Hamas’s rapid regrouping in Gaza has raised alarms among Israelis, posing a significant threat to the fragile peace following recent cease-fire agreements. During a visit to Israel, Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the progress of the 20-point Gaza plan, despite growing unease among the Israeli populace. His remarks at an American military facility in Kiryat Gat highlighted a disconnect between the American vision and the realities on the ground in the Middle East.
Vance criticized what he termed “weird attitudes” in the media that emphasize setbacks to the cease-fire. He stated, “It’s not the end; it is, in fact, exactly how this is going to have to happen. We are in a very good place.” He reinforced the notion that the success of the Gaza plan could foster peace not only with Gaza but also with former adversaries in the region, noting that several Gulf Arab nations seek normalized relations with Israel.
While Vance’s comments reflect a hopeful outlook, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at potential future agreements with countries such as Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, many Israelis perceive Hamas’s resurgence as a direct threat to any semblance of lasting peace. Concerns are particularly pronounced regarding the involvement of Hamas-supporting nations like Turkey and Qatar in Gaza.
Disparate Approaches to Peace
Critics of the American plan suggest it encompasses too many power centers and too much international involvement. Doron Matza, a professor at Achva College in Israel, likened the situation to post-World War II debates in Washington. He argued that Israel’s approach resembles the plan proposed by Secretary Henry Morgenthau to leave Germany devastated, while the United States favored the Marshall Plan, which sought to rebuild Germany as a democratic ally. Matza pointed out that Middle Eastern motivations are often rooted in ideology and honor rather than economic prosperity, which complicates the implementation of the Gaza plan.
Washington envisions a future where both Palestinians in Gaza and Israelis can coexist in security and stability. Yet, Israel remains wary of leaving Hamas as the prevailing force in Gaza. Reports indicate that Hamas has appointed half of the “technocrats” intended to govern Gaza under the Trump plan, with this list approved by Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish, and other Arab mediators.
Joe Truzman, editor of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’s Long War Journal, emphasized the pervasive influence of Hamas in Gaza. He stated, “Almost everything that happens in Gaza, Hamas has a hand in it in one way or the other,” which includes the selection of interim government candidates.
Vance underscored the need for Israel to approve any proposed governmental lists, asserting that reconstruction efforts in Gaza would only proceed in areas free of Hamas presence. At the same time, Washington has urged Jerusalem to moderate its response to Hamas violations, complicating the situation further.
Challenges Ahead for Cease-fire
The cease-fire agreement included a provision for Hamas to release all hostages, both deceased and alive, within the first 72 hours. However, a week later, the process has been slow, with Vance acknowledging that “some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble” and may be difficult to locate.
Former President Donald Trump recently expressed his hope for the disarmament of Hamas, stating on Truth Social, “If they do not, an end to Hamas will be fast, furious & brutal!” Despite these sentiments, Truzman noted that Hamas did not address the issue of laying down arms in response to the peace plan.
Arab and Muslim countries that are expected to participate in a multinational force in Gaza appear hesitant about confronting Hamas directly. Matza remarked that returning to full-scale conflict may not be straightforward for Israel, suggesting that maintaining the cease-fire is currently more crucial for all parties involved than adhering to the terms that facilitated it.
As tensions continue to simmer, the path to stability in Gaza remains fraught with challenges, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy in the region.
