Hamas actually emerged unscathed from this conflict. Hamas is emerging in Gaza quickly to take control and showcase its abilities. It wants to portray this as a major victory, even if it suffered many losses. It doesn’t want any vacuum to emerge or any areas to emerge where it loses control.” – Seth J. Frantzman
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SHABBAT READING:
Tertullian, Father of Western Christianity’s “Answer to the Jews”: Dr. Stéphanie É. Binder, The Torah.com, Jan. 12, 2025 — Tertullian (ca. 155–ca. 220) is considered one of the founders of western Christianity. Living in Carthage (modern day Tunisia), Tertullian was a prolific author who produced, among other writings, many treatises of Christian apologetics, i.e., the defense of Christianity against critical claims, and the first to write Christian theology in Latin.
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Abu Obeida’s Theological Points Show Glimpse into Hamas’s Way of Thinking – Analysis: Ohad Merlin, Jerusalem Post, Jan. 23, 2025
Hamas Emerges from Gaza’s Tunnels, Showing It Never Lost Control – Analysis: Seth J. Frantzman, Jerusalem Post, Jan. 19, 2025
IDF Didn’t Act on Alerts of Hamas Aerial Activity Hours Before Oct. 7 Attack — Report: TOI staff, Times of Israel, Jan. 23, 2025
‘What’s the Next Step?’: Report Exposes Hamas’ Lack of Strategy After October 7 Attack: Itamar Eichner, Ynet News, 2025
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Hamas’ Tight Grip on Gaza Complicates Plan for Lasting Peace: Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Reuters, Jan. 22, 2025 — In neighbourhoods levelled by 15 months of war with Israel, Hamas officials are overseeing the clearance of rubble in the wake of Sunday’s ceasefire. The group’s gunmen are guarding aid convoys on Gaza’s dusty roads, and its blue-uniformed police once again patrol city streets, sending a clear message: Hamas remains in charge.
Hamas May Have Lost the War, But Israel Has Not Yet Won: Jason Shvili, Cleveland Jewish News, Jan. 22, 2025 — After taking a brutal beating for 15 months, Hamas has finally agreed to a ceasefire with Israel. Instead of surrendering, the terror organization is claiming victory. Indeed, a senior Hamas official told the BBC they were victorious because “Israel failed to break the will of the Palestinians, the resistance, or to push the people out of the country.”
A Deal That Keeps Hamas in Power Is Meaningless: Khaled Abu Toameh, JNS, Jan. 21, 2025 — Those who think that the Iranian-backed Palestinian terrorist group Hamas will abandon its jihad to murder Jews and destroy Israel in the aftermath of the recent ceasefire agreement are mistaken.
Hamas is Making Big Comeback in Gaza During Ceasefire, Expert Warns: WALLA!, Jerusalem Post, Jan. 23, 2025 — “From Hamas’s perspective, they are making a major comeback as a dominant force in Gaza,” Dr. Michael Milshtein, a senior researcher at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, told 103FM on Thursday regarding the developments in the Gaza Strip in the context of the hostage deal and the ceasefire.