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The role of Hamas was raised at the White House when an unidentified reporter posed a pivotal question to President Trump, and he replied in predictable fashion. He went beyond predictable.
“What guarantees Hamas disarms and that Israel doesn’t resume bombing?” the reporter asked Trump at a news briefing last week on his 22-point Gaza plan, according to the London-based Daily Express.
“The first thing we’re doing is getting our hostages back,” Trump declared. “That’s what people wanted more than anything else. They wanted these hostages back that have lived in hell like nobody has ever dreamt possible. After that we’ll see but they’ve agreed to things and I think it’s going to move along pretty well.”
Translated: Trump had no idea.
It is a relief that Israel retrieved the live hostages who were carried off from southern Israel after Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis and others on Oct. 7, 2023. However, that leaves 21 more provisions to achieve peace between Israel and the people of Gaza.
What remains to be seen, above all else, is whether Hamas disarms. That is Point 6 in the plan. The Trump proposal to rebuild Gaza backs into the question of whether Hamas gives up its weapons.
For reference purposes, the clause reads, “Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.”
This plan can only work if Hamas completely disarms. Already, Hamas has engaged in a shooting war with other Arabs within Gaza and even executed members of a rival clan, according to preliminary news reports.
Based on Israeli history of more than the past century, I fear Hamas will not cooperate. That sentiment is shared by Israel supporters who are far to the right of myself.
The case for doubt is understated by New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman, as he refers to “an Israeli government that is deeply suspicious that Hamas will regroup.”
Deeply suspicious? That is the least of what any longtime observer can think. I spotted a post of a conservative advocate for Israel stating that the conflict is “eternal” because of Hamas’ fundamental mission to destroy Israel. A half-dozen other posters, on Facebook, expect the same outcome. Dozens of their commenters readily agreed.
The feeling is so ingrained among Arabs, not just with Hamas, that I cannot see how they will let it go. Arab leaders may be serious about building relationships with Israel because it helps their countries, but the average Arab on the street opposes Israel’s very existence.
At best, Hamas may make a display of abiding by Point 6. They will turn over some weapons, but they will hide the rest – likely the most powerful arms.
They may lay low for a long time, for decades if they must. If at all possible, when we are all relaxed, they will strike again with the same level of savagery as Oct. 7. Hamas may lead the assault, or maybe a new terrorist group which has replaced Hamas will sponsor it.
Along the way, terrorists may sporadically attack innocents in lesser episodes that disrupt efforts to rebuild Gaza.
How can anyone possibly monitor Hamas? These terrorists can easily blend in with the civilian population. Or they can retreat to the tunnels.
Hamas will have potentially much help from experienced terrorists who Israel intended to release from prison early this week. Out of nearly 2,000 inmates, 250 were serving life sentences. A half-dozen murderers set to be released were listed in news reports. It may be that they are exiled to other countries, but if any show up in Gaza it should not be hard to select new leaders from this mob.
If Hamas resists, how will an international security force, as proposed, fare any better than Israel in subduing terrorists? French President Emmanuel Macron proclaimed that disarming Hamas is an “essential step” for a lasting cease-fire, and so France is prepared to play a role in a “stabilization force” in Gaza, according to the Times.
Will Macron remain so enthusiastic if French troops are slaughtered in terrorist attacks? What will their family members tell him? If the body count swells, what will the French public tell him?
I hope I am wrong. I want this plan to succeed as much as anyone else. I hope that Trump receives the Nobel Peace Prize that he so covets.
“Now, all parties must fully uphold the terms of the agreement. Today’s opportunity should be seized,” says Ursula von der Leyen, who leads the executive arm of the European Union.
Sound advice. If only Hamas heeds it.
