The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, was intended to take away from Israelis their sense of security, and it succeeded, at least for now. A few days after the attack, Yossi Klein Halevi wrote, “Even more than the atrocities themselves, what was so – yes – unbearable to many of us was the helplessness of our fellow Israelis”. He also wrote, “This is a war to restore Israeli deterrence”.

But the restoration of deterrence is very much into question. Clearly, Hamas was not deterred before the attack, otherwise it would not have attacked. And it does not seem to be deterred now either, otherwise it would readily accept US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan because it at least allows Hamas members to save their skins.

But there is no indication that Hamas has given up the fight. Their intention to commit more and more........

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