The Undeniable Barrier to Peace: Why Hamas Must Be Addressed for Any Progress in Israeli-Palestinian Relations

Jason Greenblatt, the former White House Middle East Envoy and author of "In the Path of Abraham," sheds light on the atrocities witnessed in Israel. He condemns the cold-blooded murder of Israelis at a music festival, the horrifying acts of female stripping and parading by Gaza fighters, and the disturbing incidents of children being kidnapped alongside Holocaust survivors. Furthermore, Greenblatt highlights the terrifying reality of terrorists breaking into homes, searching for Jews. The scene is marred by naked, mutilated, and lifeless bodies, as jubilant shouts of "Allahu Akbar" ring out amidst the carnage. Throughout this unsettling narrative, Greenblatt addresses the urgent need for a two-state solution.

Jason Greenblatt

The White House

Which of these terms doesnt belong? The last one, with its supposed vision of a peaceful Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.

I dedicated close to three years at the Trump White House endeavoring to negotiate a peace agreement between Israel and its Palestinian counterparts. However, I always recognized that the attainment of such a goal was highly improbable, both at that time and in the predictable future. This was not solely due to the evident impassable divisions on issues like land, Jerusalem, and other well-known hurdles. (In fact, the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah dismissed the peace plan we devised before even reviewing its contents.)

Even if we had managed to devise a satisfactory resolution for both parties, there still remained a significant number of Palestinians committed to perpetrating violence against Jews and undermining the existence of the State of Israel.

In Saturday's unprecedented and devastating attack, Palestinian terrorists launched an invasion of Israel resulting in the tragic loss of at least 900 lives, leaving thousands wounded and an estimated 150 individuals taken hostage (an official number has yet to be released). The captives are likely to be dispersed and concealed throughout the Gaza Strip, presenting an exceptionally challenging task for their rescue.

Due to the ongoing situation, I made the decision to postpone my work trip to the Middle East this week. Almost all of my Arab colleagues and friends immediately understood and expressed their outrage, concern, or disgust regarding the circumstances. It is evident that many Arabs strongly oppose such heinous acts of violence. However, I did encounter a minority who placed blame on Israel.

Unless Palestinians and their leaders wholeheartedly condemn and reject this deep-seated hatred and the glorification of violence against Jews, their aspirations will remain unattainable. Israel, just like any other country, cannot and should not compromise on the security and well-being of its citizens, including the Palestinian population.

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Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from Ashkelon in southern Israel October 8, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Amir Cohen/Reuters

The US must ensure that Hamas does not pose a threat to its homeland for peace to be achieved between Israel and Palestinians. Peace cannot be realized if a portion of the Palestinian population still aims to destroy Israel. Additionally, Israel cannot establish peace when Hamas, a part of the Palestinian leadership, is involved. Nor can peace be achieved when a Fatah member, Hamas' political rival and the governing party of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, shows no remorse for the loss of innocent lives, but instead celebrates a "morning of victory, joy, and pride" while urging Palestinians to engage in acts of terror against Israel.

During my time in the White House, I conversed with several potential peacemakers who overlooked the profound animosity within a certain group of Palestinians determined to thwart any possibility of peace. These individuals believed that granting the Palestinians an independent state would resolve this issue entirely, or they simply chose to ignore the existence of such hatred. However, following recent events, I believe they are now compelled to acknowledge the reality.

Israel, like Jewish communities throughout history, will always require self-defense against their adversaries. Therefore, any potential resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should address Israel's need to safeguard its citizens, maintain security control over Palestinian territories, and take necessary measures for protection.

I am encouraged by the overwhelming support Israel has received worldwide. The sight of the Israeli flag proudly displayed on the façade of 10 Downing Street and Germany's Brandenburg Gate is truly inspiring during these challenging times. Additionally, President Joe Biden's strong and appropriate remarks are appreciated. It is my hope that this support remains steadfast and is accompanied by substantial assistance to meet Israel's requirements. Furthermore, I hope the Biden administration acknowledges and responds appropriately to the suspected involvement of the Iranian regime in these horrific acts.

Supporting Israel should be the primary concern of the international community in order to seek justice against the individuals responsible for these heinous acts and prevent any future attacks. It is essential for all individuals who value human life to strongly condemn these actions without drawing any moral comparisons. Sign up for our complimentary weekly newsletter now!

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Therefore, it is imperative for the international community to acknowledge that Israel is currently engaged in defensive actions in Gaza, just as any other nation would do. It should be understood that the responsibility for the unfortunate casualties of innocent Palestinians ultimately falls upon Hamas. War is undeniably a horrific event, but it is important to note that Israel did not initiate this conflict.

The individuals who gather in various cities across the globe to celebrate the death and destruction caused by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, even within my former home state of New York, are essentially promoting the belief in the slaughter of innocent individuals. They are endorsing the idea that it is permissible to harm children in front of their parents and to exploit naked women in public demonstrations, in addition to massacring grandparents.

They claim to be adversaries not only of Jews but also of peace and the Palestinians, causing immense damage to their cause. It is imperative for these individuals to openly communicate their beliefs of advocating for death, destruction, and suffering to their own relatives, even their own grandparents.