By Kobi Michael
The agreement on the release of the hostages and the ceasefire, which is in its final stages of formulation, is an important milestone for Palestinians, whether Hamas, the Palestinian Authority or the Palestinian public.
From Hamas' perspective, the agreement is a significant achievement and nothing less than a victory, even at a high cost in lives and destruction.
According to the organization, its very survival as a ruling and military force in the Gaza Strip, after 15 months of war against the strongest army in the Middle East, constitutes a victory.
Hamas has managed to preserve its most strategically important asset, maintaining control of the Gaza Strip, as a step towards its coveted goal of taking over the entire Palestinian system.
The release of Palestinian terrorists, “prisoners” in Palestinian terminology, many of whom are high-ranking Fatah members, is another significant achievement.
This spirit of struggle and resistance embarrasses the Palestinian Authority, highlights its failure and the futility of the diplomatic path it chose instead of resistance, and strengthens the political and national position of Hamas, which already enjoys greater support than Fatah.
The agreement also infuses a renewed fighting spirit into Hamas and its leadership.
Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, said: “The ceasefire agreement is the result of our people’s steadfastness for more than 15 months, and the struggle will continue for generations and will not cease.”
So even when Gaza residents, feeling great relief at the end of the war, wake up the next day to find Gaza in ruins, with no home to return to, their frustration, anger and grief will not necessarily translate into protests against Hamas.
Hamas has already prepared, during the war and no doubt afterwards, to suppress any protest or attempt at dissent with violence and determination.
When Khalil al-Hayya speaks of the ongoing struggle, it should be seen as a sign that he will continue to fight to replace Fatah in the leadership of the Palestinian Authority and the PLO.
From Hamas's perspective, the deal is another step along the way, another crack in the Palestinian Authority's wall before Hamas finally wrests it from Fatah.
Hamas leaders are careful to present the deal as a victory for the Palestinian people and a badge of honor for the resistance of Palestinian citizens in Gaza.
Much praise will be lavished on all Gazans, and Hamas leaders will not hesitate to share the achievement with Gazans in order to calm tensions, moderate opposition, inspire courage and renew fighting spirit.
So, as far as Hamas is concerned, there is nothing new under the sun.
The organization remains focused on rebuilding and maintaining its firm grip on Gaza and its residents, resolutely continuing its fight against Israel until the ultimate goal is achieved, even if it is delayed.
It is essential to keep a clear mind, be cautious and be prepared to anticipate threats and avoid surprises or falling into conceptual traps that are mere illusions.
Source: INSS – The Institute for National Security Studies
I do not accept it... it is degrading and shameful that any explanation is given for the thousands of Israeli soldiers and civilians killed by these murderers. Netanyahu is lower than these murderers and rapists who are released, acclaimed by the world hordes...
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After all the sacrifice, should we just let them return to Gaza to threaten and attack with knives or risk a new massacre in Israel? I don't understand, are they a threat or not? So much waste of lives for nothing?