Times of “Israel”: “For the first time, Israel just lost a war”

"The Times of Israel" has published an article titled: "For the First Time, Israel Just Lost a War" - arguing that the recent ceasefire agreement was a clear victory for Hamas and a significant loss for “Israel”.

Read more: Thousands of displaced Gazans make their way home amid ceasefire

The article describes this as a shift in "Israel's" military history, noting that the country has traditionally emerged victorious in wars such as those in 1948, 1967, and 1973. However, it argues that this pattern has now changed.

Hamas' gains from the aggression

The article outlines several ways in which Hamas has benefited from the aggression:

• Shifting global opinion – The aggression turned international sentiment against “Israel”.
• Securing prisoner releases – Hamas negotiated the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees, including those serving life sentences.
• Leadership resilience – While some Hamas leaders were killed, replacements are already in place.
• Military rebuilding – Reports indicate Hamas has been rearming, with its fighting force in Gaza now numbering around 12,000.
• Forcing “Israeli” concessions – The war demonstrated “Israel’s” willingness to make significant concessions for minimal returns.
• Justifying October 7 – Hamas can now claim that its actions resulted in major gains, with “Israel” emerging weaker than before.
• The value of captives– The aggression reinforced that captive-taking yields significant leverage.
• Financial aid for Gaza – Despite the devastation, the international community is expected to provide billions in reconstruction funds, some of which may benefit Hamas.
• Maintaining control over Gaza – Hamas remains in power, and UNRWA will continue operating as before.
• Straining US-” Israel” relations – The aggression has created a rift between “Israel” and its key ally, the United States.
• Limited captives release – In the initial phase of the deal, only 33 captives will be freed, with Hamas retaining roughly 30 more, some of whom may already be dead.
• “Israeli” war objectives unmet – “Israel” had initially vowed to eliminate Hamas in Gaza but failed to do so.
• War crimes with impunity – According to the article, Hamas carried out war crimes on October 7 and continued launching thousands of missiles at “Israel”, each a violation of international law.
• “Israel’s” heavy losses – Over 400 “Israeli” soldiers have been killed since the war began.
• “Israel's” national debt has surged, and its economy has shrunk by an estimated 20 percent due to the conflict.
• Ongoing regional threats – While the aggression in Gaza may pause, “Israel” still faces threats from Iran and West Bank-based Hamas factions.
• Withdrawal from Gaza – “Israel” will begin pulling back its forces, and—for now—the fighting will stop.

What “Israel” gained

The article bluntly states that “Israel” has gained "almost nothing" that it didn’t already have before October 7, 2023.