Gaza and the Logic of High-Intensity Urban Warfare

The conflict in Gaza is frequently mischaracterized by applying counterinsurgency models from Iraq and Afghanistan. This war is more accurately defined as a high-intensity urban campaign against Hamas, which functions as a de facto state authority rather than a simple insurgency. Hamas has systematically embedded its military capabilities, including a vast tunnel network, within civilian infrastructure, making traditional distinctions difficult. This misclassification leads to flawed legal and strategic analyses, impacting judgments on proportionality and civilian harm.