HAMAS CLAIMS VICTORY IN OPEN-ENDED CEASEFIRE WITH ISRAEL

Israelis see the ceasefire as a defeat for the Jewish state

Here, from Israel Today, are the terms of the ceasefire:

Conditions that both sides agreed to:

1. Both sides will immediately implement an open-ended ceasefire (which they did on Tuesday afternoon);

2. Gaza border crossings will be opened for the import of humanitarian aid and supplies for reconstruction;

3. Gaza’s fishing zone will be extended further into the Mediterranean.

The Hamas demands that did not make the final cut were:

1. The development of sea and air ports in Gaza;

2. The release of Hamas terrorists arrested in Judea and Samaria over the past two months;

3. The transfer of salaries to Hamas officials in Gaza.

The Israeli conditions removed from the final draft included:

1. The demilitarization of Gaza

2. A mechanism to prevent Hamas from rearming;

3. The return of the bodies of fallen IDF soldiers taken by Hamas during the Gaza war.

I agree that the ceasefire is a victory of sorts for Hamas. While much of Gaza was left in rubbles and the IDF destroyed its tunnel system, Hams remains armed and in control of the enclave. On the other hand, Israelis feel defeated because Hamas remains armed and in control of Gaza with the ability to resume its rocket fire anytime it wants.