Experts interviewed by AFP expect a potentially prolonged next phase, during which the Israeli army may take on civilian governance in Gaza before transitioning to an independent civilian administration.

Omer Dostri, a military expert at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, said he expects the army to “reduce” its ground presence in Gaza and to increasingly use drones and fighter jets for attacks.

Dostri said the first phase involved “extensive air and artillery strikes” targeting militant structures in Gaza for about two weeks. The second phase, now ending, featured “a ground manoeuvre into the Gaza Strip, deploying infantry, armoured vehicles and tanks”.

The goal of the third phase would be “to further dismantle Hamas’s remaining power, prevent their resurgence, stop smuggling along the Egyptian border, and rescue hostages”, he added.

Mairav Zonszein, an analyst for the International Crisis Group, said: “What they’re saying is that they’re basically almost done with taking apart Hamas battalions there (Rafah) and so they’re going to move to rolling operations.”

Former war cabinet member and military chief Gadi Eisenkot, speaking at a conference on Monday, emphasised a long-term strategy in Gaza, saying “we have a score to settle and it will take many, many years”.

Kobi Michael of the Institute for National Security Studies said he expects Israeli brigades from across the border to effectively control Gaza, “similar to the reality that we know in the West Bank for the last two years”.