Taking Gaza would be possible, as the sieges from Mosul to Mariupol show, but at a high cost
Taking Gaza would be possible, as the sieges from Mosul to Mariupol show, but at a high cost
DUBAI — As Israel plans a ground operation in Gaza aimed at eradicating Hamas, recent history elsewhere suggests the goal can be achieved — but only at enormous cost, to Israeli troops and, even more so, to Palestinian civilians caught in the middle.
Urban warfare, especially in dense terrain with many tall buildings – and Gaza has dozens of buildings spread over six stories – naturally favors the defenders. Close combat also generally reduces the advantages of the technologically more advanced side, which would partially offset Israel’s formidable military advantage.
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