Unyielding Resistance: Why Collapse is Not an Option

In a significant development, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has unveiled the Israeli regime’s vulnerabilities amid an unprecedented wave of Palestinian resistance. The truce, which was finalized on Wednesday night, is set to unfold in three phases and aims to facilitate the release of captives held in Gaza while also enabling the return of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Additionally, it will lead to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.

Following the outbreak of war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, various initiatives were launched to halt the hostilities. However, Israel, alongside its primary Western ally, the United States, employed various narratives to thwart ceasefire attempts.

Israeli Leadership’s Response to Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has persistently promised to continue military operations until Hamas is “destroyed” and all captives are returned. This relentless pursuit of what he calls “absolute victory” has faced criticism from various quarters.

• Benny Gantz: Netanyahu’s promises for “total victory” against Hamas are deemed “empty” by political leaders.
• US Involvement: The United States has blocked several United Nations resolutions aimed at establishing a ceasefire, further solidifying Israel’s military stance.
• Financial Support: The Biden administration has provided unprecedented military assistance to Israel, amounting to $17.9 billion from October 2023 to October 2024, as reported by Brown University’s Costs of War project.

In recent discussions, American officials announced a planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel, highlighting ongoing international support despite the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. European nations such as Britain, Germany, and France have also maintained their backing for Israel, despite widespread condemnation of its actions in Gaza.

Military Outcomes and Criticism

Despite these efforts, Israel’s military ambitions have not yielded the expected results. More than 15 months into the conflict, which has claimed nearly 47,000 Palestinian lives, the ceasefire underscores that Netanyahu’s envisioned victory over Hamas was largely illusory.

On Friday, the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) acknowledged the regime’s acceptance of the ceasefire out of desperation. They stated:

“The implications of the agreement are clear: Israel will not bring about the ‘collapse’ of Hamas because it has never been able to do so.”

The INSS report further criticized Netanyahu for prolonging the conflict for personal political survival, resulting in unnecessary casualties among Israeli soldiers and increased captives. The report highlighted that:

• Israeli troops have been overstretched and engaged in missions that have not changed the war’s outcome.
• Israel’s international reputation has significantly deteriorated.
• Attempts to suppress Hamas have only strengthened their resolve and influence.

Internal Critiques of Leadership

Prominent figures have openly criticized Netanyahu’s military strategy. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, remarked:

“The idea that it is possible to destroy Hamas, to make Hamas vanish — that is throwing sand in the eyes of the public.”

Former war minister Yoav Gallant echoed similar sentiments, calling Netanyahu’s claim of achieving “absolute victory” mere “nonsense” and “gibberish.” Additionally, Benny Gantz, a former war cabinet minister, voiced his discontent with Netanyahu’s leadership, branding the promise of “total victory” as empty.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has also labeled Israel’s military strategy in Gaza as a profound failure. Even military intelligence reports have admitted that dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities would not eliminate the group’s influence in Gaza.

The Aftermath of Al-Aqsa Storm

The Al-Aqsa Storm, a surprise military operation by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,100 people killed and around 250 taken captive. The aftermath of this operation has led to a wave of resignations among senior military and security officials, showcasing the internal turmoil within Israel’s military establishment.

Israel’s long history of oppression against Palestinians has created an environment of resistance that was only exacerbated by the events of October 7. The current ceasefire is viewed by many as a temporary reprieve rather than a solution, failing to address the root causes of the conflict.

As the ceasefire unfolds, Israel appears to be using it as a tactic to divert attention from its military failures and the growing international condemnation of its actions. The ongoing situation remains complex, and the potential for renewed hostilities looms large as both sides navigate the aftermath of this precarious truce.

In conclusion, the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas serves as a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, revealing the challenges faced by Israeli leadership and the resilience of Palestinian resistance. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of this enduring struggle.