Israel fighting 'very tough' war in Gaza, retired British Army colonel says

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:34 am

Israel Faces "Very Tough" War in Gaza, Says Retired British Colonel

The Israel-Hamas conflict remains a focal point, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continuing operations in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attacks. Retired British Col. Richard Kemp, who recently returned from a visit to the region, described the war as "very tough," citing Hamas's tactics of embedding itself within the civilian population and utilizing tunnels.

Kemp stated that the IDF is striving to minimize civilian casualties, a challenging task given Hamas's operational methods. He believes that Hamas aims to provoke civilian deaths to garner international condemnation of Israel. Kemp commended the IDF for its efforts to destroy Hamas infrastructure while minimizing civilian harm.

During his visit, Kemp interacted with civilians and observed aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the U.S. and Israel. Civilians expressed gratitude for the aid and recognized the U.S.'s role. They also held Hamas responsible for their current plight. Kemp noted that some civilians reported receiving free aid for the first time since the war began. He also highlighted instances of Hamas stealing aid and selling it at inflated prices.

Kemp criticized the United Nations' approach to aid delivery, arguing that its "standard template solution" is ineffective in Gaza, citing the theft of aid by Hamas. He emphasized the GHF's suitability for the situation and urged other nations and humanitarian organizations to support the foundation, noting the recent $30 million in U.S. funding. He believes the GHF, not the U.N., represents the future of aid delivery in Gaza.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation in Gaza is undeniably complex, and the perspectives offered by those on the ground are crucial. While the IDF's efforts to minimize civilian casualties are commendable, the ongoing conflict highlights the devastating impact on civilians. The need for effective and secure aid delivery is paramount, and the GHF's approach warrants consideration. Finding a sustainable solution that addresses both humanitarian needs and security concerns remains a significant challenge.

Keywords: Israel, Gaza, Hamas, IDF, civilian casualties, humanitarian aid, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, GHF, Richard Kemp, conflict, war, aid delivery, United Nations, Middle East, October 7, 2023, terrorism, Donald Trump

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