What Hamas is fighting for is irrelevant at this point. Hamas exploited the plight of the Palestinian people; that's what terrorist groups do. The occupation of the Palestinian territories and unjust treatment of Palestinians provided a fertile environment for the rise of an Islamic terrorist group and its ability to recruit and gain support among a largely Muslim population.
To achieve real peace and destroy the terrorist groups that are found in Gaza once and for all, Israel has to show that it genuinely cares about the Palestinian people, and being a part of the rebuilding of Gaza will show that Israel is committed to improving the lives of the Palestinian people.
Below is a statement I made on this forum one week into this current conflict on
October 15, 2023.
"To defeat Hamas, Israel has to make supporting and joining them less attractive to Palestinians and potential recruits. This can be done by Israel recognizing and respecting a Palestinian state and improving the lives of the Palestinian people. Israel will need to play a direct role in rebuilding Gaza and improving infrastructure once the dust settles from this most recent bombardment. This, along with supporting economic development and offering livelihood opportunities, would go a long way in changing the attitude and mindset of those who live in Gaza. If Israel can show that they care more about the Palestinian people than Hamas, then Hamas will lose the support of the Palestinian people and their primary recruiting tool. This is the only way to destroy Hamas. To make this happen, it will take a concerted effort by the Israeli government, the UN, NGO's, and the Palestinians themselves."
Two years later, the same holds true.