Terrorism

published : 2023-11-28

Biden Administration Should Consider Abraham Accords-Type Initiative After Defeating Hamas Terror Regime

Trump-era peace deal countries, potentially Saudi Arabia, can step up to help rebuild Gaza

A photo of the Gaza Strip showing the aftermath of the recent conflict, taken with a Nikon D850.

For the past two decades, Hamas, a terrorist group with an extreme jihadist ideology, has ruled the Gaza Strip.

This has posed a serious security threat to Israel and created a dilemma for moderate Arab states in the region.

The goal should not be to simply stop the war, but to end war forever and break the cycle of violence.

President Biden emphasized the need for a future free from Hamas and revitalizing the Palestinian Authority (PA).

In the aftermath of Hamas' recent attack and hostage situation, Israel, supported by the US administration, is determined to remove Hamas.

However, the question arises: who would fill the void?

Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO, Mark Dubowitz, suggests that the Abraham Accords countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, can play a crucial role in Gaza's future.

A group of diplomats from the UAE and Bahrain participating in the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords at the White House, taken with a Canon EOS R.

These countries, which have signed normalization agreements with Israel, have already shown interest in investing in Gaza's reconstruction.

They can build infrastructure, provide humanitarian aid, and help establish a Hamas-free government in Gaza.

By doing so, they would displace the influence of countries like Qatar, which is seen as a sponsor of radical Islamist groups.

This model can also be emulated in the West Bank to combat rising support for Hamas.

The reconstruction of Gaza will require a two-stage process, focusing on political stability and physical rebuilding.

The cost of rebuilding Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage, is estimated to exceed $15 billion.

Global players, including the United States, Europe, and the Gulf countries, need to ensure that the aid is utilized effectively by a stable and non-Hamas government.

A peaceful scene of Palestinians and Israelis working together to rebuild Gaza, taken with a Sony A7 III.

In this context, a policy paper suggests the deployment of a multinational force to provide security, governance, and oversee reconstruction in Gaza.

This temporary solution would send a message that a new page is being turned, rejecting the status quo and avoiding a return to Hamas control.

The aid and multinational force would primarily come from the West, with countries like the United States, Europe, and the signatories of the Abraham Accords contributing.

Saudi Arabia, which is considering normalizing ties with Israel, could also play a significant role.

This comprehensive approach, combining political stability and physical rebuilding, will prevent Gaza from descending into extremism and create a viable and stable society.

The reconstruction process must be underpinned by a political solution agreed upon between Israel and the international community.

Investing in Gaza's future and empowering the Palestinians will pave the way for lasting peace and a state of their own.