As the ceasefire in Gaza comes into effect and captives are released by both sides, reports are emerging that the deal was first put on the table in December 2023, bringing into question what Israel has achieved in the  12 months since, with one Israeli newspaper commenting that this is 'the first time Israel lost a war'. 

The dramatic hostage deal between Hamas and Israel takes centre stage in the latest episode of Palestine This Week. Host Nasim Ahmed and Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani discuss revelations that the captives were kept alive in northern Gaza, right under the Israeli occupation forces' noses, challenging Israel’s narrative about its military campaign and intelligence capabilities.

The timing of the deal draws particular scrutiny, with insights into Trump’s influence in securing the agreement - reportedly achieving more in one meeting with Netanyahu than Biden managed in a year. The discussion explores the Qatari foreign minister’s striking admission that this deal mirrors the framework proposed in December 2023, suggesting 13 months of unnecessary devastation in Gaza.

The show examines the Times of Israel’s remarkable acknowledgment that “For the first time, Israel just lost a war,” breaking down 14 reasons why Palestinians might be considered the victors and not Israel. The conversation also explores the potential release of Marwan Barghouti and its implications for Palestinian politics, while questioning whether Israel will honour the agreement given internal opposition and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s resignation.

The impact on US politics features prominently in the analysis, with recent polling data revealing how Gaza has significantly affected Biden’s voter base. The figures show 29 per cent of Biden’s 2020 voters switched their support citing Gaza as their primary concern - above both the economy and immigration.