The release of the abducted soldier through a military operation deals a fatal blow to the narrative that Hamas has worked for years to cultivate: the release of abductees only in a deal and negotiation.

Tonight’s release plays the cards and proves that it is also possible in another way – exactly the opposite of the move promoted by Hamas – to achieve a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the abductees.
Tonight, Hamas also understands that the internal legitimacy in Israel for the continuation of the military campaign as a tool to free the abductees is receiving a significant push forward.
The momentum is in exactly the opposite direction from what Hamas hoped it would be.