As tensions continue among families of Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip, expressing concerns that ongoing conflict poses risks to their loved ones, Ami Ayalon, a former head of Shin Bet, asserted that the Palestinian people will not capitulate in their fight for independence, and that the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, will not concede. Channel 13 reported Ayalon's perspective that there can be no Israeli victory in the war in Gaza, as the Palestinian people are struggling for autonomy and neither Hamas nor its leader, Yahya Sinwar, will raise the white flag.
Echoing Ayalon's sentiments, former Shin Bet leader and author of "The Intelligence," Guy Heinen, emphasized that Sinwar—who was released from prison and advocates for the liberation of all Palestinian detainees—will not compromise in this conflict, aiming, above all, to sustain the Hamas movement.
In turn, Meirav Spireski, the sister of one of the Israeli detainees held in Gaza, attested to the increasing risks to prisoners due to military operations. She highlighted, "Since the release transactions of the kidnapped have ended, no one has come out alive from there, which proves what we have said."
Spireski called for escalating the struggle, insisting that what the families of the detainees demand is the proposal and attainment of a deal. She urged officials to make brave decisions if necessary "to reach a deal that will release all the captives."
Other analysts also spoke of the rising popularity of Hamas among the majority of Palestinians. Efi Eitam, a former member of the Security Political Council, pointed to survey results showing that the majority of West Bank Palestinians support Hamas unconditionally, surpassing their pre-war levels of support.
Additionally, Miki Dozental, a former Knesset member, informed Channel 13 that Hamas would undoubtedly win if elections were held, an outcome Israel does not desire and would prevent, he said.
The developments highlight the complexities of the Gaza conflict and the enduring resilience displayed by Palestinian factions and the Israeli detainees' families, emphasizing no straightforward resolution in sight for the longstanding Israel-Palestine conflict.
