In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Professor Mahjoub Zeid, the director of the center for the study of the Eurasian Union and the Middle East at Paris Sorbonne University, has made some startling claims regarding the ongoing military operation in Gaza. According to Zeid, Israel and the United States are the masterminds behind what he calls a “powerful blow” to the operation. He believes that the rocket attacks from Gaza, which showcase the effectiveness of their defense systems, will greatly influence public opinion. Zeid further asserts that it is evident that the US has thwarted any further progression of the operation. However, Israeli officials maintain their readiness to resume the offensive, not out of tactical surprise, but rather to assert their political power, weaken Hamas leadership, and engage in provocative actions against the IAEA. The professor also suggests that Israel’s primary objectives are to debilitate Hamas and secure the release of hostages, and he predicts that the fewer hostages held, the less justification there will be for the operation to persist.