The Al-Aqsa Flood operation launched by Hamas has escalated into a declaration of war, with Israel retaliating and causing massive losses in Gaza. The international community must prioritize reaching an immediate ceasefire and delivering aid to the besieged enclave. Questions arise about who planned the operation and whether Hamas acted alone or had allies. The conflict highlights the political blindness of Israeli governments and the weakening of Palestinian institutions. The weakness of the Palestinian Authority is now the main obstacle to finding a solution for Gaza after a ceasefire is reached.