Most Hamas officials I have met or spoken to in recent weeks agree that the main goals set by the organization after the October 7 attack on Israel have not been achieved.
These included stopping the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem, establishing a Palestinian state, freeing all Palestinian prisoners and lifting the siege of Gaza.
However, they insist that Israel’s failure to eliminate Hamas or remove it from politics means victory.
“Israel promised to eliminate Hamas, but now it is sitting in the same building with the leaders of Hamas and negotiating with them,” a senior Hamas official said in a telephone call before the ceasefire was announced.
I told him that Gaza is in ruins, Israel killed tens of thousands, destroyed most of the leaders of Hamas – how do they consider this a victory?
The official replied: “Statistically, Gaza has paid an unimaginable price. But in terms of gain and loss, Israel has failed to break the will of the Palestinians, to resist, or to expel people from the land.”
He described the attack by the group, which has been described as a terrorist organization by the UK and other countries, as “the biggest military and security blow” in Israel’s history. “Nothing can change that.”
In Gaza, people’s reactions are conflicting. Tears and cheers mingle, reflecting both relief that the death toll may soon stop rising and fear of the uncertain future that awaits the 1.2 million people who have lost their homes, schools, universities and hospitals.
The debate in Gaza around 7 October, where around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were captured, continued throughout the war and intensified after the ceasefire was announced.
Some defend Hamas, saying its mere survival is enough to call it a victory, while others criticize the movement, saying the unprecedented price paid by the Palestinians constitutes defeat.
Mohammed Imad al-Din, a barber in Gaza City who was forced to flee Khan Younis with his wife and children along with more than a million others, told the BBC: “If killing 46,000 people, being displaced and destroyed is a victory, I hope the leaders of Hamas can explain the meaning of defeat.
“I’m free, but I’m not happy at all because the future is uncertain.”
Meanwhile, Saifjan Al-Shami, who is a doctor at the Islamic University of Gaza, said on Facebook that he is surprised by any Palestinian, especially from Gaza, who does not accept the victory of his country and mocks those who claim victory.
“Yes, Gaza won, Hamas won. Well, do you know the ways to win before you speak? You have to review yourself, your love for your country and your loyalty to Gaza. Gaza won despite the hatred.”
It is still too early to judge whether the war will end after the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Most people in Gaza feel that the sound of gunfire may soon be silenced, but the sounds of suffering, regret and pain will continue for generations to come.
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