Rafah, Gaza Strip, has become a focal point of destruction and humanitarian crisis since the escalation of conflict on October 7. Once home to 270,000 residents, the city now lies in ruins, with many buildings reduced to rubble. On August 26, a group of journalists, including myself, traveled from the Kerem Shalom kibbutz in southern Israel to witness the devastation firsthand.

The journey took us along a newly paved road, flanked by military vehicles for protection. As we drove, we observed the remnants of buildings and twisted rebar, a stark reminder of the violence that has unfolded. Our destination was a large humanitarian aid complex nearing completion, which will be operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-based nonprofit. According to Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani, the international spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the center will be capable of providing millions of meals daily to displaced civilians.

This road, closely aligned with the heavily fortified border with Egypt, will also serve as a route for aid trucks delivering humanitarian supplies. Israel controls this area, which is designed to limit infiltration by Hamas and criminal gangs. However, the GHF's efforts in food distribution have faced criticism, often due to logistical challenges beyond their control. Many distribution sites are located far from where civilians reside, making the journey to obtain aid perilous. The limited food supply has resulted in distribution centers being open only briefly, leading to panic and crowd surges.

In recent weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to plan a significant assault on Gaza City, which has suffered less damage than Rafah. This is partly because it is believed that hostages, including 20 who are thought to be alive, are being held in tunnels beneath the city. The Netanyahu government has stated it will only accept a full deal for the release of all hostages, rather than a partial agreement for ten hostages and the bodies of those killed.

This stance has raised questions among many Israelis, including IDF officials, about the effectiveness of the current strategy. After two years of attempts to weaken Hamas, the group remains resilient, and the hostages continue to be held captive. Security experts express skepticism that Hamas will surrender or release the hostages, viewing them as a critical asset. They warn that military action could jeopardize the lives of the captives and lead to further civilian and military casualties.

Currently, the IDF is encircling Gaza City and urging civilians to evacuate to the Al-Muwasi area. However, reports indicate that Hamas is obstructing this movement, threatening civilians who attempt to flee. The group has been known to use civilians as human shields, complicating military operations. The presence of hostages in Gaza City further restricts the IDF's actions, creating a precarious situation for both the military and the civilians caught in the conflict.

The Israeli government's strategy appears to hinge on the hope that Hamas will capitulate under pressure. However, given Hamas's history of enduring hardship and its determination to maintain control over the Gaza Strip, many believe this outcome is unlikely.