Tehran Israel failed to defeat Hamas after a 15-month war with the Gaza Strip. However, the administration is trying to project an image of superiority over the resistance movement.
Israel has signed a ceasefire with Hamas, which came into effect on January 19th. So far, 25 prisoners of war held in Gaza have been released in exchange for the freedom of hundreds of Palestinians from the regime’s prisons.
The agreement highlights Israel’s failure to achieve its goals through military measures. Nevertheless, Israeli officials continue to issue threats to Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out a return to the war in Gaza. The Israeli War Minister Katz reflects Netanyahu’s attitude. Moreover, Foreign Minister Gideon Saa said Israel would not “accept Hamas’ continued existence.”
Hamas issued a statement Wednesday threw cold water at Israel’s call for disarming and removal from Gaza.
“The status of the occupation of removing Hamas from the Gaza Strip is a ridiculous psychological war, and the withdrawal of resistance from Gaza or disarmament is unacceptable,” Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem said.
Hamas bent the military muscles for free prisoners at a handover ceremony for six prisoners of wars held in Gaza. The Palestinians also held gatherings during these rituals at the enclave to express their unwavering support for the resistance groups.
Hamas is expected to release the remaining prisoners in the second phase of the three-phase ceasefire agreement, which should have led Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza completely.
“We are ready for a second phase where prisoners are exchanged at once, within the criteria of reaching an agreement that leads to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from the strip,” Hamas spokeswoman. Mann, Haism Qassem said in a statement.
At a recent meeting, Netanyahu notified the Cabinet Minister that provisions for Israel’s future negotiations regarding the second phase of the ceasefire include Hamas’ disarmament and the complete absence of its existence in Gaza.
Israeli opposition leaders have accused the Netanyahu cabinet of hindering the second phase of the armistice for “political reasons.”
Yair Lapid told broadcaster Kan that Hamas would not agree to the second phase of the deal if Israeli Cabinet demands that Resistance Group leave the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has taken a step further in sought to relocate Gaza’s entire population.
Trump came up with the idea at a joint press conference with the Israeli Prime Minister visiting on February 4, saying, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will work with it.”
He has pressured the regional countries, particularly Jordan and Egypt, to accept forced removal of Palestinians.
Trump’s proposal drew strong opposition from Palestinians, regional states, and certain western allies in Washington.
Protests have also been appearing around the world in opposition to Trump’s proposal.
The Palestinians remained united in the face of Israeli war with Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. Israel killed nearly 62,000 people in Gaza, but was unable to bring Palestinian resistance to the knees.
During the course of the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu repeatedly vowed to eliminate Hamas and continue the fight until he secured the release of his prisoners.
The Israeli war of massacre began shortly after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, a surprising military operation in southern Israel. Over 1,100 people were killed during the Hamas attack, and 250 others were taken prisoner.
More than 500 days after the start of the war in Gaza, Israel’s war ambitions have been on fire. The threat issued by Israeli officials, along with Trump’s proposal, appears to be a strategy aimed at redirecting the focus from the military set-off experienced by the Netanyahu administration.