By Dr. Sabir Abu Maryam (Secretary General, Palestine Foundation Pakistan) Two years have passed since the genocidal war launched by the occupying Zionist state of Israel in Gaza on October 7, 2023. After watching the destruction unfold for two long years, the Western powers have now begun to show a superficial concern for peace in Palestine. In truth, they have not merely been silent spectators; rather, Western governments especially the United States have actively supported Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a so-called 21-point peace plan, which was accepted by eight Muslim countries. Following certain modifications to this plan, Hamas has also accepted it in the presence of Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials.
The reality, however, is that it is not Hamas but the United States that has accepted the terms laid out by the resistance.
The plan initially proposed by Trump underwent multiple amendments based on Hamas’s objections, and now it is being presented as a mutual agreement among all parties.
Yet, a looming threat remains the obstinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known for his refusal to honor any peace arrangement.
A pertinent question arises here: Why has the U.S. government, which vetoed at least six United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for a Gaza ceasefire over the past two years, suddenly become so desperate for peace? What has changed? Perhaps President Trump is in a hurry to rescue Netanyahu from the quagmire of Gaza, or perhaps, as always, he is racing to claim credit and eyeing a Nobel Peace Prize.
In reality, the U.S. government has provided billions of dollars in weaponry to the Israeli occupation forces during the past two years, while simultaneously vetoing every resolution for peace. Therefore, this so-called “peace agreement” appears to be nothing more than a political charade designed to conceal their failures.
Despite these contradictions, the recently concluded ceasefire agreement between the warring parties marks an important development. It represents not only a military truce but also a political and moral victory for the Palestinian resistance movement, particularly Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
This outcome is the direct result of unprecedented Palestinian resilience, growing global condemnation of Israeli aggression, and rising awareness of Israel’s human rights violations.
The agreement symbolizes a significant shift in the balance of power, shattering the myth of Israel’s invincibility.
During the war, Hamas’s political and military leadership demonstrated extraordinary strategic acumen. The movement that won the battlefield on October 7, 2023, sustained its victory for two years in the battle of narratives a field where Israel traditionally held dominance.
Now, even at the negotiation table where President Trump sought to transform his defeat into a diplomatic victory Hamas has again turned the tables through intelligent diplomacy. The movement successfully countered every political move, transforming the U.S.-Israeli “chessboard” into a field of resistance.
Undeniably, this represents a historic success.
Despite extremely limited resources, Hamas and Islamic Jihad managed to challenge and neutralize Israel’s much-hyped defense system, the Iron Dome. Moreover, Israel’s long-held claim that it could recover from any military strike within five minutes was completely dismantled on October 7, when Hamas’s four-hour operation exposed the Zionist regime’s fragility before the world.
The resistance proved that true power does not emanate from advanced weaponry, but from faith, resolve, and unity.
Through their tactical brilliance, the Palestinian resistance forces spread fear and distrust among the Israeli public and military ranks. For the first time, global public opinion began to speak openly in favor of Palestinians. The world witnessed Israel’s true face: a colonial, brutal, and terrorist entity hostile to all principles of humanity.
This shift in perception is one of the greatest achievements of the October 7 victory. On the diplomatic front, Hamas also succeeded in reshaping the international media narrative, resulting in growing global demands for investigations into Israel’s war crimes.
The current ceasefire agreement includes several important provisions that underscore it as a product of Palestinian negotiation strength, not Western pressure.
Complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, contrary to the partial withdrawal proposed in the American draft.
Immediate resumption of humanitarian aid operations across Gaza.
Exchange of prisoners from both sides, not just Israeli captives.
Commitment to reconstruction efforts for Gaza’s devastated infrastructure.
Though the agreement will be implemented in phases, it represents an honorable political victory for the Palestinian people.
This agreement affirms that Hamas is no longer merely a military movement, but an undeniable political force. Despite Western hostility and Israeli pressure, Hamas has emerged as a legitimate negotiating party a major diplomatic achievement.
Furthermore, Hamas’s popularity has grown significantly across Palestinian territories and throughout the Arab world. Its steadfast resistance and disciplined diplomacy have earned the movement widespread respect and renewed legitimacy.
This ceasefire stands as a new beacon of hope for the Palestinian nation and marks a turning point in the journey of resistance.
Conclusion
Beneath the rubble of Gaza lie the martyrs who have sent a timeless message to humanity: “Palestine is not merely a land, it is the embodiment of resistance and dignity.”
This ceasefire, therefore, is not the end of war, but another victorious chapter in the ongoing saga of Palestinian resilience and liberation.
