David Hearst, editor-in-chief of Middle East Eye, explains how the recently brokered ceasefire, which forces Israeli withdrawals from Gaza and allows displaced Palestinians to return home, marks a major defeat for Israel's military and political objectives.
Hearst says that, despite relentless military aggression, mass displacement, and immense suffering, Palestinians have shown extraordinary resilience, steadfastly refusing to relinquish their land.
He adds that when push came to shove, it was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who ultimately blinked. For months, Netanyahu had been the primary obstacle to a ceasefire, to the considerable frustration of his own negotiators. According to Hearst, every Israeli journalist covering the negotiations reported that Netanyahu rejected all previous deals, delaying the agreement that was eventually reached.
In the end, it took a single meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to bring Netanyahu’s 15-month war to an end.
Hearst argues that Gaza’s steadfastness has become a powerful symbol of defiance, reshaping global perceptions, particularly among younger generations, and bolstering the international movement for Palestinian liberation. He concludes that the conflict has demonstrated to the world that even overwhelming military force cannot break the resolve of a people determined to remain on their land.
Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0fZh5SBxxMNYdg0VzRFkg/join
Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH
Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG
Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middleeasteye
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MiddleEastEye
Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MiddleEastEye
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye