We failed to change the dynamics of the war: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
19 Jan 2025 15:27
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The Arab affairs commentator for Israeli channel i24News expressed anger over the celebrations in the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire took effect, calling them "the most difficult thing to see."

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Palestinians celebrate the ceasefire agreement at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on January 19, 2025. (AP)

Zvi Yehezkeli, the Arab affairs commentator for Israeli channel i24News, expressed frustration at the celebrations in the Gaza Strip and the public appearance of Hamas fighters following the implementation of the ceasefire on Sunday morning.

In an interview with Israeli newspaper Maariv, Yehezkeli called these scenes “the most difficult thing to see,” stating they completely contradict the objectives of the war and "Israel's" goals in Gaza. He then questioned, "What have we achieved in a year and three months?"

The Israeli commentator continued, stating, “We destroyed many homes, sacrificed our best sons, and in the end, we reached the same outcome... Hamas is celebrating, aid is flowing in, and the elite forces are returning.”

Yehezkeli strongly criticized the outcome of the 15-month war in Gaza, asserting that the current reality "confirms one thing"—that "15 months of fighting failed to change the dynamics of the war in the Strip."

What Yehezkeli said added to the growing criticism following the ceasefire announcement in the Gaza Strip, with officials and analysts acknowledging the occupation's failure to achieve its objectives in the 470-day war of extermination.

The Resistance persisted until the final moments, and fighters from the al-Qassam Brigades were seen celebrating among their people as the agreement went into effect.

Video circulating on social media shows Israeli occupation forces attacking Palestinians even though a ceasefire agreement in Gaza has officially come into effect.

Israeli media announced just moments ago that the IOF issued directives to halt fire in the Gaza Strip after… pic.twitter.com/ifdt4gAmA7
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 19, 2025

In this context, former head of the Israeli National Security Council, Giora Eiland, acknowledged that the war "ended in a resounding failure for Israel and Hamas won."

Israeli Channel 12 confirmed that the occupation army failed to achieve any of its stated goals in the war on the Gaza Strip, including the destruction of Hamas, noting that "the movement is still standing on its feet now."

She added: "It is true that Hamas has received very severe blows, but it is still fighting. In fact, it controls the situation in the Strip and manages affairs there."

Only 8% of Israelis believe war on Gaza achieved goals

A poll published by the Israeli newspaper Maariv on Saturday revealed that only 8% of Israelis believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has fully achieved the objectives it set for the war on Gaza.

This comes amid reports from Israeli media emphasizing the heavy toll being exacted on the Israeli occupation forces in northern Gaza.

Additionally, The New York Times highlighted growing skepticism within the upper echelons of the Israeli military leadership about achieving the war's two primary objectives: eradicating Hamas and securing the release of over 100 captives still held in Gaza.

Former Israeli National Security Council head Giora Eiland acknowledged the difficulty of securing victory, stating, "As long as weapons and ammunition exist in Gaza, and as long as there are enough young men ready to fight to the death, victory will remain elusive."