In the aftermath of a deadly explosion that rocked Gaza, Arab leaders have expressed their condemnation while Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the country will continue its efforts to target militants in the region. The explosion, which occurred at a Gaza City hospital, has prompted conflicting accounts from Hamas and the Israeli military, with the latter providing evidence that an errant rocket from the radical militant group Islamic Jihad was responsible.

EXPLOSION IN GAZA FROM ISRAELI IOF AIRSTRIKE - LISTEN TO THE SOUND WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE? pic.twitter.com/LsbCqYaaqe

— Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) October 18, 2023

Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by the US and EU, promptly blamed the incident on an Israeli airstrike, a claim that resonated with Arab leaders who quickly condemned Israel and canceled a planned summit with US President Joe Biden in Jordan. Amidst international calls for the protection of civilians and healthcare, as well as the reversal of Israel's order for the evacuation of 1.1 million people, Israel continues to assert its goal of dismantling Hamas. While the Israeli military released evidence suggesting that the explosion was not caused by their actions, doubts over its credibility remain.

A recorded conversation reportedly between two Hamas operatives has fueled further uncertainty, with US President Biden acknowledging the possibility of a third party's involvement in the incident. Nevertheless, the overall impact of the explosion on Israel's approach seems minimal, as the country mobilizes a record number of reservists, establishes a military operating center near Gaza, conducts warplane sorties, and orders evacuations to suppress Hamas's ability to carry out future attacks. The visit of top officials, including President Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and soon-to-arrive French President Emmanuel Macron, raises the possibility of a delay in any ground operation.

However, the explosion at the Gaza City hospital could have caused a significant shift in Israel's plans if it had been attributed to an Israeli error. Past precedents of civilian casualties leading to pressure on Israel to alter its plans have been noted, but Israel's ability to prove its innocence in this instance may prevent a major turning point. Despite the ongoing ambiguity surrounding Israel's ground invasion plans and the uncertain duration of the conflict, Netanyahu could potentially benefit politically from a prolonged war, as it may delay an investigation into the security failures that allowed Hamas operatives to breach civilian and military sites. Israel's determination to exhibit strength in the face of recent attacks and prevent citizens from living under constant threat has led to a resolve to eliminate the ongoing threat posed by the Hamas government in Gaza.

The contract between the state and its citizens necessitates the removal of this threat, according to Israeli officials. The extensive training and preparation involved in the recent assault have further convinced Israel's military leadership that the threat remains potent and decisive action is required. While internal discussions hint at the possibility of a protracted war, the escalating tension continues to grip the region as Israel confronts the challenges posed by Hamas.