Why Didn’t Israel Declare Victory?
Generally speaking, who tends to declare victory? It is usually those who actively initiate wars, those who aim to kill others. However, Israel did not start this war, nor do they define victory by killing their enemies. If they have any victory to claim, it is the victory of survival — the ability to protect their people and ensure they can continue to live. These are two different standards.
Israel and Hamas have reached a temporary ceasefire agreement. Some media outlets report that Hamas was quick to jump out and announce their “victory.” Upon hearing such news, I felt an indescribable sense of sorrow. This sorrow is not for Israel, but for Gazans.
After more than a year of war, the images shown in media reports depict Gaza as a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Livable housing is nearly nonexistent. According to Gaza’s own claims, over 40,000 people have died, including many women and children. While the credibility of these numbers may be questionable, one thing is certain: Gaza’s tragic state has been deeply etched into everyone’s hearts. Gaza is suffering. The women of Gaza are suffering. The children of Gaza are suffering.
Many people around the world sympathize with them.
However, in the face of such enormous casualties and devastating losses, Hamas has the audacity to claim, “We have won.” How can they utter such words? How shameless must one be to make such a statement? Were they merely selling misery all along? Is their victory based on the tears of the world? Were their previous depictions of suffering fabricated?
If the reported casualties were real, then their words now only further expose their dark and callous nature. The most striking characteristic of these demons is their utter disregard for their own people. They do not care where the people of Gaza will live, what they will eat, or whether they live or die. In their eyes, these are all “the international community’s” responsibility, not theirs.
They have even forgotten the pitiful death of their leader, Yahya Sinwar, whose end was worse than that of a stray dog. Hamas’s so-called victory is nothing more than a fleeting illusion—a moment of self-satisfaction from being called “heroes” and the endless swelling of hatred. How tragic this is! Some people online have remarked that the departed souls of Gaza will seek justice. If such spirits exist, their first target will undoubtedly be Hamas. Of course, I don’t believe in spirits seeking justice; rather, all departed souls must account for themselves.
In stark contrast to Hamas’s high-profile declaration of victory, Israel finds itself in a dilemma. On one side, there are hostages whose lives must be saved. On the other, there are remnants of Hamas that have not yet been eliminated. The truth is, even if Hamas were completely wiped out, I believe Israel would not loudly declare victory. Historically, Israel has never done so. When their objectives are achieved, they announce the end of combat. They first commemorate the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation, make every effort to support families who have lost loved ones, and help them slowly return to normalcy—rather than hastily proclaiming so-called victory.
For Israel, even the loss of a single soldier means it is not a victory.
If victory is built upon countless lost lives, it is not a true victory. If you understand the Israeli people, you will realize that this is a deeply ingrained value among them.
The way Israel and Hamas think is completely different, and they will never find common ground.
These two opposing mindsets are like light and darkness—destined never to intersect.
(This article was originally written in Chinese and published in China. The author has used AI assistance for the translation. Since English is not the author’s native language, any corrections or suggestions are warmly welcomed!)