How Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza would play out – and why it will fail | Paul Rogers

The IDF's three-phase' operation would increase Hamas's influence in the region rather than extinguishing it

• Paul Rogers is emeritus professor of peace studies at Bradford University

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are poised to start ground operations in northern Gaza and the intended outcome is clear - the termination of Hamas. But previous experience suggests that despite being the far superior military force, they will fail.

Israel is planning a three-phase" operation. The first phase has started with an intense air bombardment and will continue with ground operations aimed at neutralising terrorists and destroying Hamas infrastructure", in the words of Israel's defence minister, Yoav Gallant.