Guerrilla warfare shakes Israeli military strategy in Gaza

The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that the Israeli military must find a solution for dealing with the guerrilla tactics in Gaza, which have inflicted significant losses.

The paper noted: “The Israeli army knows Hamas has mastered guerrilla warfare techniques, and this type of combat has caused substantial damage. A strategic reassessment is now essential.”

Maariv emphasized that ending the war and adopting a defensive strategy in Gaza is crucial, especially considering Hamas fighters’ tactics:

- Planting mines and IEDs on Israeli forces patrol routes.

- Targeting rescue forces immediately after initial explosions.

In line with this, Israel Army Radio cited senior commanders in Gaza stating: “Mines and IEDs are the most dangerous threat we face in Gaza. Over 70% of our recent casualties are due to these blasts.”

Since the renewed phase of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began on March 18, 2025, at least 38 Israeli soldiers have been killed — 27 of them by explosives.

Due to these mounting losses and the paralysis of Israeli forces, senior Israeli politicians are now calling for an end to the war and the return of Israeli hostages.

According to Al Jazeera, Yair Lapid, opposition leader, said on Tuesday: “For the sake of our soldiers, their families, and the hostages — and for Israel itself — this war must end.”

Yair Golan, head of the so-called “Democrats” alliance, added: “After the loss of so many soldiers, we are now forced to reach a deal with Hamas and end this war.”

Meirav Ben-Ari, a member of the Israeli Knesset, criticized the military’s performance in Gaza: “Our soldiers are being killed in areas that have already been captured multiple times.”

She also criticized cabinet members for spreading fear of a new October 7-style attack, rather than supporting the Chief of Staff’s call to end the war.

Merav Michaeli, head of the Israeli Labor Party, concluded: “This war must end with an immediate prisoner exchange agreement.”