I’ve been struggling to understand Hamas’ strategic goal with this action. I’m now thinking they wanted *exactly* the reaction that appears to be coming. A reaction so extreme, so heinous, that an Intifada will arise like none that have come before.

I’m not an expert on the group either. Am hoping that someone who is might chime in with some conjecture as to their strategic goals for what appears to be an incompletely thought out act of pure terrorism.

Can someone help me understand what Hamas gains strategically here? I can understand their action as being reactionary tactics as payback for the Al Aqsa mosque mess. But strategically they appear to have shot themselves in both feet. What am I missing?