Iran claims Israeli 'surrender' in Gaza hostage deal
In the eyes of the Islamic Republic, the Israel-Hamas deal was a victory for the militants — one which Tel Aviv had no option but to accept — as Iran's supreme leader admired Hamas for having already "knocked out" the Jewish state with the Oct. 7 attack.
TEHRAN — The announcement of a deal between Hamas and Israel, which is expected to free 50 Israeli women and children from captivity in Gaza, was seen by Iran's state media as a victory for the militant group.
According to the national broadcaster, which is controlled by the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel's mounting military casualties during its ground offensive in Gaza "forced" it to "surrender."
Several state TV channels went on to argue that Israel lacked the military power to release the hostages on its own, hence finding no option but to accept the deal, which will bring along a four-day pause in Israeli attacks and the release of 150 Palestinians from Israeli incarceration.
Since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hamas war, Iranian officials have repeatedly prophesied that Gaza will turn into a "quagmire" for Israel and it is Hamas that will eventually emerge triumphant.
