'Among the worst deals Israel has made': Israeli media slam Gaza deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English + Israeli media
16 Jan 2025 10:32
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Israeli media is discussing how the ceasefire and captive agreements in Gaza are a win for Hamas and a major loss for "Israel".

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Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal, in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, on January 15, 2025. (AP)

Israeli media criticized the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreements recently brokered to end the genocide in Gaza, saying Hamas' main objectives focus on "remaining in Gaza, maintaining control, and not giving Israel any foothold in the Gaza Strip."

In this regard, Israeli media says Hamas successfully achieved its objectives, while "Israel" failed.

Meanwhile, Zvi Yehezkeli, an Arab affairs analyst for i24NEWS said that the challenge of the agreement is not the release of captives, but how to move forward post-establishment. The deal, according to the analyst, means that "Hamas moves forward in Gaza," which means that "Israel failed in achieving its objectives or changing the reality of the region."

"Hamas only wants one thing, and it is steadfast in its goal... It wants total control of Gaza," Yehezkeli said.

'One of the worst deals Israel has made'

According to Micha Kobi, a former official in the Israeli Shin Bet security agency, "The deal that was agreed on is far from ideal for Israel; it is among the worst deals it has ever made in its history."

However, Kobi stressed that this was the only choice "Israel" had, further emphasizing that the occupation failed to protect its settlers from abduction, and is currently forced to pay the price for its failures to be able to bring them back.

One of the difficult aspects of the deal, he noted, is "the uncertainty regarding the fate of the captives."

According to Kobi, "Israel" does not know who is alive and who has died. "Hamas is playing with Israeli nerves, prolonging their tension, anxiety, and anticipation by refusing to provide clear information on this matter," he said.

On the other hand, the agreement is considered a significant achievement for Hamas, which sees itself victorious because "it managed to recruit more fighters despite the attacks, held firm on its demands, and did not compromise," Kobi said.

He also claimed that Hamas prolonged the negotiation process and successfully imposed its terms after exhausting and depleting the Israeli occupation. Kobi highlighted that the central figure in this deal is Mohammad Sinwar, dubbing him "the decision-maker in the Gaza Strip, who determines which Israeli captives will be released."

According to Kobi, Sinwar is betting on the factor of time, aiming to keep as many captives as possible for as long as possible to maximize gains as time passes.

Moreover, he added that Hamas was working toward two primary objectives: survival and preserving governance of the Gaza Strip, noting that from its perspective, it has actually succeeded in both for the time being.

However, he argued that "Israel should not agree to this," asserting that "Hamas should not remain the sovereign authority in Gaza, and under no circumstances should Israel withdraw from strategic areas like the Philadelphi Route."

'Ticking bomb' in West Bank

At the same time, military affairs analyst Yossi Yehoshua told i24NEWS about the so-called "veiled dangers" of the Gaza deal, clarifying that "Israel" no longer has any leverage to pressure Hamas in case the Resistance scraps the agreement. However, even more brutal fighting in Gaza could serve as pressure against Hamas, he added.

Yehoshua also discussed the West Bank, saying the security situation must be monitored closely as it will be "particularly explosive at this time."

The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, announced a ceasefire agreement, bringing an end to more than 15 months of relentless aggression on the Gaza Strip. The movement hailed the agreement as a victory for the Palestinian people and their steadfast resistance in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Hamas described the ceasefire as the fruit of the "legendary resilience" demonstrated by the people of Gaza and their courageous resistance against the Israeli occupation. It emphasized that the agreement represents a critical milestone in the ongoing struggle for liberation and the right of return for Palestinians.