Defeating a guerrilla militia [a small, unofficial fighting group] in a dense city is very hard for any modern army.

People often think a powerful national army should easily win a quick victory over a smaller, ununiformed group. However, military history shows that traditional armies often struggle against insurgencies [rebellions using surprise attacks].

The Nature of Asymmetric Warfare

Asymmetric warfare happens when two very different types of forces fight each other.

The State Army: This force relies on heavy tanks, jets, and formal military ranks. It is built to fight other countries.
The Militia: This force wears no uniforms. It hides among ordinary people and uses hit-and-run tactics.

Why Disarming Hamas is Difficult

Underground Tunnels: Hamas built a massive network of deep tunnels beneath homes, hospitals, and streets. Troops on the surface cannot easily see or reach fighters hidden underground.
Urban Shielding: Gaza is one of the most crowded places on Earth. Fighting in tight city spaces forces conventional armies to move slowly to avoid massive civilian casualties.
Ideology: A traditional army surrenders when its government signs a treaty. A militia is driven by a political and religious cause. Killing fighters or breaking weapons does not end the underlying beliefs or stop new members from joining.

The Limits of Military Force

Weapons can be broken or seized, but ideas and underground networks survive. Military power can damage a militia's strength, but it cannot create political peace. History shows that stopping an insurgency requires a working government and a political solution, not just bombs and battles.