The situation in Gaza is described as a conflict with no viable solution, where Israel finds itself trapped by a strategy orchestrated by Hamas. The war, triggered by the October 7th attacks and hostage-taking, is not meant to be won militarily but is designed to create an insoluble dilemma for Israel. Hamas's approach is not about victory, but about ensuring mutual destruction and manipulating global perceptions, particularly in Western societies. The use of hostages and civilian shields has created a scenario where both peace and war are rendered impossible, turning every Israeli action into a potential loss.

Western democracies are implicated in perpetuating the crisis by shifting pressure away from the hostage-takers and inadvertently legitimizing Hamas's tactics. The idea of a ceasefire with the release of all hostages is portrayed as an illusion, with Hamas intent on prolonging the conflict and using hostages as leverage. Israel faces a grim choice: continue a costly and uncertain campaign in Gaza or withdraw and risk future attacks. Ultimately, the article suggests that Hamas's strategy has succeeded because it exploits the power of images and emotions in the modern world, leaving Israel to choose the form of its defeat.