Fighters of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, escort vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Saraya Square in western Gaza City on Jan. 19, 2025. (Credit: Omar al-Qattaa/AFP)
Israel had sworn to eradicate Hamas to avenge the Oct. 7 attack.Ultimately, it was forced, under pressure from the United States and segments of the Israeli public, to negotiate with the Palestinian group to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages. Hamas is still in Gaza; weakened and diminished, certainly, but still present.Despite the systematic destruction of the Palestinian enclave, including its hospitals, schools and buildings, and, despite over 46,000 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries recorded, the Islamist movement persists.And while it cannot claim victory — though it does — Israel did not achieve its military objectives either. Read more Mohammad Sinwar, shadow brother and de facto Hamas leader in Gaza According to Israeli officials, the offensive launched against Gaza in October 2023 destroyed 23 of the...
Israel had sworn to eradicate Hamas to avenge the Oct. 7 attack.Ultimately, it was forced, under pressure from the United States and segments of the Israeli public, to negotiate with the Palestinian group to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages. Hamas is still in Gaza; weakened and diminished, certainly, but still present.Despite the systematic destruction of the Palestinian enclave, including its hospitals, schools and buildings, and, despite over 46,000 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries recorded, the Islamist movement persists.And while it cannot claim victory — though it does — Israel did not achieve its military objectives either. Read more Mohammad Sinwar, shadow brother and de facto Hamas leader in Gaza According to Israeli officials, the offensive launched against Gaza in October 2023 destroyed 23 of...