Israeli Press: Hamas Won

Israeli Press Declares Victory for Hamas -- Spiegel Online

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to claim Wednesday's ceasefire deal as a personal success. But not many seem to agree. Influential commentators in Israel believe that Hamas came out ahead -- and that the Islamist group has now been elevated to the status of negotiating partner.

If you believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Gaza offensive, which just came to a halt as a result of the Wednesday evening ceasefire agreement, was the jewel in the crown of his political career. "We need to navigate this ship of a state in stormy waters with responsibility and wisdom, that's how a responsible government acts," he said in praise of himself during a statement to the nation on Wednesday. "We've executed a military action but also stayed open for a diplomatic solution."

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My Comment: Not really .... Hamas crossed a red line that forced Israel to act. The end result was 1500+ military strikes from Israel that killed a few top Hamas commanders, destroyed key government buildings, wrecked the Gazan economy, and put Hamas on notice that Israel will return and do the same if they continue to launch missile attacks into Israel. If anything .... Hamas and much of Gaza should be relieved that an Israeli ground invasion did not occur. As to who was the real winner in this conflict .... in my opinion it was Egypt. They are the ones who told Hamas to stand down when Hillary Clinton asked for their help .... and they then delivered.

Update: The American press also believes that Hamas won.