The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, concluded after months of arduous negotiations, represents a complex and bittersweet milestone for the Palestinian resistance. Facilitated by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the talks were marked by moments of despair and last-minute compromises. The Hamas leadership had to respond to the exterminate-Gaza policy of Israel which started a full-fledged genocide of the Palestinian population in Gaza with the UN and international community shamefully looking the other way.
Faced with intense international pressure and the assassination of two of its tallest leaders – Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, Hamas had to reckon with the weakening of Iran and the collapse of support from regional allies, including Hezbollah and Syria. Despite these challenges, Hamas displayed resilience, making “painful concessions” to secure an agreement. This included acquiescing to phased Israeli withdrawals from Gaza instead of an immediate pullout, as well as a prisoner exchange mechanism that many Palestinians see as disproportionately favouring Israel.
The negotiations highlighted the duality of Hamas’s struggle, both as a representative of Palestinian resistance and as an entity navigating geopolitical realities. The concessions were framed as necessary to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where years of blockade and relentless bombardment since the last 15 months have created a humanitarian catastrophe. While some within the movement might view the agreement as a compromise of principles, Hamas leaders have emphasised that the deal ensures the release of Palestinian prisoners and a cessation of hostilities, offering a reprieve for war-weary civilians. There is also another perspective at looking at the ceasefire. If we examine it with a binary lens, it is definitely a huge victory for Hamas and Palestine.
Israel failed to achieve its war-objectives
Israel’s war (read genocide) on Gaza, framed as a response to Hamas’s daring October 7 attack, had several objectives. Primarily, it aimed to weaken Hamas’s military infrastructure, including its rocket-launching capabilities, tunnel networks, and weapons stockpiles.
Another key goal was to neutralise Hamas’s leadership, securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and deterring future resistance through a show of overwhelming force. On a broader level, Israel sought to consolidate international and domestic support by highlighting its security concerns and undermining Hamas’s regional alliances, particularly with groups like Hezbollah.
Now that a ceasefire has been reached, it is quite clear that Israel has failed to achieve any of these objectives. While Israel inflicted severe damage on Gaza, reports suggest that Hamas retained enough military capacity to continue its resistance, undermining the goal of dismantling its infrastructure. The assassination of some leaders dealt a blow to Hamas, but its leadership structure quickly adapted, maintaining its operational strength. The release of hostages during the ceasefire signalled partial success, though it came with significant concessions that many viewed as a win for Hamas.
Efforts to deter future resistance were also questioned, as resistance movements often rebound, with many Palestinians interpreting the concessions as a symbolic victory. Also, while Israel secured support from key allies like the United States, the global outcry over the humanitarian toll in Gaza has left Israel completely isolated and its military and political leadership convicted of war crimes in the International Court of Justice.
Efforts to isolate Hamas was also a failure as the group enjoys tremendous popularity among Muslim youth globally as a legitimate resistance group of the Palestinians and many countries like Türkiye, Qatar and Iran continue to support them.
Beyond the Ceasefire
For Palestinians, this ceasefire is not an end but a pause, providing a moment to recoup and continue on their ongoing quest for freedom, justice, and self-determination. The war (read genocide) highlighted the enduring spirit of resistance in the face of overwhelming adversity. The Muslim Ummah will always remember the relentless atrocities committed by Israel during its military offensive in Gaza, and the silence and inaction of those who could do something to stop the bloodshed but chose not to do so.
Although this ceasefire is a critical step toward halting the bloodshed in Gaza, it cannot erase the horrific war crimes perpetrated by Israel over the past 15 months. The massacre of over 46,000 innocent people, predominantly women and children, and the wanton destruction of homes, hospitals, and places of worship in Gaza stand as stark evidence of these war crimes.
The international community cannot forget and forgive, rather it must hold Israel accountable for its blatant violations of international law and human rights and punish their top political and military leadership who carried out this annihilation with impunity and without remorse.
As a first step, humanitarian aid must reach the besieged population of Gaza without hindrance, and immediate action is required to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. However, peace cannot simply be declared; it must be just and equitable. The Israeli occupation and apartheid regime must come to an end for any meaningful resolution to take place. This ceasefire agreement, should not be seen as the end of the road.
The underlying issues of occupation and injustice must be resolved to achieve lasting peace. The establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state is long overdue. Lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through justice for the Palestinian people, the right to return of the Palestinian diaspora, the liberation of Al Aqsa Masjid and Al Quds and adherence to a negotiated settlement between the stakeholders.
The global community must take decisive steps to address these fundamental issues and pave the way for a future of coexistence, security, and stability for all.
Inspiration for generations
The resilience, courage, and unwavering determination displayed by the Palestinians amidst this genocide and unprecedented adversity will remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations of Muslims to come. Their profound sacrifices and steadfast adherence to their faith evoke poignant parallels with the supreme sacrifices of the Noble Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, serving as a timeless testament to their dignity and valour.
The Quran (2:249) says:“How oft by God’s will hath a small force vanquished a big one? God is with those who steadfastly persevere.”
The Palestinians have reminded the world that victory does not depend on numbers and material resources but on Allah’s will. They proved once again that even small groups, with the help of Allah, could defeat large ones when they are patient, firm in their faith, and rely on Allah’s support. In Sha Allah, Palestine will be free. It is just a matter of time.