Should Israel Pursue a Ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza?

This is not a time for Israel to relent; it is a time to decisively dismantle the terror infrastructure that has plagued its citizens for far too long.

Israel-Hamas war, military operations near the Gaza Strip. (Shutterstock)

Every ceasefire with Hamas has historically served as a tactical pause for the terror organization to regroup, rearm, and launch further attacks on Israel. It’s a simple equation: Hamas thrives on conflict. Each pause in hostilities is a chance for them to stockpile weapons, rebuild tunnels, recover what they lost, and plan the next onslaught. The call for a ceasefire is not a call for peace; it is a strategic maneuver by Hamas to survive and continue its campaign of terror. No wonder why Hamas started calling for a ceasefire the moment Israel began to retaliate.

Hezbollah, watching closely from Lebanon, learns from these encounters. A ceasefire now sets a dangerous precedent, signaling to Hezbollah and Iran that Israel can be pressured into halting its military operations. This emboldens them, making future conflicts more likely and more deadly. The Islamic regime in Iran, the primary financier, and supplier of weapons to these terror groups, benefits immensely from any ceasefire. It gives them time to funnel more resources into their proxies, solidifying their grip on the region.

A wall featuring Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv (Shutterstock, Yehuda Bergstein)

The Hostage Dilemma

Israel’s concern for the hostages taken by Hamas plays a fundamental dilemma here. These are innocent lives being used as bargaining chips by a ruthless organization. There are countless families whose loved ones' fate is unknown as they are held by Hamas terrorists who raped women on October 7th. The majority of Israelis understand the pain of the families of the hostages and stand with the rightful demand to release the hostages. One of the central debates in Israel right now is at what cost. I believe that military pressure is the only way to apply pressure on Hamas' leadership. We know that Hamas does not care about their own people; they are willing to sacrifice all of Gaza, even their own families. But they are scared of military confrontation with Israel Defense Forces - as recorded in many Shin Bet investigations of captured Hamas terrorists. The cycle of terror must end, and that will not happen through appeasement.

Joshua leading his army in battle against the Canaanites as described in the book of Joshua (AI Generated)

Biblical Examples: Lessons from History

The Bible provides strong examples of the consequences of both perseverance and premature peace. In the Book of Joshua, when Joshua led the Israelites into battle against the Canaanite kings, there was no ceasefire. Joshua 10:19 says, "But don’t stop; pursue your enemies! Attack them from the rear and don’t let them reach their cities, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand." The Israelites pressed on, and their unwavering resolve led to a decisive victory, securing the land that was promised to them.

Contrast this with the story in 1 Samuel 15, where King Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites and leave nothing alive. Instead, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock. This act of disobedience and mercy led to the prophet Samuel declaring, “Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 15:23). The Amalekites survived to fight another day, causing further strife for Israel.

The Path Forward

Israel cannot afford the luxury of a ceasefire with Hamas. The stakes are too high. Each pause in the conflict only delays the inevitable showdown while allowing Hamas to grow stronger. Israel’s security, the safety of its citizens, and the stability of the region depend on a clear and resolute strategy: dismantle Hamas now, without hesitation.

The international community often calls for restraint and diplomacy, but they do not face the daily threat of rockets and terror attacks. Israel does. The world must understand that a strong, uncompromising stance against terror is not aggression; it is self-defense. It is the only way to ensure that future generations of Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace.

In conclusion, a ceasefire at this juncture serves only the interests of those who wish to see Israel weakened and ultimately destroyed. Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran thrive on Israel’s concessions. To stop now would be to repeat the mistakes of the past, with dire consequences for the future. Israel must stand firm, just as Joshua did, to secure a lasting peace through decisive victory.