Israel Cabinet Approves Plan to Occupy Gaza City

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the military organization responsible for the defense of Israel, comprising the army, navy, and air force. Established in May 1948, shortly after Israel's declaration of independence, the IDF was formed from three underground Zionist militias: the Haganah, Irgun, and Lehi[5]. **History and Structure**: The IDF's structure is unique, integrating air, ground, and sea forces closely. It has a strong focus on conscription, including women, and plays a significant role in Israeli society, influencing culture and politics[2]. The IDF has developed sophisticated military technologies and strategies, often collaborating with international partners like the U.S. on projects like the Arrow missile defense system[2]. **Key Achievements**: The IDF has been instrumental in defending Israel through numerous conflicts, relying on rapid mobilization and intelligence gathering[1]. Notable achievements include the development of advanced missile defense systems and the integration of technology into military operations[3]. **Current Status**: Today, the IDF is recognized as a modern and effective military force, ranked among the top 20 global military powers[4]. It continues to adapt to regional security challenges, emphasizing deterrence and early warning systems[3]. **Notable Aspects**: The IDF is known for its specialized units, such as the Paratroopers Brigade, Shayetet 13 (naval commandos), and Sayeret Matkal (special forces)[6]. The organization also supports Israel's defense industries, which include companies like Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems[2]. These aspects highlight the IDF's role in both military defense and technological innovation, making it a significant player in the global defense landscape.

**Hamas** is a Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist organization that functions both as a political party and a militant group, primarily operating in the Gaza Strip, which it has governed since 2007. Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Yassin amid the First Intifada, Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood and initially had covert Israeli support as a counterweight to the secular Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)[3][1]. It combines political governance with an armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, committed to armed resistance against Israel, which it refuses to recognize as a legitimate state[1][3]. Hamas’s political rise culminated in a 2006 electoral victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council, campaigning on anti-corruption and resistance platforms. After violently seizing Gaza from the rival Fatah faction in 2007, Hamas has maintained de facto control there despite international isolation and blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt[3]. Its governance has been marked by repeated conflicts with Israel, including major wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the ongoing intense conflict triggered by Hamas’s surprise October 2023 attack killing nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking hostages[1][2][3]. Hamas benefits from regional support, especially from Iran, which supplies funding and weapons, as well as financial and political backing from Turkey and Qatar. These alliances form part of a broader "axis of resistance" against Israel, which includes groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad[2]. Hamas also operates fundraising networks globally, sometimes using charities as fronts to support its military activities[4]. The group is designated a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, which has increased military aid to Israel following recent escalations[2][6]. Despite modifying its 1988 charter in 2017 to soften some language, Hamas continues to reject Israel’s legitimacy and pursues all forms of resistance[1]. Its enduring political

The term **"Palestinian leaders"** primarily refers to the political figures and institutions representing Palestinians, most notably the **Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)** and the **Palestinian Authority (PA)**. The PLO acts as the internationally recognized representative of Palestinians worldwide, while the PA governs parts of the West Bank with limited autonomy, headquartered in Ramallah[1]. The PA was established in 1994 following the Oslo Accords and is dominated by factions such as Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas, who simultaneously heads the PA, the PLO, and Fatah. Abbas has been a central figure since 2004 but has been criticized for authoritarian tendencies, including postponing elections since 2006 and consolidating power through decrees, which has eroded democratic governance and popular legitimacy[1][2]. The PA also faces widespread allegations of corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency, leading to diminished trust among Palestinians[1][2]. Palestinian leadership is deeply fragmented, with Hamas governing Gaza independently since 2007, rejecting the PA’s authority. Internal divisions weaken the Palestinian national movement, complicating prospects for political reform and unity. Smaller factions like the Palestinian National Initiative advocate democracy, social justice, and peaceful resistance but lack significant political power due to the dominance of Fatah and Hamas[3]. Despite challenges, Palestinian leaders continue to engage internationally. In 2025, Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly, condemning violence and expressing willingness to govern Gaza without Hamas involvement, while accusing Israel of severe human rights violations[5]. However, his leadership remains highly contested domestically, particularly after the recent escalations in Gaza[2]. Palestinian leadership today is at a critical juncture, balancing internal fragmentation, external pressures, and the urgent need for reform to restore legitimacy, governance capacity, and unity amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises[3][5].