By John Q. Hosedrinker Hamas is expected to reject the Trump administration’s peace plan for Gaza. A Hamas official informed the BBC that the plan prioritizes Israeli interests while disregarding the needs of the Palestinian people. This stance suggests a likely impasse in negotiations, as the group views the proposal as unfavorable to their objectives. The official’s statement indicates Hamas’s firm opposition to the plan.
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Hamas likely to reject Gaza deal, a terror group official tells the BBC, which seems almost expected at this point. With so many nations, including some that rarely agree on anything, seemingly backing this deal, it feels like a foregone conclusion. The potential elimination of the front-line fighters, while leaving the higher-ups safely tucked away in other countries, paints a clear picture of priorities. It’s hard not to feel a sense of grim amusement at the phrase “terror group official,” which sounds like something straight out of a darkly comedic British sketch.
The expectation of renewed “ceasefire now” protests isn’t surprising either. Why would Hamas sign a deal that essentially spells its demise? For them, the only consequence of refusal is the continued suffering of Palestinians, a cost they seem willing to bear, even to benefit from. They have already lost and are choosing death over what could be a chance at a better future.
The hope for a “global intifada” – a violent uprising – from their supporters around the world seems to be the plan. It’s as if they are hoping that something can change in their favour. This situation has also been brought to the table and endorsed by the Pope, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The choice that Hamas is making is not something they have given deep consideration. It is something that they are deciding on as a core part of their strategy. Expect to see this backfire in many ways. The blame will again fall on the shoulders of Israel, for wanting a plan for peace. It is hard to imagine anyone defending the actions of Hamas at this stage. Calling the IDF, the Israeli Defence Forces, terrorists is a particularly poor comparison given the context.
If the Hamas rejects the deal, there will likely be renewed conflict, and many people will suffer. One can only hope that a brave voice will rise from within Gaza, denouncing Hamas and calling for peace. It’s the voice of the people that has been missing for a long time, and it seems the deal has been set up to cater for if that happens. Hamas wants the war to continue.
Hamas desires the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people, is the heart of the issue. The concerning thing is the number of people in the West who either cannot or will not accept this reality. Many countries have agreed to the deal knowing Hamas’s intentions. Only those with a lack of knowledge or those who live in denial would ever have expected otherwise.
It’s a question of what the leadership of Hamas imagine will happen if they accept the deal, and live a long and peaceful life. Would they be rewarded as martyrs, or would they face the consequences of their actions? The BBC having a direct line of contact with a Hamas official is shocking.
The fact is that they will not disarm. Qatar needs to tell them to accept the deal or face the consequences. Hamas has had so many chances to change what they do, but have remained obstinate in their decisions. Recognition as part of a Palestinian state without conceding anything – that’s their goal. Just keep the killing going and they think they’ll get everything they want. The only way they can do so, is to reject any kind of peace.
For the most part the deal is a “Trump vanity project,” and Netanyahu has stated he will not allow the creation of a Palestinian state, which is a problem in itself. The deal might not be a solution, given the actions of Hamas, but for many it represents a chance to move forward. The question is what the actions of a government might deserve?
The last time Palestine had an election was in 2006. Would a citizen be responsible for the actions of a government elected 20 years ago? This is the ultimate question. A deal that demands the return of bargaining chips within 72 hours, surrendering weapons, giving up control of Gaza, and recognizing Israel – who on earth thought they would accept that?