Even though there are no winners except the rulers in war, the ruling class of Jordan is still warning that Israel cannot come out on top. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has said that the animosity created by the violence in Gaza will haunt the Middle East for generations.

The destruction in Gaza over the past two months “is an indication of an Israeli policy that seems determined to expel the residents” of the enclave, he said, adding that top Israeli officials, including Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have been quite candid about that intention. Speaking on Sunday at the Doha Forum, an annual gathering of diplomats in the Qatari capital, Ayman Safadi said the goal of Israel’s operation against Hamas is to oust the Palestinian population rather than to defeat the militant group, according to a report by RT. 

“This is a war Israel cannot win. Israel has already suffered a strategic defeat,” Safadi said.

The death toll in Gaza stood at more than 17,700 as of Sunday, as updated by the local health ministry. Around two-thirds of the Palestinians killed were women and children, the report noted.

The death and destruction of Gaza “is an indication of an Israeli policy that seems determined to expel the residents” of the enclave, he said, adding that top Israeli officials, including Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have been quite candid about it.

“Simply put, Israel is defying everyone – its allies, international law, and the United Nations,” Safadi added. “Israel has created an amount of hatred that will haunt this region, and that will define future generations. It harms its people as much as it affects everyone in the region.”

Israel launched its military campaign against Gaza after Hamas fighters broke through the border wall on October 7th and raided several settlements and military bases in southern Israel. Israeli officials said over 1,200 people were killed as a result.