In this blog, I’ll be diving into a critical question: Who won in Gaza?

At first glance, it may seem as though the Palestinians have faced a devastating defeat. When we consider the staggering numbers of lives lost, the immense destruction of Gaza, and the ongoing siege, it’s easy to assume they’ve been defeated. But should victory be measured solely by these factors? Let’s take a closer look and reassess.

The steadfastness of the Palestinian people in Gaza is unparalleled. Despite the overwhelming might of the Zionist entity’s military and the support it receives from the most powerful nations in the world, the people of Gaza have not submitted. They have not surrendered their Islamic principles, their resistance, or their homeland. This unyielding spirit, their refusal to bow down, is a testament to their resilience and determination. By standing firm, they have demonstrated that true victory isn’t about avoiding destruction but about holding onto one’s beliefs and identity in the face of oppression.

On the other hand, when we look at “Israel,” can we really say they have achieved victory? Their military objectives remain unmet. They have failed to eliminate the resistance, failed to uproot the Palestinians from Gaza, and failed to break their spirit. In fact, their actions over the past months have exposed them to the world in unprecedented ways.

The Zionist occupation entity’s reputation has been severely tarnished, not just in the Muslim world but among non-Muslim communities globally. The horrific images of their bombings, the testimonies of genocide, and the ongoing apartheid have forced many to confront the reality of their actions. Its leaders now face ICC arrest warrants for war crimes and genocide. The cracks in their narrative of being a “victim state” have become too visible to ignore. This aligns with their historical pattern of violating ceasefire agreements, as seen in southern Lebanon, where they breached agreements over a thousand times, destroyed homes, and expanded aggression under the guise of security concerns.

And what about their backers in the West? Over the last 15 months, the actions of the US and Western governments have laid bare the hypocrisy of their so-called values. These nations, which pride themselves on human rights, democracy, and justice, have been exposed as champions of double standards. Their unconditional support for “Israel” during a genocidal campaign against Palestinians has revealed the racist and unethical foundation of their policies. The world is waking up to this reality. More people now support the Palestinian cause than ever before. In fact, we’ve seen individuals embrace Islam, inspired by the courage, patience, and steadfastness of the people of Gaza.

The so-called Muslim rulers in the region have also been unmasked. Their treachery, their complicity, and their silence in the face of genocide cannot be ignored. They are the real IDF, standing guard for Zionist interests, even protecting the rogue entity from threats in the region. Instead of rallying their militaries to defend Gaza, they’ve shackled their resources, leaving the Ummah to grieve the loss of innocent lives. This treachery serves the broader goals of America and “Israel” to dismantle the resistance entirely, whether through military aggression or integrating resistance movements into corrupt frameworks like the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.

And yet, the wider Ummah—the global Muslim community—must also ask itself difficult questions. Have we, as an Ummah, done enough to stop this genocide? The inaction of Muslim governments is clear, but what about the rest of us? Have we fully lived up to our responsibility to our brothers and sisters in Gaza? The warnings in the Qur’an caution us against relying on those who oppress and urge us to remain vigilant. As the verse states:

“The Kuffar would dearly like you to be heedless of your weapons and equipment, in order for them to take you in a single assault”

~ An-Nisa; 102

Meanwhile, the Zionist entity and its backers, including the US, are already strategising their next moves. Trump’s recent comments about relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan show that their plans for ethnic cleansing are far from over. The ceasefire we’re witnessing now is fragile and temporary. “Israeli” politicians have openly threatened to bring down their government if the military doesn’t return to Gaza to “finish the job.” This is far from the end of the struggle.

So, the question remains: Who are the victors, and who are the losers?

Is it “Israel,” with its shattered reputation and unfulfilled objectives? Is it the West, whose values have been exposed as hollow and hypocritical? Is it the so-called Muslim rulers, who have betrayed their own people and religion? Or is it the Palestinians, who, despite everything, have not surrendered? This tiny strip of land, under attack from a murderous entity backed by the world’s most powerful nations, has remained steadfast. They’ve defied the odds, and their resistance continues to inspire millions.

Victory, as we’ve seen, isn’t about numbers or destruction. It’s about holding on to your principles, your identity, and your Imaan, even in the darkest of times. The people of Gaza have shown the world what true steadfastness looks like. The question is, how will we, as an Ummah and as individuals, respond to their example?