HAMAS has framed the recent ceasefire agreement with Israel as a victory, claiming it has achieved its objectives despite enduring devastating losses.
The deal marks the first release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, alongside a temporary ceasefire and humanitarian aid entry into Gaza.
On Sunday, masked Hamas militants paraded through Gaza’s wrecked streets, showcasing their resilience.
The group has portrayed the ceasefire as proof of its survival and Israel’s inability to eliminate its leadership. “The resistance has achieved what the Palestinian people want,” said Hamas political leader Osama Hamdan.
The agreement comes after 15 months of relentless conflict, during which Israel launched a historic bombardment campaign against Gaza, claiming to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters and top leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the October attack.
Despite these losses, Hamas has managed to maintain its ranks, presenting itself as a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
DIVISIONS WITHIN ISRAEL OVER THE DEAL
The ceasefire has divided Israeli society. While many hostage families, political opposition figures, and President Isaac Herzog welcome the agreement, far-right leaders view it as a surrender.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called it “catastrophic,” and Minister Itamar Ben Gvir resigned in protest.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized that Israel reserves the right to resume military operations if Hamas violates the agreement.
HAMAS FACES CHALLENGES IN POST-WAR GAZA
Despite its claims of victory, Hamas has presided over the destruction of Gaza, which remains under siege. Tens of thousands of civilians have died, and the region faces a humanitarian crisis.
The governance of Gaza’s recovery remains uncertain, as Hamas pledges to rebuild, asserting its role in Palestinian resistance.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that a military campaign alone cannot defeat Hamas, stressing the need for a post-conflict plan to address Gaza’s underlying issues.
Without alternatives, analysts fear Hamas or similar groups will continue to emerge.
While the ceasefire offers a temporary pause, the broader conflict’s resolution remains uncertain, leaving both Israel and Hamas far from achieving their ultimate goals.