Given the emerging speculation about what will follow the massive death and destruction visited upon Israel and Gaza since 10/07/23, there is for me, an important fact to be understood: Hamas is not a country.
Introduction: Hamas is a violent movement that encapsulates all Palestinian-Arab anger and rage that began in 1948. During the 74 intervening years, Israeli actions deepened these emotions and grievances, out of which a terrorist organization evolved. It took control of Gaza and generally over the West Bank. It acquired $billions, the support of Iran and others and invested in developing a trained, disciplined and well-armed military force, equipped with a range of modern weapon systems.
If Hamas were a country, it could be defeated, its government and military dissolved and the winner placed in charge of the loser’s future. But, Hamas is not a country, it resembles a religious crusade driven by a belief in and dedication to, recovering its holy land from the Jews, who with America’s help conquered and enslaved them. Powerful motivation.
If Hamas can no longer operate from Gaza and the West Bank, they’ll relocate and rebuild, with considerable help from Iran and other Middle Eastern and Gulf Arab states. The support may even include Europeans and Americans, who have responded positively to Palestinian suffering in Gaza. In the interim, its leadership will operate from its headquarters in Qatar, where they will continue to plan and implement terrorist assaults.
What about the 4-6 million now homeless, desperate, revenge seeking Palestinian civilians? They will continue to be helped by the UN, Western and Middle Eastern governments and international humanitarian organizations.
Is there another approach? The US organizes an international conference to address an agenda for a later decision-making gathering, aimed at creating an independent Palestinian state.
Tom Timberman is an Army vet, lawyer, former senior Foreign Service officer, adjunct professor at GWU, and economic development team leader or foreign government advisor in war zones. He is the author of four books, lectures locally and at US and European universities. He and his wife are 24 year residents of Kent County.
Beryl Smith says
As Israel continues to plunder Gaza and settlers continue to attack Palestinians in the West Bank new generations of Hamas loyalists are being created and there is no end in sight. Time for Israel to wake up and find a different solution to the menace that they have experienced and that may mean swallowing some of their pride and helping those who have been so mistreated for so very many years.
David A Turner says
Tom, ECONOMIST newspaper’s latest issue suggests this:
“Israel… adopts new tactics… use less armor and bombardment and more infantry, even if that risks more Israeli military casualties. Rather than eradicating Hamas entirely, Israel must open its border at Kerem Shalom to aid flows… America should insist on a new government in Israel and new, moderate Palestinian leaders… As an ardent opponent of two-states, Mr. Netanyahu is not credible on the subject… crack down on violent settlers and restrain the army in the West Bank… America gives Israel extraordinary support in times of need. That gives it extraordinary influence. It should be put to use.”
Tom, what do you think of these measures? I am a strong conservative and pro-Israeli supporter. But these steps don’t sound unreasonable to me. What do you think?