Hamas has declared "victory" after Israel failed to achieve any of its stated military objectives in Gaza war.

Iran also congratulated Hamas for victory over Israel.

President Ahmadinejad praised Hamas leader Khalid Mashal for "the victory of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza."

Israel has not claimed victory in its 23 day war in Gaza.

Israel went to war with Hamas on 27 December 2008. It claimed it would finish the elected government of Hamas.

Hamas is still there and is still able to hit Israel.

Israel's Intelliegence agency Shin Bet said that our army was far from achievement in Gaza when we ended the war on 18 January 2009.

Israeli Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin conceded that the 23 day offensive against the Gaza has failed to prevent Hamas from rearming.

Diskin admitted that Israel has failed to achieve its goals, including disarming Hamas.

Turkey said its time that U.S. and E.U. recognised elected government of Hamas as the legitimate authority of the Palestinians people.

Turkish PM Erdogan called on the world to respect the democratic choice of Palestinians.

Hamas won the elections in January 2006. But the west still clings on to the lost party: Fatah. Fatah lost the elections and admitted defeat.

APN - January 19, 2009