The conflict between Hamas and Israel is a complex and ongoing issue, but as seen by aliens observing the earth, basically we humans hate ourselves, especially our cultural differences, so much so that groups of us kill other groups of us in large numbers rather than acknowledge and confront our collective inner personal problems. It is these personal problems, including the simple selfish toddler level inability to share space and resources, ingrained in group leaders and cultural identities, which cuases ongoing key human group failure to make peace.
While peace negotiations and resolution require the involvement of various individuals and organizations, here is a list of key actors who hold significant power and influence to potentially end the war:
1. Benjamin Netanyahu: The Prime Minister of Israel, currently serving his fifth term, holds executive power and is the head of government. As the leader of Israel, he has the authority to make decisions regarding military operations, ceasefire agreements, and peace negotiations.
Current indications suggest, however, that he is not currently inclined to end the war:
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tasked his top adviser, Ron Dermer, the minister of strategic affairs, with designing plans to “thin” the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip “to a minimum,” according to a bombshell new report in an Israeli newspaper founded by the late Republican billionaire Sheldon Adelson.” {TheIntercept}
2. Ismail Haniyeh: The political leader of Hamas, Haniyeh holds significant influence in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas is the governing authority. He plays a crucial role in decision-making within the Hamas organization and in any potential ceasefire or peace talks.
Current indications suggest, however, that he is not currently inclined to have his side of the conflict back down and give up the land the two sides are fighting over.
“Head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, vowed that the Israeli occupation army will suffer great losses in the Gaza Strip.” {PalestineChron}
3. Mahmoud Abbas: As the President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Abbas represents the Palestinian territories in the West Bank, which are separate from the Gaza Strip governed by Hamas. While Hamas and the PA sometimes have conflicting interests, Abbas is a key figure who can play a role in negotiations and peace talks.
While known to the West as a man of peace, current indications suggest that he does not have the popularity or the will, given the situation, to end the Gaza war.
“Abbas, who is now 88 years old, said that the PA was ready to step in, but only “within the framework of a comprehensive political solution”—a solution, he argues, that would necessitate creating an independent Palestinian state that includes all of the occupied West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem in its entirety.” {Slate}
4. Khaled Meshaal: Although no longer the political leader of Hamas, Meshaal remains influential and plays a crucial role in the organization. Due to his previous leadership position, he maintains connections and influence within Hamas and, if needed, could be involved in peace initiatives.
The former leader of Hamas called on Muslims to stage global demonstrations in support of Palestinians on Friday, and urged Arabs in neighboring countries to take up arms against Israel. {NYPost}
5. International mediators: Various international actors and organizations have historically played a role in facilitating peace negotiations or ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas. These may include representatives from the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), United States, and other countries who act as mediators to broker peace talks.
“Iran is a primary backer for a number of Muslim extremist groups across the region, including the Sunni Muslim Hamas in Gaza, and the powerful Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement, based just across Israel’s northern border in Lebanon. … President Biden has warned Iran repeatedly not to get directly involved in the Israel-Hamas war.” {CBSNews}
6. Arab countries: Arab nations such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have often played a key role in mediating conflicts in the Middle East. These countries may exert pressure on both Israel and Hamas to engage in negotiations and advocate for peace.
Are these leader to blame for all the death and destruction in the middle east conflicts?
From the outside perspective, groups choose and allow their leaders, so no, these waring human leaders can be considered to represent the will of their followers. If this is not the case, then the mass of citizens under each leader are still responsible for failing to remove their leaders on the charge of “Failure to make peace” which would be happening across the planet if humans were a species with clarity and sanity.
Note: The nature of this list is subject to change based on political circumstances and the dynamics of the conflict.
The Gaza war involves complex political, military, and humanitarian aspects, and its resolution requires a multifaceted approach. The possibility of ending the war by eliminating Hamas is a subject of debate. While some argue that it is possible to destroy any military organization, including Hamas, others consider it unrealistic due to the group’s deep base of support in Gaza and the occupied West Bank[1][4]. The United Nations General Assembly has passed a non-binding resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, indicating the international community’s involvement in seeking an end to the conflict[3]. The future governance and reconstruction of Gaza after the war are also critical aspects that need to be addressed[2]. The situation is highly complex, and the involvement of various stakeholders, including international organizations, is essential to achieve a sustainable resolution.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/12/israel-gaza-war-can-hamas-actually-be-eliminated-experts-weigh-in.html
[2] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/will-happen-gaza-war-ends-rcna127060
[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/13/unga-decisively-backs-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-how-your-country-voted
[4] https://time.com/6358201/israel-us-isolation-gaza-hamas-war-end/
[5] https://www.csis.org/analysis/gaza-why-war-wont-end
