Can there be peace between Israel and Hamas

As I write representatives of Israel and Hamas are logged down in negotiations for a long lasting peace deal. Israel wants Gaza to be demilitarized and Hamas wants the siege to be lifted. It is unlikely that Israel will lift the siege (controlling the skies and sea coast of Gaza) and Hamas be willing to demilitarize.

Israel’s decision to control the skies and the coast in Gaza is to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza which are used by Hamas to attack Israel. Demilitarization will be against the stated goal of Hamas to exterminate Israel as illustrated in the Hamas Charter. The chances for an agreement based on the Egypt proposals are rather slim.

Should such an agreement somehow be reached, it will be a historic breakthrough for both Israel and Hamas. For Israel it will mean calm and a normal life and for the people of Gaza it will mean a higher standard of living. The millions of dollars currently spent on weapons and the building of tunnels could be utilized to bolster the economy to the benefit of all the people of Gaza.

I believe Israel is serious in reaching a long term seize fire agreement, but I am not so optimistic about Hamas. Israel is not interested in a long term war with Hamas, but for an agreement to be reached Hamas needs a change of heart and recognize Israel as a Jewish state. That is something Hamas has found difficult to do until now.

Israel cannot afford to go back to the status quo by living with rocket fire every few months. The demilitarization of Gaza is therefore the only realistic option and the international community should support this option. If Hamas has leaders with a long term vision, they will accept this proposal. It will allow them to build a seaport and an airport which will connect them with the rest of the world. Gaza could become a second Dubai. It will be a win-win situation for both Israel and Gaza.

Another scenario is also possible: the current round of hostilities end with no agreement at all. Currently, the world’s eyes are on the Middle East and specifically on the Israel/Gaza conflict and how the situation will develop. Let’s pray for the best outcome under difficult circumstances.

Click to watch video: Free Speech in Gaza