West Bank clash proves peace is still fragile
“The bloodiest gamble has turned into the costliest tragedy for Palestinians. Its position within the country and in the region is in tatters.”
The real question is whether Hamas members will accept this decision. Ultimately, the ceasefire is a temporary step towards saving Gaza from Hamas. The group’s remaining leaders have rejected a key element of the peace plan put forward by Donald Trump: a “peace board” aimed at overseeing the International Stabilization Force, which includes figures such as former British prime minister Tony Blair.
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Control of Gaza remains disputed. Israeli forces withdrew as agreed but are still positioned in about half of the area. Hamas will undoubtedly seek to retain as much power and territory as possible. He made no commitment to disarmament.
Even the decision of some Hamas leaders to disarm and perhaps go into exile does not bind those who want to continue their mission to destroy the state of Israel. A lasting peace would require combatants to lay down their doctrines as well as their weapons.
The cycle of conflict since 1948 shows that this will not happen. Israel’s destruction over the past two years likely means that a new generation of Palestinians will be intent on revenge.
Displaced Palestinians carry their belongings as they walk along the coastal road in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday.Credit: access point
Independent monitors aim to demilitarize the region in some way, but David Butter, deputy director of Chatham House He pointed out that there was no enforcement mechanism. “This risks creating a security vacuum in Gaza,” he wrote on the eve of the ceasefire.
There are many parts to the peace plan put forward by Donald Trump, and the US president may have a fair claim to one day receiving the Nobel Peace Prize if his plan comes to fruition. But the basic requirement is that Hamas and other groups agree that they will not take any role, directly or indirectly, in the governance of Gaza.
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We’re not there yet. This should explain why Trump didn’t get the Nobel last Friday: It’s too early to know for sure whether the ceasefire is the beginning of a lasting peace. In any case, the award is given to the person who has done the most for peace “in the past year”.
The glorification of Hamas remains an obstacle to peace. In fact, any option that encourages Hamas to remain active in Gaza is a path to permanent war.
No return to Hamas
The simple truth is that Benjamin Netanyahu cannot allow Hamas to regroup. The Israeli prime minister was informed about this by far-right ministers in the coalition government.
Itamar Ben Gvir, who was sanctioned by Australia and other countries for inciting violence, said he would overthrow the government if Hamas is not disbanded. Another right-wing minister, Bezalel Smotrich from the Religious Zionism party, said Hamas should be destroyed. He has in the past called for Israel to annex Gaza.
Israeli conservatives Itamar Ben-Gvir (left) and Bezalel Smotrich have been sanctioned by Australia and other western allies.Credit: Bloomberg
Netanyahu has shown over the past two years that he can be ruthless towards Hamas, and politics in Israel gives him no reason to change.
Will Hamas change? He brought destruction to Gaza. He provoked an enemy he could not control and lost. But some of its members will be convinced of their victory and want to continue the fight. They will provoke Israel and the reaction will be relentless.
When this happens, incredible restraint will be required to prevent a single conflict from disrupting the peace.
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