U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Hamas has recruited nearly as many new fighters as it has lost during its ongoing 16-month war with Israel. Blinken made this remark during a speech where he emphasized that defeating Hamas cannot be achieved through military action alone.
The comments came as there are hopes that a ceasefire deal is close, though plans for what will happen after the conflict remain unclear. Blinken warned that without a clear plan for the future of Palestinians, Hamas or a similar group could emerge again. He explained that every time Israel pulls back after military operations, Hamas militants regroup because no other group or authority fills the gap. This cycle could lead to continuous conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a key goal of the war is the complete destruction of Hamas. However, some Israeli officials and analysts have raised doubts about whether this goal is realistic. Former Israeli parliament member Yair Golan has said the war should end with a political agreement.
On the issue of a ceasefire, Blinken expressed confidence, saying that he believes a ceasefire will be reached. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also mentioned that negotiations are in their final stages, but warned not to raise expectations too high until a formal announcement is made.
The ceasefire discussions are believed to involve three stages: a halt to the fighting, an exchange of captives, and discussions for a post-conflict government and rebuilding of Gaza, which has been severely damaged. However, the details of the post-war plans remain unclear. The Palestinian Authority, Israel, and Arab countries still need to agree on the future of Gaza. Blinken suggested that international partners could help run an interim administration in Gaza.
In addition to security concerns, Israel will need guarantees for its safety, and billions of dollars will be required to rebuild Gaza. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide added that while a ceasefire is necessary for peace, it is not peace itself. He stressed the importance of moving forward with a two-state solution, where Palestine is established alongside Israel.
