Ret. British Colonel Richard Kemp, who recently returned from a visit to Gaza, has provided a detailed evaluation of Israel’s operations in the region. Kemp, who served in the British military and has extensive experience in conflict zones, has spoken about the challenges of the Israel-Hamas war. The conflict, which has raged for over 20 months following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, has seen the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) under intense scrutiny for their handling of civilian casualties and the distribution of humanitarian aid. However, Kemp asserts that Israel is doing everything it can to avoid such casualties while effectively targeting Hamas infrastructure.
Kemp, in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, described the war as ‘very tough’ for the IDF due to Gaza’s dense civilian population and the extensive tunnel networks used by Hamas. He acknowledged that the conflict is far from over, but praised the IDF for their efforts in targeting Hamas’ infrastructure. Kemp emphasized that the war will continue until Hamas is defeated, which is a complex task for an army focused on minimizing civilian casualties. He personally witnessed the challenges faced by the IDF, which has been actively avoiding civilian harm, despite the difficulty of the mission.
During his visit to Gaza, Kemp also assessed the role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supported by the U.S. and Israel. He noted that civilians in Gaza are grateful for the aid provided by GHF, which has been a lifeline for many. However, he highlighted the challenges faced by the organization, including the theft of aid by Hamas, which has led to many civilians being unable to afford the stolen goods. Kemp argued that GHF is uniquely suited to provide aid in Gaza, unlike the United Nations, which he believes is applying a one-size-fits-all solution that is not effective in the region.
Kemp also discussed the recent $30 million in funding provided to GHF by the U.S. He emphasized the need for other nations to support GHF, as it is the only organization that has directly contributed funds to aid deliveries in Gaza. The former British officer acknowledged the role of the U.N., but stressed that its efforts must be in the interest of the people of Gaza rather than bureaucratic interests. Kemp’s assessment highlights the complexity of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the challenges faced by the IDF, and the critical role of humanitarian organizations in providing aid to civilians in Gaza.