Netanyahu says “extremism” of Gazans must be removed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the removal of “extremism from the people of Gaza” if Hamas cannot be dealt with, according to the Middle East Eye via Al Jazeera Arabic on December 3rd.
While speaking about the enclave’s future, he insisted that “Hamas cannot remain in Gaza, and eliminating it will be either through an international force or the hard way.”
He continued: “The second stage [of the US-backed ceasefire] aims to disarm Hamas and make Gaza weapon-free, and I believe there is a third, which is to remove extremism from the people of Gaza.”
This sentiment appears to echo that of far-right Israeli ministers, who have repeatedly urged the government to reject any ceasefire deals until Hamas is eliminated.
On November 18th, Netanyahu called for the expulsion of Hamas from Gaza following a UN Security Council vote, which approved the multi-phase proposal from US President Donald Trump to end the conflict.
Under the plan, the enclave is expected to be governed by a multinational “Board of Peace.” The proposal has been branded a colonial endeavour by some critics, who are concerned by the apparent lack of Palestinian representation in the post-war Gaza government.
In October, a poll found that around 70% of Palestinians oppose the disarmament of Hamas, with the strongest opposition being in the Occupied West Bank, where Palestinians are facing escalating Israeli violence. Support for Hamas retaining its weapons was expressed, even if it meant risking renewed Israeli attacks. The disarmament was not simply viewed as a security threat to Palestinians, but as a threat to their right to self-determination.
Since 2007, Hamas has maintained power in Gaza, but the international community does not recognise the organisation as a legitimate political party.
It has been argued that efforts to exclude Hamas within the governing of Gaza undermines the Palestinian people’s right to choose their political representatives, regardless of what foreign powers believe.
Since 2007, Israel has imposed a blockade on the enclave, leading to shortages of essential resources, like electricity and food supplies. In 2019, it was estimated that over two-thirds of households in Gaza were food insecure, a situation that has further deteriorated amid Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Middle East Eye via Al Jazeera Arabic and agencies, Maghrebi.org
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