Accusing Hamas of backing away from demilitarisation, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed confidence in the US and other nations to pressure the terror group to fulfill its promises and allow Gaza’s reconstruction to commence. Azar highlighted US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza as the best diplomatic solution to the remaining challenges in the region. He emphasized Israel’s success in neutralizing a significant portion of Hamas’s military capabilities.
Azar stressed the importance of Hamas adhering to demilitarisation through diplomatic channels, expressing disappointment in the group’s recent retreat from this commitment. He placed trust in the United States and the ‘Board of Peace’ countries to compel Hamas to disarm, enabling the reconstruction of Gaza. The Ambassador underscored that investment in Gaza’s reconstruction hinges on Hamas relinquishing control and ceasing destabilizing activities in the region.
Diplomacy was emphasized by Azar as the preferred method to pressure Hamas into disarming, with a caution that a military solution could be considered if diplomatic efforts fail. He reiterated the preference for avoiding military intervention but asserted readiness to resort to such measures if necessary. Azar highlighted Hamas’s sporadic breaches of ceasefire agreements and aggressive actions towards Israeli forces, necessitating swift responses from Israel to maintain stability.
Trump’s recent announcement regarding the US’s Gaza peace plan, endorsing a technocratic Palestinian administration and advocating for complete demilitarisation of Hamas, was referenced by Azar. The plan includes the surrender of all weapons by Hamas and the dismantling of tunnel networks as crucial steps towards lasting peace in the region.
