction:
The Hamas-Israel conflict, is deeply rooted in historical grievances, competing national aspirations, and regional power dynamics. At its core is the “Palestinian question” – the unresolved issue of Palestinian statehood, self-determination, and the rights of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. The conflict has not only caused immense suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians but has also had far-reaching geopolitical consequences and threatens regional stability. Attempts to resolve the Hamas-Israel conflict have often faltered due to a range of entrenched obstacles, complicating the prospects for peace. In this context, the concept of a “reasonable solution” becomes an important strategic goal and a necessary framework for any sustainable resolution.
This paper explores nine obstacles, offering a review of the interconnected issues that make achieving peace between Hamas and Israel elusive. By tackling these challenges with focused, cooperative approaches, there may yet be an opportunity to forge a path toward resolution.
Key Points:
- The Hamas-Israel conflict escalated towards Lebanon and in retaliatory attacks with Iran.
- Efforts to settle the conflict have frequently been hindered by a variety of deeply rooted obstacles which must be addressed before a viable solution can be reached.
- A solution should include the establishment of a reliable and effective Palestinian Authority, and be based on principles of fairness, compromise, and coexistence, with the aim of establishing mutual acceptance, shared security, and respect for each side’s fundamental rights and aspirations.
View other USCENTCOM Combined Strategic Analysis Group (CSAG) papers here.
The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of a number of international officers within the Combined Strategic Analysis Group (CSAG) and do not necessarily reflect the views of United States Central Command, not of the nations represented within the CSAG or any other governmental agency.