TEHRAN – The heavy presence of Hamas fighters in military uniforms and balaclavas in the Gaza Strip is a sore spot for the Israeli leadership.
After a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on Sunday, Hamas armed groups flexed their military muscle in the resistance movement.
Hamas fighters handed over three Israeli prisoners to the Red Cross in Gaza City on the first day of the ceasefire. They were released in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.
But the re-emergence of Hamas fighters in public life has shaken Israeli leaders and Western allies to their core.
Israel agreed to a cease-fire agreement after its plans for war in Gaza failed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to begin war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out a surprise military operation, Al-Aqsa Storm, in southern Israel. The Hamas operation left more than 1,100 people dead and about 250 captured. Dozens of prisoners are still being held in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly promised to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and all prisoners returned.
In April 2024, Prime Minister Netanyahu told the Israeli cabinet: “We are very close to victory[against Hamas]. But the price we have paid is painful and heartbreaking. A ceasefire cannot be reached without the return of the hostages. It’s impossible. That will never happen.” . ”
Almost three months later, he stepped up his war rhetoric against Hamas.
“Yesterday, I returned from a visit to the Gaza Strip. I saw huge successes in the fighting that took place in Rafah. We are in the final phase of eliminating the terrorist forces of Hamas. We will continue our offensive against its remnants,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said on July 1 last year. Speaking with a group of mostly Israeli and foreign military officials, he reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving its war goals, which primarily include the return of prisoners of war from Gaza and the elimination of Hamas’ military and governance capabilities.
But the cease-fire agreement showed that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s war ambitions were blown in his face.
Israel has not succeeded in dismantling Hamas’ military power, and the resistance movement is poised to maintain control over Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, as well as Western leaders who dreamed of eradicating Hamas, are now reeling in embarrassment.
The United States and several European countries provided significant military aid to Israel during the Gaza conflict. Despite this unwavering military support, the Palestinian people’s determination to fight a fully armed Israel remains steadfast.