The agreement for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire is an important milestone for the Palestinians, whether Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, or the Palestinian public.
From Hamas’s perspective, the agreement is a significant achievement and no less than a victory, even at a high cost in lives and destruction. According to the organization, its very survival as a governing and military force in the Gaza Strip—after 15 months of war against the strongest military in the Middle East—constitutes the victory. Hamas has managed to preserve its most strategically important asset, maintaining control of the Gaza Strip, as a step toward its coveted goal of taking over the entire Palestinian system. The release of Palestinian terrorists—“prisoners” in Palestinian terminology—many of whom are senior Fatah members, is another significant achievement. This ethos of struggle and resistance embarrasses the Palestinian Authority, highlights its failure and the futility of the diplomatic path it chose over resistance, and strengthens Hamas’s political and national standing, which already enjoys greater support than Fatah.
The agreement also breathes renewed fighting spirit into Hamas and its leadership. Senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya stated that, “The ceasefire agreement is the result of our people’s steadfastness for over 15 months, and the struggle will continue for generations and will not cease.” Therefore, even when the residents of Gaza, who feel great relief at the end of the war, wake up the day after to find Gaza in ruins, with no home to return to, their frustration, anger, and pain won’t necessarily translate into protest against Hamas. Hamas has already prepared itself, during the war and certainly for afterward, to suppress any protest or attempt at dissent with violence and determination.
When Khalil al-Hayya speaks in terms of the ongoing struggle, it should be seen as a hint toward the continued fight to replace Fatah in leading the Palestinian Authority and the PLO. From Hamas’s perspective, the agreement’s another step along the way, another crack in the wall of the Palestinian Authority before Hamas eventually captures it from Fatah. Hamas leaders are careful to present the agreement as a victory for the Palestinian people and a badge of honor for the resilience of Palestinian citizens in Gaza. Much flattery will be lavished upon all Gazans, and Hamas’s leadership won’t hesitate to share the achievement with the residents of Gaza to calm tensions, moderate opposition, inspire encouragement, and renew the fighting spirit.
Thus, as for Hamas, there’s nothing new under the sun. The organization continues to focus on rebuilding itself and maintaining its firm grip on Gaza and its residents, resolutely continuing its struggle against Israel until the ultimate goal is achieved, even if delayed. It’s crucial to remain clear-headed, cautious, and prepared to anticipate threats and avoid surprises or falling into conceptual traps that are merely wishful thinking.
The agreement for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire is an important milestone for the Palestinians, whether Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, or the Palestinian public.
From Hamas’s perspective, the agreement is a significant achievement and no less than a victory, even at a high cost in lives and destruction. According to the organization, its very survival as a governing and military force in the Gaza Strip—after 15 months of war against the strongest military in the Middle East—constitutes the victory. Hamas has managed to preserve its most strategically important asset, maintaining control of the Gaza Strip, as a step toward its coveted goal of taking over the entire Palestinian system. The release of Palestinian terrorists—“prisoners” in Palestinian terminology—many of whom are senior Fatah members, is another significant achievement. This ethos of struggle and resistance embarrasses the Palestinian Authority, highlights its failure and the futility of the diplomatic path it chose over resistance, and strengthens Hamas’s political and national standing, which already enjoys greater support than Fatah.
The agreement also breathes renewed fighting spirit into Hamas and its leadership. Senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya stated that, “The ceasefire agreement is the result of our people’s steadfastness for over 15 months, and the struggle will continue for generations and will not cease.” Therefore, even when the residents of Gaza, who feel great relief at the end of the war, wake up the day after to find Gaza in ruins, with no home to return to, their frustration, anger, and pain won’t necessarily translate into protest against Hamas. Hamas has already prepared itself, during the war and certainly for afterward, to suppress any protest or attempt at dissent with violence and determination.
When Khalil al-Hayya speaks in terms of the ongoing struggle, it should be seen as a hint toward the continued fight to replace Fatah in leading the Palestinian Authority and the PLO. From Hamas’s perspective, the agreement’s another step along the way, another crack in the wall of the Palestinian Authority before Hamas eventually captures it from Fatah. Hamas leaders are careful to present the agreement as a victory for the Palestinian people and a badge of honor for the resilience of Palestinian citizens in Gaza. Much flattery will be lavished upon all Gazans, and Hamas’s leadership won’t hesitate to share the achievement with the residents of Gaza to calm tensions, moderate opposition, inspire encouragement, and renew the fighting spirit.
Thus, as for Hamas, there’s nothing new under the sun. The organization continues to focus on rebuilding itself and maintaining its firm grip on Gaza and its residents, resolutely continuing its struggle against Israel until the ultimate goal is achieved, even if delayed. It’s crucial to remain clear-headed, cautious, and prepared to anticipate threats and avoid surprises or falling into conceptual traps that are merely wishful thinking.