The war in Gaza is nearing the end of its second year, marking it as the longest and deadliest conflict in the history of the Arab-Israeli struggle. Despite the growing toll, there appears to be no political will to end the war — particularly from Israel’s leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Why Is the Gaza War Still Ongoing?
Many speculate on the reasons:
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Fear for remaining hostages?
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Concerns over Israeli soldier casualties?
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Failure to eliminate Hamas?
But according to veteran Saudi journalist Abdulrahman Al-Rashed, the core reason is more political than tactical: Israel refuses to allow the Palestinian Authority (PA) to regain control of Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Real Fear: A Palestinian State
Washington has floated a practical proposal:
Hamas exits Gaza.
Israel halts its military campaign.
However, neither side accepts it — and Israel, the stronger party, refuses even to eliminate Hamas if it means handing Gaza to the PA.
Why?
Because the PA is a recognized, legitimate political body. If it regains Gaza, it would pave the way for a unified Palestinian government — and potentially, a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu views this outcome as a bigger threat than Hamas, which he considers a contained and delegitimized actor. In contrast, the PA has international backing and a clear political path toward statehood.
“Netanyahu and his team are convinced that the Palestinian Authority poses a greater threat to Israel than Hamas,” writes Al-Rashed.
A Strategy of Prolongation
Netanyahu’s long-standing strategy has been to keep the Palestinian territories divided. Since the early years of his rule, he allowed Hamas to govern Gaza, creating a symbiotic balance: a weak, isolated Gaza ruled by a terrorist group prevents any real progress toward statehood.
Even after the horrifying Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Israel appears more focused on blocking PA influence than on defeating Hamas entirely.
Al-Rashed suggests Netanyahu fears a repeat of 1991, when post-Gulf War victories forced Israel into peace talks. The Madrid Conference and later Oslo Accords paved the way for the PA's rise. Netanyahu fears today’s war could lead to similar diplomatic pressure.
Final Stages, But No Final Move
Despite international negotiations to:
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Secure release of remaining hostages (around 50)
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Disarm Hamas
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End the war
Netanyahu remains reluctant.
“What is stopping him from ending the Gaza war is not concern over Israeli casualties or even losing his position,” writes Al-Rashed, “but rather the possibility of a Palestinian state emerging.”
Even if Trump helps shield him politically, the Israeli leader’s primary mission remains blocking PA rule in Gaza, even if that means:
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Keeping Hamas alive
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Handing over control to someone else (e.g., Ibrahim Al-Arjani)
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Or continuing a brutal war
A Dangerous Stalemate
Al-Rashed concludes that Netanyahu may end the war only if a guarantee is in place: no return of the PA, no unified Palestinian territory, and no path to statehood. For now, this strategic fear outweighs the costs of war — even amid humanitarian disaster and global outrage.
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