Ben Gvir stated on Thursday that the jubilant scenes of dancing in Gaza and celebrations in villages in Judea and Samaria reveal which side he believes surrendered in the recent deal. While Israel refers to Judea and Samaria as the West Bank, the majority of Israelis, including many hostage families, President Isaac Herzog, and the political opposition, are embracing the agreement. Despite the approval of the deal by the security cabinet, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office affirmed his support for achieving the war’s objectives.
A neon sign referencing the Israeli hostages in Gaza adorned the Charles Bronfman Auditorium at HaBima Square in Tel Aviv on December 9, 2023. Sources disclosed that Netanyahu informed ministers of US assurances that Israel could resume fighting if Hamas disrupts the deal at a specific stage.
The aftermath of the October 7 attack prompted a forceful Israeli response, resulting in a significant toll on Gaza, causing widespread destruction, casualties, and displacement. Israel also targeted Hamas leadership, claiming to eliminate key figures and fighters. Following a relentless campaign, Hamas, along with its Hezbollah and Iran allies, faced considerable setbacks, leading to regional isolation.
Despite being weakened, Hamas continues to position itself as a formidable resistance group against Israel, replenishing its ranks with new militants. US Secretary of State Blinken emphasized that Hamas’s resilience poses challenges, as military actions alone cannot defeat the group. Analysts suggest that the ongoing conflict and suffering in Gaza fuel recruitment for groups like Hamas, as they offer a sense of purpose in the face of adversity.
Blinken highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach beyond military means to address the Hamas challenge.
In the aftermath of the recent conflict in Gaza, the pressing need for a clear post-war plan and a credible political path for the Palestinians has come sharply into focus. Without a viable alternative, the fear looms large that Hamas, or a similarly abhorrent and dangerous entity, will once again rise to prominence.
Hamas, despite the devastation wrought by the conflict, has pledged to rebuild and play a significant role in the reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Speaking to Al Jazeera, a Hamas spokesperson, Hamdan, emphasized the determination of the Palestinian population, including the resistance movement, to start the arduous task of rebuilding what has been destroyed by years of occupation.
The question of governance in a post-war Gaza, however, remains unanswered. Skepticism abounds regarding the potential progress of the ceasefire agreement beyond its initial stages. While Israel’s military objective may be the complete eradication of Hamas, the group itself appears undeterred, asserting its intent to be actively involved in the reconstruction process.
“The day after will be a Palestinian day, much like today and the day before,” Hamdan declared, underscoring Hamas’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Despite Hamas’s claims of victory, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The group has been unable to compel Israel to lift the stifling blockade on Gaza and has overseen Israeli airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, rendering Gaza almost uninhabitable. The recent escalation of hostilities on October 7 and the subsequent conflict have not only wrought devastation on Gaza but have also had far-reaching implications, reshaping the regional power dynamics.
While Hamas may not view its survival as a primary objective in this conflict, for Israel, any continuation of the group’s presence is perceived as a setback. Mustafa from the International Crisis Group (ICG) highlighted the complexity of the situation, pointing out that for Israel, Hamas’s mere survival could be construed as a form of defeat.
As the dust settles in the wake of the conflict, the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution becomes increasingly urgent. The international community, including organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, has a crucial role to play in facilitating dialogue and supporting efforts towards sustainable peace and stability in the region.
The recent events in Gaza serve as a stark reminder of the entrenched complexities and deep-rooted grievances that continue to plague the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The rebuilding process will not only involve physical reconstruction but also necessitate a concerted effort to address the underlying political, social, and economic challenges that have perpetuated the cycle of violence and suffering in the region.
As the world watches and waits for the next steps to be taken, the hope remains that this latest chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change and a renewed commitment to finding a just and lasting resolution to the longstanding grievances that have plagued the region for far too long.
