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Leaders of Combatants Spin Their Versions of the Gaza War’s Results


The inevitable spin sessions by Israel and Hamas’ political echelons were in full session on the first day after the latest “final ceasefire” went into effect. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu went on prime time television to tell his nation that after 50-days of fighting Hamas was “hit hard” while Israel in return offered no concessions to its demands. Struck by a dramatic reversal of near-blanket support from the people to a low 38% approval rating, many disputed Netanyahu’s boast, pointing out that he has agreed to negotiate with Hamas one month from now and in fact did so in order to bring about the ceasefire despite frequently vowing not to negotiate with a terrorist organization. Critics also point to reports that Israel agreed to ease restrictions on goods coming in and out of the Gaza Strip, a key demand by Hamas. And frequently heard among Israelis is disappointment and anger that despite thousands of attacks on terrorist targets and weeks of ground operations, in the last days of fighting Hamas was still able to fire more than 100 rockets per day into Israel. The prime minister is also facing a fractured government coalition, a large percentage of which is angry at being bypassed in the decision-making process and in the case of the political right, for ending the military operation prematurely. Hamas leadership is extolling victory despite the toll exacted on Gaza Strip cities and towns; a death toll in excess of 2,000 dead and many thousands more wounded; hundreds of fighters killed; and the loss of 32 “terror tunnels” to Israeli sappers. In addition, Palestinians believe the high-point for “the resistance” will come when Israel is put before the International Criminal Court at The Hague to face charges it committed war crimes during Operation Protective Edge. Hamas Gaza-based leader Ismail Haniyyeh told crowds in Gaza that the group is now preparing for the “ultimate battle” for the liberation of Palestine.