By Farah AlHashem
The ceasefire agreement between the Zionist entity and Hamas, brokered in January 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict that has shaped the Zionist entity’s future. Following the Oct 7 attacks, known as the “Al-Aqsa Flood”, the Zionist entity finds itself at a critical juncture, facing not only the geopolitical fallout but also internal fractures that threaten its political, social and economic stability.
The terms of the ceasefire, which include the release of over a thousand Palestinian prisoners — many convicted of fabricated crimes — have ignited fierce debates across the Zionist entity’s political spectrum. What is clear is that the deal is a victory for Hamas. Both leftwing and rightwing Zionist media outlets have declared that the Zionist entity lost the war, with the deal failing to address the deep-seated issues of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict. Instead, it has exposed the profound divisions within Zionist society, including within its government.
The Zionist society is deeply fractured. As Haaretz reported, the resignation of the Zionist entity’s top general following the Oct 7 attacks signals a collapse in military leadership and a loss of faith in the government’s handling of national security. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once hailed as a dominant force in Zionist politics, now stands increasingly isolated. His government, already strained by ideological rifts, fractured further when far-right Minister Itamar Ben Gvir resigned in opposition to the ceasefire deal. This further exposes the cracks within the Zionist entity’s political infrastructure.
The debate over the ceasefire agreement — particularly over the release of Palestinian leaders — has become emblematic of the moral and political dilemmas facing Zionists. As some Zionist journalists have pointed out, Zionists are confronted with difficult questions about violence, occupation, and Gaza’s future. Many are beginning to acknowledge that the status quo can no longer continue.
Netanyahu’s vulnerable position
Netanyahu’s position, once seemingly unshakable, is now under intense scrutiny. His decision to ally with far-right parties to secure his leadership has left him politically vulnerable. The resignation of Ben Gvir represents another crisis in a government already weakened by internal rifts. Speculation is rife about whether Ben Gvir might return to government, but doing so could only escalate tensions within the coalition.
Internally, political instability is spilling over onto the streets. Settlers, particularly in the West Bank, have expressed anger over the ceasefire, with violent incidents — such as the burning of Palestinian property — spiking in recent days. This surge in violence underscores the widening divide within Zionist society and its growing inability to maintain unity and order.
Hamas: A resilient resistance
While the Zionist entity grapples with its internal divisions, Hamas emerges from the ceasefire as a resilient and formidable adversary. The terms of the ceasefire, which include the release of Palestinian prisoners and the cessation of hostilities, are viewed by many as a significant concession to Hamas. The movement has shown remarkable resilience throughout the conflict, demonstrating that it remains a powerful force in Gaza with no intention of disappearing from the political landscape.
Many Zionist media outlets have declared that for the first time, the Zionist entity has “lost” a war. In this reflection, it has become clear that Hamas has gained far more than it has sacrificed during this round of fighting.
What Hamas gained
Hamas has made significant gains from the conflict. The international shift in public opinion is one of the most notable achievements. By framing its cause as one of resistance to occupation, Hamas has garnered substantial support, both regionally and globally. The release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is another key concession, with many of these prisoners serving life sentences for acts against the Zionist entity.
Despite the losses it suffered during the war, Hamas has rebuilt its military capabilities. Its forces in Gaza are now reportedly stronger than before, numbering around 12,000 fighters. The reconstruction of Gaza, though severely damaged, is expected to receive substantial international aid. Given Hamas’ control of the region, much of this aid will likely bolster its position.
Hamas has also gained leverage through the ongoing hostage negotiations. Even after the ceasefire, the hostages held by Hamas continue to serve as bargaining chips, ensuring the group can extract further concessions from the Zionist entity in the future.
Zionist entity at a crossroads
As the Zionist entity moves into 2025, it faces an uncertain future. The ceasefire with Hamas may have temporarily halted the bloodshed, but it has done little to resolve the deep-rooted issues that continue to divide Zionist society. The political establishment is fractured, with tensions running high both in government and on the streets. Meanwhile, the economic and human costs of the war have left the Zionist entity weakened, its position on the global stage increasingly precarious.
Ultimately, the ceasefire has only underscored the profound divisions within the Zionist entity, and the continuing occupation of Palestinians remains a source of both moral and political strain. As the Zionist entity stands at this critical crossroads, the question remains: Will it continue to rot from within? Many Zionist journalists argue “that the ongoing occupation is the root of the entity’s crisis, and without a complete resolution of this issue, the Zionist entity as it stands today will cease to exist.”
NOTE: Farah AlHashem is a former diplomat, award-winning political journalist and multitalented filmmaker with a distinguished career spanning over 17 years in media production across print, TV and online platforms. AlHashem’s career includes notable positions at leading global institutions such as the Associated Press, UNESCO and the United Nations. Currently, she serves as the Media Content Supervisor at Kuwait’s Ministry of Information.