Editor's Desk

Resistance forced Israel to accept truce on its terms

Editor

Dhu al-Qa'dah 06, 14352014-09-01

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Hamas and Islamic Jihad, showing resilience and determination, have forced the zionists to accept their terms for a truce. Israel failed to achieve its objectives in its onslaught on Gaza.

When a truce between the Palestinian resistance and Israel was announced on August 26, it led to spontaneous celebrations in Gaza. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad declared victory. Israel that had started the war, was in deep shock. Additional gloom gripped the warmongers when it was announced that two soldiers were still missing. Are they dead or have they been captured by the resistance?

Under the deal, Gaza’s siege would be lifted. This was the principal demand of the Palestinians. Talks will continue about the opening of an airport as well as a seaport for Gaza later.

Gaza’s fishing rights, currently illegally restricted to a 3-mile limit, will also be extended to 12 miles as demanded by the Palestinians. The Zionist demand of disarming the resistance was not part of the agreement. Speaking in Beirut after the truce announcement, Islamic Jihad leader Dr. Ramadan Abdullah said there was no discussion about disarming the resistance.

Egypt brokered the deal but Qatar and the US also helped. There were also immediate calls for Gaza’s reconstruction.

Not all Palestinian demands such as the release of prisoners, however, were met. These would be taken up in later negotiations.

The outcome of a struggle is determined not by weapons but by the will and determination of the combatants. The Palestinians have demonstrated that they not only have the will to resist but also the ability to prevail.

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