US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Israel has accomplished its goal of destroying Hamas, but later says Hamas has now recruited almost as many fighters as it has lost.
From: news.com.au January 16, 2025 The ceasefire deal is both a legacy and a precursor
A jubilant Trump vowed to, “continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven …”
Will Hamas provide adequate assurances that no further terror attacks are pending?
Hamas’ Hunger Games: The ceasefire deal may be the Hamas terrorist-political movement’s last chance for survival
“Aside from the losses of their leaders, Hamas’s popularity is falling” Professor Byman states “Gaza is in ruins and most Gazans, who once supported the attack on Israel, now consider it a mistake”
Hamas has seen almost all of its senior leadership killed and is struggling to balance the need to save face and convince the Palestinian people of its relevance
After 15 months of war, almost 47,000 Gazans have been killed [according to Hamas run Health Ministry] in the fighting. Israel claims to have killed 17,000 militants.
But the Hamas movement is still fighting for survival And Hamas still exists
“Despite inflicting repeated blows on Hamas, Israel has done nothing to ensure that there is a successor to Hamas in Gaza that can displace it in the long term” notes Professor Byman
“As a result, the group may slowly regenerate, regaining at least some influence in Gaza”
Israel says it is willing to work with any Palestinian not affiliated in any way with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority It has, however, not specified anyone meeting that criteria
Hamas, for its part, says it will attack anyone who accepts Israeli support
