by Khaled Abu Toameh, Gatestone Institute
- Hamas, in short, has decided to eliminate any Palestinian opposed to terrorism and supportive of coexistence with Israel.
- Hamas’s actions also demonstrate that the terror group is determined to exploit the current ceasefire to reassert its control over the Gaza Strip.
- The silence, or apathy, of the international community, including so-called pro-Palestinian groups and individuals, towards Hamas’s crimes only encourages the terror group to proceed with its crackdown on its own people. The silence of the world, in addition, sends a message to the Palestinians that they should refrain from rising against Hamas and other terror groups in the Gaza Strip.
- We have not yet heard of a single Hamas terrorist talking about recognizing Israel’s right to exist. In the eyes of Hamas leaders, the Trump peace plan is just another temporary ceasefire that should be used for rearming, regrouping, and preparing for massacring more Israelis.
- In recent months, Hamas has been quoting a famous statement by its former leader, the late Ismail Haniyeh, to confirm that the terror group will never recognize Israel’s right to exist: “We said it five years ago and we say it now… we will never, we will never recognize Israel.”
- No transitional government or “Board of Peace” will ever be able to enforce law and order as long as Hamas terrorists feel free to murder any Palestinian who wants peace and coexistence with Israel.
- De-radicalization will happen only after Palestinians see that Hamas has been totally defeated, disarmed and removed from power…. Failure to eradicate Hamas will only pave the way for another October 7 massacre against Israel.