THE world’s major capitals have broadly welcomed Hamas’ decision to a phased disarmament under the Gaza peace plan. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the agreement as the “only good news in recent days,” while Britain and Germany have both expressed support for the initiative and stressed the importance of implementing the peace plan in full. Hamas’ decision indeed reflects a serious commitment to peace.
However, the real test of this agreement lies not only in Hamas fulfilling its commitment to relinquish its weapons but also in Israel honouring its obligations under the roadmap. Whether Israel will live up to these commitments remains the defining question. History offers ample reason for skepticism. Israel has up to now never shown any respect for any ceasefire or any international law or norms. The credibility of the present peace initiative, therefore, depends on ensuring that commitments are implemented by all sides without exception. The responsibility now rests squarely on the Board of Peace, particularly the United States, which has played a central role in shaping the agreement. It must ensure that Israeli forces withdraw in accordance with the peace plan and that the ceasefire is respected. Only then can the enormous task of reconstruction and rehabilitation can begin in Gaza which saw unprecedented destruction, massive civilian casualties and the near-collapse of its essential infrastructure. The world community will have to come in a big manner for the construction of Gaza. Then, the violence must also end beyond Gaza. The situation in the West Bank is also alarming, underscoring the urgent need to halt violence and policies that further inflame tensions. Lasting peace cannot coexist with continued occupation and violence. The international community must seize the opportunity and seriously push for a permanent and just settlement of the issue through the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Only such a solution can finally deliver the peace, justice and stability that the region has long been denied.
