Hamas draws encouragement from the success of the "hunger in Gaza" campaign and the responses it generated worldwide and in Israel. They are also pleased with the connection made between the Palestinian statehood recognition initiative and the war in the Strip.
Just a decade and a half ago, police would remove Jews from the Mount who whispered prayers quietly, and today they pray there aloud, in a minyan, with singing and prostration.
Hamas deserves no reward for the horrific October 7 assault, but what remained unaccomplished during two years of warfare will not be remedied through additional months of stagnation and casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly declares Israel represents the region's strongest power, so what exactly does he fear?
When international observers examine these contrasting images – one fabricated Gaza child versus authentic documentation of Israeli hostages – fundamental questions about truth and responsibility demand consideration.
Hamas' leadership is facing threats from all those involved in negotiations. That’s why it launched a campaign accusing Israel of starvation tactics, and that’s why it is now releasing hostage videos. Meanwhile, members of Israel's coalition’s right flank are calling to continue the conquest of Gaza and to annex parts of the Strip.
Gaza withdrawal critics predicted every disaster while supporters promised prosperity that never came.
European leaders who initially stood with Israel during the war with Iran have turned against it, largely due to Hamas’ “starvation campaign” narrative, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sidelines Israel’s public diplomacy efforts.
“Total victory” has turned the war into an endless one, even though Hamas was long ago defeated in professional military terms. Hollow promises by Netanyahu and his ministers have led to international isolation and a serious blow to Israel’s image.
The recent announcements by several European countries of their intention to recognize a Palestinian state come as no surprise. However, it is important to emphasize that these declarations carry no real significance in the short term. The core problem in Israel is the absence of a centralized public diplomacy chief with the necessary budget, tools and authority.
Lest those in the US, UK, or Europe think that this propaganda war is just about Israel, they should understand that this campaign of manipulation will have a dire impact on their ability, not just Israel’s, to defend themselves against terror in the future.
