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Towards a Post-Hamas Future
(Quillette) John Aziz - On Oct. 6, 2023, I was a Palestinian-British student who had gained a few Jewish friends by participating in peace groups. I wanted to learn about the other side's narratives and history because I believe we have to live in peace together. I dreamed of a Palestine that would be not only at peace, but a glimmering jewel of prosperity and economic development. Being located next door to the Israeli high-tech hub should be an economic blessing. The next day, Hamas carried out an anti-Jewish pogrom in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed, some were raped, and over 200 were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. My peaceful dream was shattered. Peace might now be delayed for decades or even generations. Palestinians were put in extreme danger of being injured or killed. While Ukrainian and Syrian civilians were able to leave Ukraine and Syria, Gazans were unable to leave, as neither Egypt nor Jordan would countenance the idea. The majority of Gazans today now live in tents in the humanitarian zone. Hamas did not start this war against Israel to resolve grievances. Instead, they started a war with the goals of conquest, domination, and terror. Their strategy, as their officials have said explicitly, is to repeat the Oct. 7 massacre again and again and again until a majority of Jewish Israelis pack up and leave in sheer terror. In addition, Hamas intentionally wants innocent Palestinian civilians to suffer and die in order to strengthen their fighters' resolve, and hurt Israel's global image and relationship with the U.S. and Europe. Hamas intends to impose a theocracy, subjugating any remaining Jews, Christians, and Bedouins, along with the non-religious, their political opponents, and anyone else whom they don't like. Theirs is simply a vision of ethnic cleansing, a neo-medieval fantasy in the vein of the early Islamic conquests. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that Oct. 7 - far from being a victory - was the beginning of the end for Hamas and for many of its ideological allies. I oppose their continued rule in Gaza and anywhere else. The events of Oct. 7 did not benefit Palestinians in any way. Hamas's end would pave the way for a brighter future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the entire world.