Hamas seeks a ceasefire to regroup and retain control over Gaza, potentially mirroring Hezbollah’s model in Lebanon, where a façade of governance hides true military authority. Proposals for Gaza’s governance fail to address underlying issues, allowing Hamas to maintain power and rearm unless Israel decisively defeats it and ensures lasting security oversight.
Currently, Hamas’s principal objective is to achieve a ceasefire to survive the conflict, rejuvenate its military capabilities, and solidify its governance over the Gaza Strip. By presenting a governance model reminiscent of Hezbollah’s control in pre-war Lebanon, Hamas aims to maintain military dominance while projecting an image of legitimate authority. This strategy is designed to enable Hamas to regroup and renew hostilities against Israel, claiming success to its constituents while surviving the conflict.
Proposals made in the region, such as the one from Egypt advocating for the Palestinian Authority to take over governance, could inadvertently pave the way for a Hezbollah-like situation in Gaza. These ideas arise while Israel remains engaged in its military operations against Hamas, which has not been conclusively defeated. Therefore, granting governance to alternative political figures without dismantling Hamas risks empowering the organization further.
During a recent summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Fateh El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s support for Palestinian rights, opposing the displacement of Palestinians and advocating for a ceasefire. His plan includes the establishment of a temporary administration composed of independent technocrats to manage Gaza until the Palestinian Authority can return. However, the specifics of this proposal, particularly regarding Hamas’s potential exclusion and the financial support for reconstruction, remain uncertain.
In conclusion, the current geopolitical landscape in Gaza necessitates a decisive Israeli military response to negate Hamas’s influence effectively. The establishment of a governance model that allows Hamas to maintain any military power is fraught with risk, fostering a scenario akin to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Only through the comprehensive dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities and a sustained security presence can Israel mitigate future terrorism threats and consider a structured governance model for Gaza endorsed by international actors.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
