Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren, shared his insights on the future of Gaza during a recent interview. Oren expressed his views on the possibility of neutralizing and defeating Hamas, as promised by the Israeli prime minister.
Oren emphasized that while it may not be possible to completely eradicate the idea of Hamas or other extremist groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda, or Hezbollah, efforts can be made to degrade Hamas and limit its ability to govern Gaza and pose a threat to both Israelis and Palestinians.
He highlighted the importance of diminishing the power of Hamas to ensure the safety and security of the region. Oren suggested that by reducing Hamas to small, isolated cells, the threat it poses can be significantly minimized.
Furthermore, Oren proposed that by removing Hamas as a significant state threat, opportunities for diplomatic initiatives in the region could be explored. He mentioned the potential for international forces to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza and for local Palestinians to take on more responsibilities in the region.
Oren also stressed the need for Israel to maintain a long-term security presence in the area to prevent any resurgence of threats. However, he expressed optimism that with the right approach, the focus could shift towards building a more stable and peaceful future for the people of Gaza.
Overall, Oren's perspective highlighted the complexities of the situation in Gaza and the importance of strategic efforts to address the challenges posed by Hamas while fostering opportunities for progress and cooperation in the region.