In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the directive issued by Israel calling for the evacuation of civilians in the northern part of the Gaza Strip has been labeled as “fake propaganda” by the Hamas Authority for Refugee Affairs. However, it is important to recognize that propaganda operations are not concerned with the truth.
It is essential to shed light on the recent armed incursion into Israel carried out by Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, to understand the truth behind the situation. The breaches of Israel’s security barriers were meticulously planned and executed, with the capture and execution of Israeli armed forces and civilians in the settlements.
However, the attack was not primarily aimed at military objectives. Its main purpose was to showcase Hamas’s military capabilities and willingness to employ extreme violence. It sought to send a message that read, “This is what we can and will do,” making it a clear example of psychological warfare – a crucial component of the art of war.
Psychological warfare may be a relatively new term, coined at the start of World War II, but its tactics are as old as humanity itself. Military commanders throughout history have understood that instilling fear and uncertainty in their enemies enhances their chances of victory. Surprise is a powerful tactic, as it keeps the enemy guessing and weakens their resistance.
Many wars in the past have been won without a decisive battle being fought. It has been said that the Vietnamese Commander-in-Chief General Vo Nguyen Giap defeated the United States in war, despite never winning a single battle. Similarly, Hamas may have won the recent battle against Israel, but the war is far from over. Nonetheless, Hamas achieved a significant propaganda victory through their actions.
While scenes of Hamas militants targeting Israeli soldiers and civilians created outrage in Israel and the Western world, it gained admiration in many parts of the Arab world and among Third World nations. The actions of the fighters demonstrated determination, skill, and a willingness to challenge the dominance of more powerful adversaries. In this vast part of the world, Hamas’s propaganda efforts were successful.
However, in Israel and the West, Hamas’s actions backfired. These acts of violence reinforced the perception of Hamas as cold-blooded murderers and “terrorists.” Additionally, it unified the Israelis, who rallied together, setting aside political differences, in the face of a common threat.
Hamas was undoubtedly aware of the impact their raid would have. They calculated that it was worth risking to present themselves in a new light and draw attention once again to the plight of Palestinians. Israel, on the other hand, responded predictably – initiating airstrikes on Gaza and launching a psychological warfare campaign. It is a classic military strategy, combining propaganda with firepower.
Israel’s call for civilian evacuation can be seen as a pure propaganda tactic in the context of war. Military planners understand that civilian populations can only cover a limited distance, even under extreme threat. Attempts to evacuate large numbers of civilians often result in chaos, panic, and demoralization.
It is clear that both sides are engaging in a battle of narratives through propaganda and deception. As the conflict escalates, it is important to critically analyze the information we receive, discerning the truth from the manipulation employed by both sides. Stay tuned for further analysis on the implications and consequences of these actions.