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"Deradicalization" in Gaza: Measures of Success
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Neomi Neumann and Devorah Margolin - While President Trump's plan for ending the Gaza war begins with the stated goal to transform the Strip into "a deradicalized terror-free zone," the plan does not clearly define what "deradicalization" entails. Nor does it offer a strategy for dismantling Hamas's ideological and institutional influence after nearly two decades of rule. The first step must be to redefine the concept of "deradicalization," shifting to a realistic and actionable goal: reducing public motivation to support Hamas or participate in acts of terrorism. This reframing would allow for the establishment of measurable benchmarks. Within this framework, efforts should focus on creating the economic, social, and political conditions that reduce the appeal of terrorism and diminish the incentives for young Palestinians to join or endorse Hamas's violent activities. Beyond removing Hamas from power, postwar programming in Gaza should focus on creating a reality in which returning to violence is no longer in the interest of those who previously engaged in it. To succeed, such efforts must be led by local actors who bring a viable alternative to Hamas - and must include significant investment in socioeconomic recovery, institutional reform, and a clear political path. The first step in this process is establishing a governance alternative that is more effective, legitimate, and attractive than Hamas in the eyes of the public. Another step is to shut down Hamas-controlled media channels, establish an independent communication authority under international supervision, and initiate efforts to reform religious and educational content. International experience in countering the Islamic State has shown that effective narratives are built on identity and meaning. To dismantle toxic ideologies, it is not enough to refute them, there must be a more compelling alternative. In Gaza's case, metrics for success should focus on the public's willingness to support a governing alternative to Hamas, their readiness to engage in demilitarization efforts, and their parallel refusal to assist Hamas in rebuilding its military capabilities or recruiting new members. Neomi Neumann is an adjunct fellow with the Washington Institute and former head of the research unit at the Israel Security Agency. Devorah Margolin is a senior fellow at the Institute.