Did Gaza Triumph? Criteria for Victory in National Liberation Battles

When attempting to answer a question like “Did Gaza triumph?”, it becomes evident that the concept of victory in the context of national liberation battles is not straightforward. It is not limited to military or field gains but is a more complex notion determined by political, psychological, and social dimensions, grounded in a deep understanding of history and the experiences of peoples who have faced similar struggles. National liberation battles are about dignity, independence, and freedom—a path followed by all nations on Earth, including the Palestinian people, through sacrifice, struggle, and eventual victory. In this context, we can outline some general parameters to address the question posed in this article: “Did Gaza triumph?”

Political Goals: Victory as Progress Toward the Goal

In any liberation struggle, the results are measured by how much progress has been made toward achieving the larger goals of the national movement. In the Palestinian context, every confrontation with the Israeli occupation is a step toward full liberation. Similar to the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam in 1954, where victory was not just military but marked the end of French dominance and paved the way for Vietnam’s independence, Gaza’s repeated uprisings embarrass the occupation in front of the world and reinforce the momentum of the Palestinian cause in international forums. In this context, these battles, even if costly, serve as tools to gain political legitimacy and exert pressure on the enemy to make long-term concessions.

The Psychological Dimension: Victory as a Boost to National Spirit

War is not merely a struggle over land; it is a battle for hearts and minds. One of the most critical dimensions of victory in liberation struggles is maintaining high morale among the people, even in the face of severe losses. In South Africa, despite decades of oppression and apartheid, the regime failed to break the will or demoralize the people. Every step taken by the population under Nelson Mandela’s leadership fueled hope and strengthened faith in the future.

Gaza is no exception. Despite extensive destruction and human losses, the popular resilience and mass support represent pillars of victory. When crowds in Gaza raise slogans of defiance, they redefine victory as standing firm against the occupation and refusing psychological defeat.

Impact on the Enemy: The Cost of Occupation and Undermining Dominance

Victory is measured not only by what the resisting side gains but also by what the enemy loses. In the Algerian Revolution, the losses France suffered—both materially and morally—were among the most significant factors contributing to victory. Repeated operations, international pressure, and popular resistance made French colonial rule in Algeria unsustainable. For Israel, the battles in Gaza present challenges on multiple fronts: economic and military costs, psychological effects on the home front, and continuous embarrassment in global public opinion. The higher the cost of occupation, and the closer it gets to being more of a burden than a strategic gain, the more it indicates the resistance’s success in achieving long-term goals.

Sacrifices as a Strategic Investment: The Philosophy of Pain and Liberation

The logic of national liberation accepts sacrifices as part of the equation for freedom. Substantial losses are considered a necessary price for independence. As Ho Chi Minh, leader of the Vietnamese Revolution, said: “We have nothing to lose but our chains.” Peoples facing occupation understand that current suffering is not the end but a step toward building a new future. In Vietnam, millions were killed, and villages destroyed, but the people stood firm, believing the price was worth it. Despite recurrent destruction, Gaza proves that the will for liberation is stronger than the machinery of war and that every sacrifice brings Palestinians closer to realizing their dream of freedom.

From Consecutive Blows to the Decisive Strike: The Strategy of Accumulation

History teaches us that major victories are often the result of a continuous accumulation of smaller blows. In South Africa, the people’s struggle lasted decades before apartheid ended. The revolution was not a single event but a series of protests, strikes, and confrontations that eventually culminated in victory. Similarly, in Algeria, independence did not come suddenly but was the outcome of repeated blows that drained the French colonizer over the years. Gaza follows the same path; every battle and act of resistance is a building block added to the wall of resilience until the decisive moment that ends the occupation arrives.

How Do We Philosophically and Politically Interpret Victory in Gaza?

1. 1. Has the People Maintained Unity and High Morale?

National unity is a cornerstone of success in any liberation struggle. When observing the Palestinian street during and after significant events, such as October 7, it becomes evident that the enormous sacrifices made did not lead to deep divisions within Palestinian society. On the contrary, the Palestinian cause has witnessed remarkable cohesion, not only among resistance factions but also at the grassroots level within and outside the homeland.

Despite occasional dissenting voices, there was widespread consensus in support of the resistance, whether from Gaza, the West Bank, or the Palestinian diaspora. This unity reflects the people’s ability to overcome differences and unite around the greater goal of national liberation. Historical experiences, such as the Algerian Revolution, show that nations that maintain their unity are more resilient against occupation, even under the harshest conditions.

2. 2. Did the Battle Cost the Enemy More Than It Gained?

The Israeli occupation has paid a high price as a result of the battle on all levels. The losses were not limited to personnel and military equipment but extended to political, moral, and economic losses.

Militarily, Israel suffered a severe blow to its reputation as an invincible power. The resistance exposed vulnerabilities in its security and intelligence systems and demonstrated its lack of defensive preparedness. Additionally, the battle inflicted significant damage on Israel’s infrastructure and economy, disrupting vital sectors and causing extensive harm to civilian facilities.

Politically, the battle created widespread internal divisions in Israel among political and military leaders and between public factions. This division became evident through mounting criticism of Netanyahu’s government, which has largely lost public trust. These losses have forced the occupation to reconsider its security and political strategies.

3. 3. Did the Confrontation Advance the Cause Toward Greater International Recognition and Support?

The confrontation was not just a battle on the ground but a battle for international public opinion. Through the sacrifices made by the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, the Palestinian cause was once again highlighted as the struggle of a people under occupation.

Events like October 7 prompted many nations and people to reassess their positions on Israel, with new voices demanding accountability for the occupation’s crimes. Global solidarity campaigns intensified, whether through protests or official political stances in some countries. Even in Western nations, long-standing supporters of Israel, widespread criticism of the occupation’s brutal actions began to emerge.

Similar to the South African liberation movement, where international campaigns and economic boycotts accelerated the fall of apartheid, Palestinians today are building their international impact in the same way. Their cause has increasingly resonated with the global conscience.

4. 4. Did It Contribute to Building a Deeper Popular Awareness of the Liberation Cause?

One of the greatest achievements of any national liberation battle is rebuilding popular awareness, both locally and globally. The recent confrontations reinforced the reality that the Palestinian cause is not just a border conflict but a struggle for national liberation against settler-colonial occupation.

These events have made the younger generation, both within Palestine and in the diaspora, more aware of the roots and objectives of the cause. Social media played a pivotal role in spreading the Palestinian narrative and exposing the occupation’s crimes to the world, strengthening international solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Internally, feelings of belonging and identity deepened among Palestinians. Every act of resilience or confrontation reinforced the understanding that liberation is not merely a political demand but an existential necessity tied to dignity and the right to life. This awareness forms a cornerstone for building a sustainable liberation movement, as seen in Vietnam and Algeria, where national culture and collective consciousness were key tools for victory.

In summary, Gaza answers these questions daily. It is not merely a besieged coastal strip but a symbol of resilience and determination. Gaza’s victory is not measured solely by the number of rockets fired or territories reclaimed but by its ability to keep the Palestinian cause alive in the hearts of the nation and the world, transforming every battle into another step toward liberation.

Conclusion: The Philosophy of Liberation and Future Prospects

From Vietnam to Algeria, South Africa to Gaza, history teaches us that liberation is neither an easy nor a swift journey. It is a path filled with pain and sacrifices, but also one of hope and the promise of a better future. True victory lies not only in winning field battles but in winning hearts and minds, fostering national spirit, and transforming every temporary loss into a strategic investment for long-term goals. Today, Gaza embodies this philosophy, redefining victory not as the absence of pain but as the ability to transform it into energy for resistance and survival.