In response to Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who claimed the ceasefire in Gaza as “Israel’s hardest defeat since its establishment,” it’s vital to ask: What defines victory?

For Qaani, the release of people who killed in some cases dozens of civilians and the destruction in Gaza seem to represent triumph. For most moderate Israelis, the focus is different: bringing home kidnapped babies, women, and civilians — innocent lives taken by force.

This stark contrast in values is at the heart of the conflict. Israel’s moderate society — despite its divisions — remains united in its belief in the sanctity of life. For most Israelis, saving lives, even at great sacrifice, is the ultimate priority.

Meanwhile, groups like Hamas and Hezbollah celebrate death and destruction as victories. Their leaders glorify suffering, turning tragedy into a political weapon. This raises troubling questions: What kind of future is being fought for?

This is not merely about Israelis and Palestinians. Most of us could get along. It is a battle between organizations and governments, those who value life and those who glorify death. Civilians — on both sides — bear the brunt of the violence, caught in the crossfire of ideologies and personal needs of leaders.

Tens of thousands have died in Gaza. Leaders like Qaani celebrate this as success. In contrast, Israel mourns every loss deeply while striving to bring hostages home, demonstrating a commitment to life over conflict.

As new leadership takes the reins in the U.S., the global community faces a pivotal moment. Those leaders must be confronted not just with condemnation but with actions rooted in dignity, peace, and the protection of life.

Ultimately, Qaani and others celebrating destruction aren’t truly building a better future. True victory lies not in death, but in fostering hope, and humanity. The choices we make now — as nations and individuals — will define the kind of world we leave behind.

Yair Nativ is the CEO of Mind Dome, ‘The First Line of Defense for Your Mind.’