Mohammed Elmasry, a professor in media studies at the Doha Institute, says there’s no need for a “mystical analysis” to understand Israel’s intention behind the war on Gaza.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Elmasry cited statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant early on in Israel’s bombardment of Gaza stating that Israel “will turn Gaza into an island of ruins” and “will eliminate everything”.

“The point that I’m making is that there was genocidal intent from the outset; it’s been matched by what we’ve seen on the ground with Israel deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure,” he said.

Elmasry also said that while this might be Israel’s intent, it does not necessarily mean it will be able to do it, adding that this explained the calls to Egypt and Jordan to take in the Palestinians in Gaza.