Nournews: The al-Aqsa Storm Operation on October 7, 2023, was recorded as a turning point in the conflict between Palestinian resistance and the Zionist regime. This operation, carried out with precise planning and high coordination among Palestinian groups, inflicted significant damage on the four main pillars of the Zionist regime: its military, society, economy, and international image. Now, after months of intense and unprecedented battles, a ceasefire agreement has been reached between the two parties. This agreement, beyond its military and political implications, holds important humanitarian and regional dimensions.
Provisions of the ceasefire agreement
According to released information, the ceasefire agreement is divided into two phases, encompassing humanitarian measures and the exchange of captives.
The first phase lasted 42 days and included the release of 33 Israeli captives, most of whom were women, children, and the elderly. Estimates indicate that only half of these captives are alive. Their release will occur in exchange for reduced military pressure on Gaza and the return of people to the northern Gaza Strip.
In the second phase, beginning on the 16th day, 1,650 Palestinian prisoners will be freed in exchange for the release of remaining Israeli captives. During this phase, the Israeli army will withdraw from Gaza to border areas, and the war will come to an end.
However, the Zionist regime continues to refuse the release of certain resistance prisoners involved in the October 7 operation and has restricted the return of prisoners to the West Bank.
The strategic failure of the Zionist regime
This agreement was formed while the Zionist regime failed to achieve its primary objectives. Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet repeatedly emphasized that the war’s main goals were the complete destruction of Hamas, the release of hostages, and the annexation of northern Gaza. However, not only were these goals unmet, but the regime has also faced increasing military losses, internal economic and social pressures, and reversed migration.
Netanyahu, who in 2023 claimed, “Hamas will no longer exist in Gaza,” is now compelled to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. This shift in approach symbolizes the failure of his policies in confronting the resistance.
The role of the resistance axis and regional support
Support from regional resistance groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Ansarullah in Yemen, and the resistance in Iraq has played a key role in strengthening the military and political capabilities of the Palestinians. The Islamic Republic of Iran, with its spiritual, political, and advisory support, has played an effective role in the success of Palestinian resistance as one of the main pillars of the Resistance Axis.
Remarks by Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, stating that “Hamas cannot be defeated through military solutions,” clearly affirm the influence of the resistance in altering the equations on the ground.
Future challenges: Managing Gaza after the ceasefire
One of the most significant issues after the ceasefire is managing Gaza. The Zionist regime seeks to prevent the distribution of international aid by Hamas and to hand over the management of such aid to self-governing organizations. Egypt and Qatar are also working to form a committee to manage Gaza. However, this plan has been opposed by Mahmoud Abbas, who aims to take full control of Gaza and use this opportunity to negotiate with the U.S.
The fragility of the agreement and the vigilance of the resistance
Despite its positive aspects, the ceasefire agreement remains fragile. The potential misconduct of the Zionist regime, particularly regarding prisoners and the return of displaced people, could jeopardize the agreement. The complete readiness of the resistance to counter any violations of the ceasefire is one of the key deterrents against Zionist actions.
Strategic consequences
Undoubtedly, the agreement symbolizes the victory of the resistance and the failure of the Zionist regime. Netanyahu’s inability to achieve his declared objectives—including the destruction of Hamas, the release of captives through war, and the annexation of northern Gaza—due to the increasing power of the resistance, internal and international pressures, and the collapse of the Zionist army’s resilience are among the key reasons for this defeat.
Netanyahu, who is under an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court for “genocide in Gaza” and war crimes, has only further tarnished the image of the Zionist regime through unprecedented crimes, drawing global attention to the plight and rights of the Palestinian people.
Although the ceasefire agreement is a positive step in reducing pressure on the people of Gaza, it cannot be regarded as the end of the battle. The Palestinian resistance has demonstrated that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through respect for the rights of the Palestinian people and an end to occupation. This agreement, more than anything, is a testament to the effectiveness of the resistance and the failure of the Zionist regime’s aggressive policies. Gaza will continue to stand as a symbol of dignity and steadfastness against oppression.