In a significant admission of defeat, Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel's National Security Council, has conceded that the Palestinian resistance group Hamas has emerged victorious in the Gaza war.

Speaking to Maariv newspaper, Eiland described the conflict as "a disastrous Israeli failure in Gaza," highlighting that Hamas not only thwarted Israel's objectives but also maintained its governance over the besieged territory.

"This war was a failure for a very simple reason that Hamas did not only succeed in preventing Israel from achieving its goals, but also remained in power," Eiland stated, underscoring the resilience of Palestinian resistance against one of the world's most formidable military forces.

The ceasefire, which came into effect at 0915 GMT on Sunday after a delay, saw the exchange of prisoners, a small relief in the ongoing conflict. However, Eiland noted that this agreement does little to hinder Hamas from rearming, acknowledging the persistent threat to Israel's security if Hamas chooses to act.

The ceasefire was delayed due to Israeli allegations that Hamas was withholding the list of captives to be released, illustrating the tension and mistrust that continue to plague peace efforts.

Eiland, known for his controversial "Generals’ Plan" which proposed the blockade and forced displacement of Palestinians from northern Gaza, inadvertently praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian resistance by admitting Israel's strategic shortfall.

The human cost of this conflict is staggering. Local health authorities report that nearly 47,000 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed since the onset of the Israeli assault on October 7, 2023. Over 110,700 have been injured, and more than 11,000 individuals remain missing amidst the rubble of Gaza's flattened neighborhoods. The war has precipitated one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, with countless elderly and children among the casualties.

On the legal front, the international community has taken notice. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Moreover, Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, highlighting the grave nature of its actions against the Palestinian people.

This acknowledgment by a figure like Eiland, who once devised plans detrimental to Palestinian life, serves as a stark reminder of the resilience of the Palestinian struggle and the urgent need for international action to halt the ongoing atrocities and support the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave. (ILKHA)