Ceasefire Agreement Marks Israel’s Clear Defeat

From October 7, 2023, to January 18, 2025, Israel's relentless air and ground assaults on Gaza resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian casualties and turned the region into ruins. However, despite committing what many call crimes against humanity, the outcome of the war has not favored Israel. The ceasefire agreement is a clear indication of Israel’s defeat, a fact acknowledged even by leading Israeli newspaper The Times of Israel. Columnist David Key Reese noted that Israel failed to achieve the objectives it had set when initiating the conflict.

“Hamas’ Clear Victory and Israel’s Defeat”

The Times of Israel described the ceasefire agreement as a victory for Hamas, stating:
“For 16 years, since Hamas took control of Gaza, Israel has been forced to wage repeated wars in self-defense. While Israel achieved victories in the wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973, the situation has changed. The 2006 conflict with Hezbollah ended in a stalemate, and now the ceasefire with Hamas represents a clear victory for Hamas and a loss for Israel. It is no surprise that people in Gaza are celebrating.”

Israel’s Failures in 14 Key Points

The newspaper outlined 14 points demonstrating Hamas' victory. Among the most significant losses, it highlighted the global shift in public opinion against Israel. Additionally, the war strained Israel's relationship with its key ally, the United States. Former President Donald Trump’s team, even before his inauguration, pressured Tel Aviv into accepting ceasefire terms it had previously rejected.

Massacre in Gaza and Israel’s Shortcomings

Despite 15 months of relentless bombing and ground operations in Gaza, Israel failed to rescue a single hostage. Instead, it was compelled to release 30 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one hostage. Further concessions include releasing 50 prisoners for every Israeli soldier held by Hamas. International observers question the efficacy of Israel’s prolonged campaign, given that it had to agree to such significant compromises.

Failure to Achieve War Objectives

David Key Reese stated that Israel’s primary objective of eliminating Hamas was not achieved. While some Hamas leaders were killed, others quickly replaced them. Even after the war, 12,000 Hamas fighters remain active in Gaza. The Times of Israel admitted that Prime Minister Netanyahu's government failed to secure anything it did not already possess before October 6, 2023.

Economic and Security Impacts

During the war, Hamas killed over 400 Israeli soldiers, and Israel’s economy suffered a significant blow, with a 20% drop in economic activity and a mounting debt crisis.

Ceasefire Agreement Details

The ceasefire will proceed in three stages. In the first phase, Israel will release 1,904 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages. The terms of the subsequent stages are still under negotiation. The Times of Israel warned that Hamas may refuse to comply with Israel’s demands in later stages.

Hamas’ Strength, Israel’s Weakness

Hamas has demonstrated its ability to impose a heavy cost on Israel. Following the October 7, 2023, attack, Israel finds itself in a weaker position, forced to retreat from Gaza. Hamas retains control of the region, which is now receiving global aid for reconstruction.

Netanyahu Blamed for Israel’s Defeat

The war has severely strained U.S.-Israel relations, with many holding Prime Minister Netanyahu responsible for the debacle. Critics argue that Netanyahu initiated the war to secure his political survival. He will go down in history as the prime minister who led Israel to a humiliating defeat.

Protests Against “Crime Minister Netanyahu”

Despite the massive loss of life in Gaza—where over 47,000 civilians were killed and millions injured—the people of Gaza remain steadfast in their support for Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel and Europe witnessed widespread protests against Netanyahu's government, with demonstrators calling for a free Palestine. During Netanyahu's public addresses, crowds interrupted with chants of “Shame on Netanyahu,” and in Tel Aviv, thousands took to the streets holding placards reading “Crime Minister Netanyahu.”