Dan Perry, “The world is simply out of patience”. Israel is also out of patience, we want to see a viable plan for a complete victory in Gaza. Given that Hamas is only too happy to kill and starve their own civil population, and is equally willing to torture and possibly kill the hostages, it is essential that we devise a strategy that can work. So far the Israeli public does not see a plan for victory or even a plan for the so-called ‘day after’.
The only things that Hamas cares about are their own survival and eventual re-control of Gaza. Hence these are the objectives that a successful strategy must threaten.
The first step must be to clear a large part of northern Gaza . Everyone, men women and children must be moved south. Once this achieved, a secure and defensible barrier must be built. There will be one or two entrances to allow people to pass from the war zone in the south to the northern peace zone where food and temporary accommodation will be available.
It is basically impossible for the IDF or anyone else to distinguish between civilians and terrorist fighters; we know that any male can be a terrorist. However we can distinguish between men and women. Hence we will allow only women and children to move into the peace zone. No food or other supplies will be allowed into the south. At this point there will be little need for extensive IDF operations in Gaza, so reservist can be released, or transferred to Judea and Samaria.
Once this strategy becomes operational we then can dictate terms to Hamas. They must return all hostages, both dead and alive; the Hamas leaders must leave Gaza for whatever country will accept them, and then humanitarian aid will be allowed into the south. The alternative will be the complete occupation of Gaza by Israel. We can consider any further demands from Hamas, but don’t have to accept them.
If Hamas refuses our terms we just sit and wait. It would be helpful if the women and children could move to some other country; perhaps China would accept them or some of the Gulf States.
The final status of Gaza can be discussed after Hamas is completely dismantled.
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