Rushdi Abualouf: Hamas knows it hasn’t achieved its aims – but still claims victory

The debate in Gaza about 7 October, when around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken hostage, has continued throughout the war and intensified after the ceasefire was announced.

Some defend Hamas, claiming its survival alone is enough to call it a victory, while others criticise the movement, arguing that the unprecedented price paid by Palestinians constitutes a defeat.

Mohammed Imad al-Din, a barber in Gaza City forced to flee to Khan Younis with his wife and children along with more than a million others, told the BBC: “If killing 46,000 people, displacement and destruction is a victory, then I hope the leaders of Hamas can explain the meaning of defeat.

“I’m relieved, but definitely not happy because the future is uncertain.”

Meanwhile, Saifjan Al-Shami, a doctor at the Islamic University of Gaza, said on Facebook she was “surprised by any Palestinian, especially a Gazan, who does not acknowledge the victory of his country and mocks those who say we won.

“Yes, Gaza won, and Hamas won. Hey, do you know the criteria for victory before you speak? You must review yourself, your patriotism and your loyalty to Gaza. Gaza won despite the spite of the haters.”

For now it is too early to judge whether the war will end after the first stage of the ceasefire agreement.

The majority of Gazans feel that the sound of gunfire may soon fall silent, but the sounds of suffering, regret and pain will continue for generations to come.