Hamas’ Desperate Tactics: Losing the War, Turning to the Hague

R A F A E L  R A B I N O V I C H

In a bold move, internationally recognized terrorist organization Hamas took its propaganda war against Israel to the legal arena, urging the leftist South African government to bring an accusation against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. This desperate maneuver came as Hamas faced a significant setback in its ongoing conflict with Israel.

In response to the events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a devastating terrorist attack on Israel, which resulted in the loss of 1,300 lives, countless injuries and over 200 individuals taken hostage, Israel initiated one the most extensive military campaigns in its history, determined not to succumb to the tactics employed by Hamas.

Hamas, known for hiding in tunnels and underground bunkers, has historically played dirty in its confrontations with Israel. However, this time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been unrelenting in their pursuit. Operating in the Gaza strip, the IDF has been systematically checking house by house, confronting Hamas on all fronts, and successfully uncovering tunnel after tunnel, ammunition depot after ammunition depot and hiding place after hiding place.

The opening of hearings on 11 January 2024 at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands is attended by British jurist Malcolm Shaw (right), serving as legal adviser to Tal Becker (left) of Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

As the conflict reached its 100th day, it was evident that Hamas was losing ground. Frustrated and desperate, the terrorist organization engaged its global network to launch protests and propaganda campaigns worldwide. Despite these efforts, their losses continued to mount, prompting them to resort to legal avenues.

Hamas’ strategic move to involve the International Court of Justice was not just about making allegations; it was a calculated bet to secure a court-mandated ceasefire. Their objective was clear: by leveraging the international legal system, they aimed to force a halt to the hostilities without the need for any substantial proof of their claims. A court-imposed ceasefire would provide Hamas with crucial cover to rest, regroup and rearm.

As the conflict reached its 100th day, it was evident that Hamas was losing ground. Frustrated and desperate, the terrorist organization engaged its global network to launch protests and propaganda campaigns worldwide.

In the past, ceasefires, under the guise of receiving humanitarian aid, have allowed Hamas to exploit the vulnerable situation of the Gaza Strip’s entire population, whom they have effectively held hostage for decades. This tactic enables them to replenish their depleted provisions, camouflage top commanders’ escape and gear up for a prolonged game of resistance and attrition. While they hide in tunnels and underground bunkers, Hamas strategically interweaves itself with the civilian population, ensuring that a significant portion of any provisions entering the territory for humanitarian aid serves their purposes.

The case at the Hague represented one of Hamas’ last cards in this conflict. Without the hoped-for court-mandated ceasefire, they now face the prospect of an utter and complete defeat. The desperation to resort to legal avenues underscored their realization that this might be their only chance to remain in power, receive crucial provisions and continue their resistance against Israel.

In the broader context, the attempt to pin war crimes or even genocide charges to Israel’s self-defense actions is an old plot, a blood libel that enemies of Israel and the far-left propaganda machine have been trying to push for a long time. It’s not new, but rather the repackaging of an old product. It is essential for the international community to discern the truth behind these accusations and recognize them for what they are – a manipulative effort to tarnish Israel’s justified actions in self-defense.

In the broader context, the attempt to pin war crimes or even genocide charges to Israel’s self-defense actions is an old plot, a blood libel that enemies of Israel and the far-left propaganda machine have been trying to push for a long time.

Contrary to these allegations, it is Hamas, not Israel, that harbors genocidal ambitions. Hamas indoctrinates even young children with messages of annihilating every Jew, teaching them that “every stone will call out a Jew hiding behind it.” Their vision of an Islamic Palestine involves the exclusion of every Jew, revealing the true nature of their goals. The international community must confront these disturbing realities as they evaluate the motivations behind Hamas’ legal maneuvers and propaganda campaigns.

South Africa’s accusation of genocide against Israel echoes an old left-wing myth, retold now as if it were the first time being told. Tales are spun for those willing to believe them, in an attempt to revive a narrative that has long been discredited. The international community must continue to critically examine these accusations, considering their historical context and recognizing them as part of a broader propaganda effort against Israel.

Rafael Rabinovich is a Chabadnik originally from Peru. He was active in the struggle for the Land of Israel during the period of the Disengagement. Now in his early 50s, Rafael is currently pursuing a career in Data Science. Alongside his professional endeavors, he is an avid storyteller and runs a YouTube channel in two languages, where he shares captivating Baal Shem Tov stories every Motzei Shabbat.

Rafael Rabinovich may be contacted at rafvrab@gmail.com.