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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skbnzt5rfx
Proposed Gaza Plan Would Leave Hamas with Political Gains while Tying Israel's Hands
(Ynet News) Ron Ben-Yishai - The "road map" for implementing President Trump's peace plan in Gaza published Friday by the "Peace Board" is a vague declaration of intent rather than a binding agreement. The "road map" grants Hamas in Gaza the same status that Hizbullah currently holds in Lebanon. This means armed political influence through Hamas members who will be absorbed into the new police force in Gaza, as well as behind-the-scenes management of central government institutions through Hamas officials who will retain their positions. All this will happen without Hamas bearing any responsibility for residents' welfare, their safety or the provision of essential services. The plan leaves Hamas as a force of power in Gaza and improves the personal situation of surviving Hamas operatives and commanders. The "road map" also speaks of opening a "credible pathway" toward a Palestinian state. This means Hamas has also secured a significant political and public-relations achievement that will allow it to expand its influence among Palestinians. Hamas members who serve as police officers or receive weapons permits from the technocratic government will retain their personal weapons. By contrast, the militias and clans that cooperated with Israel and the IDF during the war and clashed with Hamas will be disarmed and will not be allowed to serve as officials in the new government. Israel is on the giving side and Hamas is the one receiving. Israel is required to halt military operations, including the targeted strikes it is currently carrying out. According to the "road map," the IDF will have no ability to address violations of the agreement by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, even if the technocratic government and the international stabilization force fail or refuse to deal with them. Israel will have no veto over who will hold senior positions in the new Gaza government and no right to conduct "hot pursuit" if Hamas attacks or fires a mortar shell toward Israeli communities.