Breaking: Israel Agrees to Gaza Ceasefire Amid Growing Resistance Pressure

In recent developments, Israel’s military failures have become increasingly evident following a newly established ceasefire with Hamas, aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. This ceasefire reflects Israel’s struggle to meet its military objectives, underscoring the significant challenges faced by the regime in its campaign against Hamas.

The ceasefire agreement, which is set to be executed in three distinct phases, is designed to facilitate the release of Israeli captives while also ensuring that Israel reciprocates by releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, this deal is anticipated to lead to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise military operation known as the Al-Aqsa Storm, resulting in over 1,100 fatalities and roughly 250 individuals taken captive in southern Israel. Currently, nearly 100 of these captives remain in Gaza, with reports suggesting that one-third may have perished due to Israeli military strikes.

Throughout the conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently vowed to continue the fight until Hamas is “destroyed” and all captives are returned. However, former war minister Yoav Gallant, dismissed by Netanyahu, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of achieving such a “total victory.”

• Gallant labeled Netanyahu’s aspirations as “nonsense” and “gibberish” during a Knesset session in August 2024.
• Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has also challenged the notion of completely dismantling Hamas, stating, “the idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas… is throwing sand in the eyes of the public.”
• According to Hagari, Hamas is an “idea, deeply rooted in the hearts of the residents of Gaza.”

As the conflict has dragged on for over 15 months, Netanyahu has faced the harsh reality of military setbacks. Reports indicate that more than 800 Israeli troops have lost their lives since the onset of hostilities. Despite the Israeli army’s relentless strikes, Hamas has mounted considerable resistance on the battlefield.

International media outlets have highlighted the fragility of Israel’s military capabilities. For instance, Le Monde reported in October 2023 that the Israeli army’s defenses “collapsed like a house of cards” following the Al-Aqsa Storm. This portrayal underscores the perception that Israel’s military might is more precarious than previously believed.

Amidst these failures, the Israeli government has continued its military operations, attempting to create a façade of success. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 46,600 Palestinians in Gaza, including approximately 17,000 children, which some critics argue is the regime’s only significant outcome.

The US administration under President Joe Biden has offered unwavering military support to Israel throughout the Gaza conflict, facing accusations of complicity in alleged acts of genocide in the region. According to a report from Brown University’s Costs of War project, the United States has committed a staggering $17.9 billion in military assistance to Israel since the conflict began.

In a further demonstration of support, the Biden administration recently informed Congress of a planned arms sale to Israel valued at $8 billion. Additionally, the administration has used its veto power at the UN Security Council multiple times to block resolutions aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza.

This prolonged conflict has led to growing isolation for Israel and its primary supporter, the United States. Netanyahu now faces significant scrutiny, with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is being accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Domestically, the military setbacks have intensified divisions within Israeli society. Regular protests against Netanyahu’s perceived failures have erupted in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (al-Quds), reflecting widespread discontent among the populace.

Currently, the ceasefire serves as a clear indication of Israel’s vulnerabilities. Following the Al-Aqsa Storm, various Western media outlets have acknowledged the operation as a significant expose of the Israeli military’s shortcomings. Le Monde noted that these events have underscored the fragile state of Israel’s defenses.

Efforts to mediate a ceasefire have involved the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, with both outgoing President Joe Biden and incoming President-elect Donald Trump recognizing the futility of military action in securing the release of captives and defeating Hamas. Their focus now appears to be on ensuring Israel’s survival amid its military failures.

In conclusion, the recent ceasefire agreement highlights not only the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also the ramifications of Israel’s military strategies and the broader geopolitical implications of this prolonged conflict.