On the purely military level. See map. Israeli army cut Gaza strip in half. Controls a narrow lane in the middle with lots of tanks there. Is waiting to move into the bigger urban areas. Claims it has some original method to destroy the tunnels up its sleeve. Is meanwhile attacked by small groups with hit and run tactics. Is also under attack from drones. Israeli army can use its air force and navy to bombard.

IDF losses higher than in previous invasions or the war in Lebanon in 2006. Hamas can use the tunnels to pop up in Israel from time to time. Israel claims Hamas has fractured, probably means that there is no central Hamas command in control of all fighters at this point. No signs that Hamas has crumbled so far. As long as Hamas can use its tunnels and the rubble Israel has created the IDF has its work cut out. Suffering of civilian population will gradually worsen. Israel unlikely to stop now. No interest in receiving 50 hostages in exchange for a 5 day pause.

Operation could take months to complete.