The war was neither equal nor fair. On one side stood Hamas, a small Palestinian faction with a few armed men who believed in the justice of their cause. On the other was a state with stronger economic power, superior weaponry, and advanced military, technological, and intelligence capabilities, backed by some of the most powerful countries in the world. Yet, the war dragged on for more than two years. Throughout, the stronger side held firm to its position, insisting that the military campaign would continue until Hamas was completely defeated, eliminated, and all hostages were freed.
The Israeli army, with its superior equipment and strength, and its aircraft and tanks announced that it would launch operations by land, air, and sea. It also declared its intention to starve the people of Gaza, imposing a comprehensive blockade and cutting off water, electricity, gas, food, and fuel until Gaza either surrendered unconditionally or was completely annihilated. Two years have passed, during which the Gaza Strip has suffered massive destruction. Its entire infrastructure and superstructure have been shattered, tens of thousands killed, and many times that number wounded. Yet, the threat Hamas posed to Israel’s security was not eliminated, and the hostages were released only on Hamas’s terms. Israel’s belief in God’s promises of a land of Israel stretching to the Arabian Peninsula was ultimately thwarted.
Netanyahu paid a heavy and unexpected price. The world, particularly the West, turned against Israel. The dangers of Zionist ideology, the influence of AIPAC, and the Israeli leadership’s drive for expansion and bloodshed were laid bare. In the end, representatives of Hamas, the very group whose complete elimination was the objective of the war, sat at the negotiating table with Israel and the United States of America. That meeting alone signaled the collapse of Israel’s commitments. The outcome now appears likely to be the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state.
---
Religious fervor, especially during religious wars, has long been a powerful motivator for soldiers to fight with courage. This is what Hamas capitalized on. However, such fervor has never been sufficient for governing a state once the war ends. The skills needed for leadership, governance, and reconstruction are vastly different from those required on the battlefield. The clearest evidence of this was the wave of random field executions carried out by Hamas following its recapture of large parts of Gaza, which revealed a deeply troubling and complex side of the group.
Therefore, Hamas must acknowledge its limitations and step aside from the responsibility of running the anticipated Palestinian state, leaving that task to those better equipped for it. Hamas can choose to transform into a civilian faction that embraces democratic principles. There is nothing more damaging to the Palestinian cause, or to the Palestinian people, who are diverse in ethnicity, religion, beliefs, and ideas, than the imposition of religious rule. Support for Hamas, whether from us, others, or the international community, will quickly vanish if it overreaches or strays from its proper role, as is all too possible. I hope Hamas will act wisely and avoid making this fatal mistake.
---
At the height of the Palestinian- Israeli war, Gazan journalist Saleh al-Jafrawi launched a fundraising campaign to build a hospital in Gaza. He appealed to Kuwait, requesting that the funds be delivered directly to him to realize this goal. The Muslim Brotherhood responded to his call and, within days, raised nearly $13 million. A friend alerted me to the potential seriousness of the matter, and I reported my concerns about the campaign’s true purpose to the authorities. As a result, the transfer of funds was halted. Yesterday, news emerged of al- Jafrawi’s death during a clash between Hamas militants and their rivals. I do not know which faction he belonged to.
By Ahmad alsarraf
e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected]
