The Gaza war is far from over. There’s a lot left to be done, and a lot of hard fighting to get there. But as the first night of Hanukkah was celebrated yesterday, the IDF was able to offer the people of Israel the first real scenes of victory.

Palestine Square in the heart of Gaza City was a symbolic place of power for Hamas. Earlier on Thursday, the 401st Brigade conquered this altar of evil, and as the Israeli flag was raised and the Hanukkah menorah lit, brigade commander Col. Benny Aharon had an emotional message for his troops and the nation (translation below).

רגע מרגש מהדלקת נר ראשון של חנוכה בכיכר פלסטין בעזה… וואלה אני לא יהודי והתרגשתי בטירוף! עם ישראל חי🇮🇱
קרדיט: עמית מימוני ואלכס פרי pic.twitter.com/CXpzDpoQpQ

— יוסף חדאד – Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) December 8, 2023

“With tears in the eyes and a powerfully-beating heart…

“This is not the end of the war, but it is another milestone on the way (to victory).

“Today, in this accursed Palestine Square, exactly two months after they rejoiced in this same place over our slaughter;

“This square from where they passed out candies and fired rockets at our cities;

“This square from where they humiliated our captives;

“This square that is the heart of the city, the symbolic heart of Hamas authority, the symbol of Gaza;

“Here, in this evil square, we stand proud and strong, with our heads held high, to light the first candle of Hanukkah.

“To bring light to the darkness of Gaza City; your light, a purifying light, a light of goodness, a light of hope and peace, for the sake of our beloved Israel.

“Brigade 401, it has been my great privilege to command you over the past two months. Continue to light the way, and to drive out the darkness. Until victory.

“To the nation of Israel, Chag Sameach!”