If Israel were to choose between dealing with a weakened Hamas or a situation like Somalia, the choice would be clear. Despite the initial celebration over the harm caused by Hamas towards Israel, the people of Gaza would eventually question the leader, Sinwar, about their destroyed homes and lost jobs. This would be the best form of punishment for Sinwar, as he would be forced to face the consequences of his actions, rather than Israel taking the blame. The only way to delegitimize Hamas is through the Palestinians themselves, as they would be the ones to hold the power to bring change, despite the challenges they may face.
Amira Hass, a well-informed reporter on Palestinian affairs, conducted interviews with Gazans who expressed their opposition towards Hamas, believing they are the majority. The people are seen cursing Sinwar and blaming Hamas for the catastrophic situation they are facing. Despite the reports of the journalists, the voices of the Gazans are not being accurately reflected, as they demand accountability from their leadership. The dissatisfaction towards Hamas is growing among the people, with many believing that their lives are being gambled with for unrealistic slogans and false promises.
In the future, if Israel is able to exit Gaza and secure the release of their hostages, the Biden administration is discussing plans to collaborate with Egypt to prevent Hamas from smuggling arms into the region. Israel would ensure the delivery of essential items like food, medicine, and cement for reconstruction, with the condition that any misuse of these resources for militant purposes would lead to the closure of borders. This would present Sinwar with a dilemma: either revert back to old ways and face starvation among his people, or uphold the cease-fire agreement to prevent further suffering.
By implementing these measures, Israel aims to hold Sinwar accountable for his actions and prevent Hamas from posing a threat in the future. The involvement of Egypt in monitoring the border would ensure that no weapons or materials could be smuggled into Gaza, reducing the risk of future conflicts. Israel’s commitment to providing aid to the people of Gaza would be contingent on Hamas upholding the cease-fire agreement and refraining from engaging in violent activities. This strategy would force Sinwar to choose between the well-being of his people and the pursuit of militant objectives.
Despite the challenges that may arise, including potential opposition from Hamas and the difficulties in implementing these measures, the ultimate goal is to bring stability to the region and prevent further suffering among the people. By holding Hamas accountable for their actions and empowering the people of Gaza to demand change, there is hope for a future where peace and prosperity can prevail. It is essential for all parties involved to work together towards a common goal of ensuring security and well-being for the people of Gaza, while also preventing extremism and violence from taking root in the region.
