A Humiliating Defeat for Israel

— M. Burhanuddin Qasmi

Today, the 19th of January 2025, marks a significant turning point as the Hamas-Israel ceasefire comes into effect. Israeli occupation forces are seen retreating from Rafah and Khan Yunus, signaling the end of a brutal campaign. As part of the agreement, Hamas has released three Israeli women, while an exchange ratio of 54 Palestinians for each Israeli captive has been set, symbolizing a stark reversal of Israel’s uncompromising demands.

The defeat of Israel in Gaza is now a glaring reality. It had outlined three ambitious war objectives but failed to achieve any of them. First, it sought the unconditional release of its captives without exchanging any Palestinian prisoners. Second, it aimed to annihilate Hamas entirely from Gaza without engaging in negotiations. Third, it intended to seize control of Gaza and install a proxy administration under Mahmood Abbas from the West Bank or someone like him from within Gaza. None of these goals materialized. Instead, Israel stands guilty of committing acts of Genocide and war crimes, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) where South Africa won the arrest warrant against Netanyahu. After a grueling 15 months, Israeli forces are retreating in disgrace, reminiscent of the U.S. withdrawals from Vietnam and Afghanistan.

However, this chapter has come at an immeasurable cost to the people of Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen. They have borne the brunt of this conflict, enduring immense suffering, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, and profound emotional scars. Nearly 50 thousands men, women, children and elderly people have lost their Iives while millions were displaced in Palestine and Lebanon. Hamas and Hizbullah, though resilient, have lost many heroic fighters who sacrificed their lives for their cause.

Now, the international community must act decisively. The International Criminal Court (ICC) must enforce its rulings and ensure that those responsible for war crimes, whosoever they may be, are held accountable. The United Nations must also fulfill its duty towards the weak and occupied people of Palestine by implementing the 1948 resolution and recognizing Palestine as a free and sovereign state. Justice and peace demand no less. War is not a solution but Palestine and Masjid Al-Aqsa must be freed.